Strange things in Shanghai

It is hard to believe that I have less than two months left here in China - that is before I return to Australia for a break. I am considering returning for the next semester. We will see about that.

We had two days off for the May Day (Labour Day) holiday, so took the opportunity to go to Shanghai. We had flown into Shanghai via Singapore from Australia, but had only seen the miserable (old) air terminal, the smog, and the crazy traffic as the bus from the college careered its way along the motorway to Shaoxing.

I was keen to see this city - with a population of 21 million - equal to the population of the whole of Australia.

We caught a taxi after our last lesson on the Wednesday to the long distance bus station which was filled with people waiting to go on holiday too, but we managed to get into our bus without any problem, and soon left for the nearly 3 hour trip to Shanghai. Drivers use their horns differently in China - they barp it frequently as if to say "get out of my way" I'm passing you, or get off the road, I'm bigger than you! The sound of the noisy horn prevented any relaxation, and anyway the scenery on either side of the busy road fascinated me.

When we arrived in Shanghai, we dragged our small suitcases out of the bus station to the train station right next door - and despite the crowd and the challenge of many steps up and then down, found a train to the centre of the city. To the People's Square. Then we walked along the famous "Walking Street" which was full of people many of whom were touts who accosted us to buy watches, bags, and other items that we were not interested in.

We walked on through the crowds and then turned off to make our way the short distance to our hotel. Though there was a lot more steps as we went up and over the freeway and came down the other side. Shortly after we were back out on the streets after booking in and leaving our luggage and we were soon back in the Walking Street - sitting down with a glass of wine in one of the bars there watching the world go by.

Later we walked to the Bund and then found another bar - this time high over the river overlooking the Bund.

The next day we went for a very long walk to the French Quarter - and near there found this on a wall in the street.

Amongst all the grey of the stone buildings and walls it stood out - with its vivid yellow and orange colours.

Adventures of an Australian English Teacher