"SHANGHAI CHINA HERE WE COME" Shanghai by islandjim

We were leaving Seoul to travel to Shanghai China the day following the nuclear test in North Korea. We arrived at the airport with plenty of time to spare. We went to the Presidents Club to relax and have some coffee.

About an hour before boarding time we went to the gate to make sure everything was alright and on time. We had bulkhead seats that gave me plenty of leg room. There was a travel group aboard the plane that we wereing red vests and red hats. It did not look like they had ever traveled before. They couldn't figure out how to get into the rest rooms, nor could the figure out how to get out of the restrooms. They also couldn't figure out how to lock the door behind them either. My great bulkhead seats were right next to 4 bathrooms. It was a grueling trip.

We arrived in Shanghai and once you leave the airport you realize how many people there are in China. The roads were packed full of vehicles with the majority of them being taxi's. The lines in the highway seem to mean nothing as the drivers cross over them, ride the middle of them, and even push other vehicles out of the way by being very pushy. The one thing that I did notice is that the people did not get upset with all of this crazy driving. I would think about what words would be flying if they drove like this in New York. We arrived at our Hotel after an hour and half drive. My knuckels were white from holding on during the ride.

Shanghai offers so many things. There area of interest, areas to eat, and areas to shop. We found ourselves at Confussious Temple, the Imperial Garden, a visit to the Harbor for Tea, some shopping in the Bund, a show and dinner, and a lot of culture always around you.

There were many places that we visited that were hundreds of years old. We even visited the silk factory where I finally learned how silk was made.

This was a great trip and I enjoyed the cultural differences. The biiggest concern that I leave Shanghai with is, the wish that these people be treated as royally as we were treated in their country.

Next Stop Beijing!