Shanghai warrior

October 19th and 20th Shanghai, China 

On our first day in Shanghai, Jess, Eli, Sam and I went wandering together. We had some things we all wanted to do and had a limited time together (Sam had to work at 4:30) So, we go out into town and wander the metropolis city of Shanghai. It was stunning. The buildings are futuristic, majestic and put New York architecture on a lower level (sorry New Yorkers). Anywho, we took some photos of the town and we went shopping for a bit. I had a nice time wandering. There was no pressure and it was a picturesque day once again. We stopped and got a bite to eat and some wine at a little cafe downtown. Man, Jess and I each got a tiny bottle of wine that was 30 US dollars each! We were shocked, and realized we need to check the conversion rates before ordering the wine! It was tasty, but not worth the price. But hey, we were in Shanghai! We then got a cab to go into Old Town. Old Town is one of the coolest places in Shanghai. There are coy ponds and gardens and old world buildings down every street. I was so impressed at the ornate buildings here in town. It was really busy though, and easy to get lost. Sam stopped to get a tiny little buddha, and Jess and Eli wandered further, and I was sure we lost them for a bit. It was funny for a few minutes and then we were bummed and positive they were gone. But then Jess had just stopped a little ahead to get her family some gifts. I got a ton of gifts for friends and family already, so I am cooling it off for a while on gifts here in Asia....I hope ya’ll don’t mind! Moving on, we all wanted to go to a tea tasting ceremony and actually see what that was like. We followed some girl in Old Town who took us up some stairs and into her little tea tasting area. Her voice was so soothing and she was so relaxed presenting each of the teas that it made my brain tingle. She taught us the right ways to hold the tea (dragon hands for men and Phoenix hands for women) and how to truly respect the benefits of the teas. I was so sleepy at the end of this free session. It was free, but they want you to buy things....and I did. haha. We then thought this would be the best time to go and get a massage, being all relaxed and all. So, Jess took us to place she went to the year before where they literally slap you with bamboo sticks to help the blood flow. Jess and I tried it, while Sam and Eli laughed at us. I didn’t like it, but Jess was in a trance. Sam said it must have been some cruel practical joke they made up years ago where people are still laughing. Those crazy Americans will buy into anything if you call it an ancient chinese tradition. :) So, after that, Sam had to get back to work and Eli, Jess and I wandered some more around old town. Then, we all got hungry and searched for a long time for a restaurant that would fill us up and be a reasonable price like our food in Beijing. We finally found an authentic restaurant and ate it very fast. We were ravenous. We then went back to the ship to rest up before our big night out. We walked back and it was spectacular. The sky line was rich with color and lights. I was at Disneyland haha. We got back just in time to see the last half of the acrobatic show onboard. It was awesome. I swear these Chinese gymnasts are flexible! Jess and Eli went out, while I waited for Sam to get off work at 12:00. It would have been hard to find people out alone, so I thought it would be best if I waited. We met up at a swanky live music bar aptly named  Rendezvous. It was happening, but really expensive, so we wandered around some more to find another place. We did a little too much wandering because we only got to stay out for another hour after that, but it was fun, so I am thankful that we got to see the night of Shanghai. 

Also, I forgot to mention in my blog for Beijing, that while I was out at the bar with Jess in our artsy part of town, we ran into a group of Americans who knew a ton of people from Elon! I was amazed, but also, how many times does this happen to me? The world keeps getting smaller and smaller!

Shanghai Day 2

Today I just went out with Sam because Jess and Eli got sick....and were quarantined (locked in their rooms for eating bad chinese food) I thought I had dodged a serious bullet here, since I didn’t get sick today, but low and behold, here I am, trapped in my room for two days because I got sick the next day. I think it was the spicy chinese food. More information than you need to know right? haha well, anyway, I was feeling fine in port so we did what Sam wanted to do; ride the magnetic 300 km/hr bullet train to the airport. I felt like we were champs. We walked to the Subway, then got on line 2, and got a round trip ticket to the airport and back. The train went 301 km/hr and when we passed another train going the opposite way, I nearly jumped out of my seat it went so fast! We didn’t stay at the airport, instead, went back right away to get some food into town. We wandered around town forever trying to find something that wouldn’t upset our stomachs, or break the bank, but for some reason, we couldn’t find anything but Starbucks. I know, I know, I’m ashamed to admit. We ate a snack at starbucks. But at least it was guaranteed haha. So after that, we wandered back and some nice conversation about life in our futures. This trip has really made me respect every day as an adventure. 

After I got home from Shanghai, the next morning, I got sick. It’s a rule on the ship that you must call and report the sickness right away to the nurse. So, naturally, I did. They make you stay locked in your cabin for 48 hours! I haven’t even gotten sick since then, and to be honest, I feel weak cause I have no fresh air! And I think I watched every depressing movie possible yesterday. Let’s see American History X, American Beauty, American Pshyco (to keep with the theme) and Requiem for a Dream. All great films, but not the best things to watch alone in your room. I am going a bit crazy not gonna lie, so if any of you have any suggestions. Shoot :)