Shanghai

Monday, 19^th May 2014

We were treated to a 9.15 am start this morning, although our suitcases needed to be out by 7.30 am for collection.  We only had one stop on our way to the airport at this was at the city wall.  Xi’an’s inner city is surrounded by a complete city wall and the entire 14 kms can be walked – or one can hire a bike and ride the complete distance.  We were surprised at how wide the wall was, much wider than the Great Wall and the city walls in England.  Jimmy allowed us 45 minutes, following his 30 minute lecture, to have a walk around, however, this was perhaps a little excessive.  It was also very hot with no shade, so we made our way back down to the bus before the given time.

 

As our flight to Shanghai was due to depart at 2.00 pm, we again “enjoyed” another airport meal, which was of a similar standard to previous airport meals.  The watermelon was nice.  Airport security, even for domestic flights, is very tight and all passengers receive a physical pat-down, as well as the wand and there is no discrimination between the sexes – the men received a very personal examination by the female security agent.  Can’t have too much security.  Apart from a few potholes along the way, the flight was pretty good and we landed in Shanghai shortly before 4.00 pm.

 

After collecting our luggage, we met our new local guide, Alan, who explained the changes to our itinerary in Shanghai.  There is a major 24 nation Asian conference happening in Shanghai and the Chairman of China is attending, therefore we will have a few changes.  The conference also means that security is very, very tight and as we drove from the airport to the city, there were police stationed at every entrance and exit to the freeway – not to mention the number of police cars in the city!  There are also restrictions on traffic around our hotel and the Bund.

 

We were taken immediately to the river for a cruise, even though it was quite late in the day, and our luggage continued to the hotel so it could be waiting in our rooms for us when we eventually arrived.  The hour long river cruise starting at 6.00 pm was just beautiful, as we were able to see the high rise buildings through the mist – forgot to mention the low cloud and rain – and then later all the lights as darkness fell.  It was quite spectacular.  Cat also made friends with a little girl, who then shared her sultanas with us.

We eventually arrived at the Fairmont Hotel about 7.20 pm, with dinner scheduled for 8.00 pm (it was turning into a very long day).  Once we saw our rooms, however, we decided we weren’t leaving – the rooms are just fabulous!!!  The bathroom is as big as most hotel rooms, with a large roll top bath, two vanities (of course), shower, toilet, mirrors everywhere and even bathroom scales.  There is a walk-in closet, an espresso coffee maker (doesn’t every hotel room need one?) and an absolutely huge, very comfortable bed.  We had trouble connecting to the internet and the nice young lady who came to the room to help explained that the government had been doing things with the internet because of the conference.  Dinner was also in the hotel, thank goodness, and although it took a while for the food to appear, it was very nice apart from the pork balls which everyone agreed were rather chewy.