I just went through my pictures in order to winnow them down
from 300+ to approximately 225. I definitely
need another go around at it. The morning
skyline with smog. The night skyline
with smog. The morning skyline with less
smog. The night skyline with less
smog. The night skyline in
panorama. The night skyline in different
colors. It was spectacular. I couldn’t stop taking pictures.
Google is blocked, so I’m writing this in Word and don’t
expect to be able to publish anything until we get away from China.
Our excursion is an overview of Shanghai, but it’s really
just a handful of sights that show China in the best light. First stop is The Shanghai Museum where we
have an hour on our own. That’s not
nearly enough. I start at the top with
the porcelain, furniture, and jade. No time for the lower floors of calligraphy, bronze, and clothing.
Bob
finds a bench in the lobby. Bob has been stricken with what he thought was plantar fasciitis. He went to the ship’s medical department where
they x-rayed and determined it’s a bone spur on the bottom of his heel. They’ve given him some anti-inflammatory
and pain meds and have told him to rest.
It doesn’t bode well for the upcoming walking tours.
After an hour in the museum, which wasn’t nearly enough, we’re
herded just outside for some free time in the People’s Park.
Too much time in the park and not enough in the museum, followed by more free time at the Bund, a colorful walkway along the Huangpu River which is flanked by the upscale shopping district. The Bund is a favorite backdrop for wedding photos. There are several booths that advertise their photographic services and I spot a number of couples being coached through their poses.
Tonight is the big event, the naming ceremony and official
christening of the Viking Sun. We all
had gotten invitations and most folks said, “Party, of course we want to go to
the party.” The invitation said it was
to be held at The Sun Chateau. I
envisioned a huge temporary tent-like airplane hangar size structure that they
decided to name The Sun Chateau in honor of the day. Nope, it’s a permanent structure, a huge
event facility that accommodates 800+ for a sit down dinner.
The Sun Chateau |
The event wasn’t all that we had anticipated. The food was just okay. The buffet stations were backed up. The viewing screens in the dining room weren’t
placed conveniently. The translator
spoke at the same time as the speaker, so neither one could be understood…and
so on. I hope the Chinese financiers had
a grand time.
Godmother and Captain Knutsen's wife |
Christened with aquavit |
We all returned to the ship and continue the party there
until we remembered that the next day would be a long one, on the full day
excursion to The Venice of China.
Leaving Shanghai, I never really could tell when I had left
Shanghai. Amazingly, the high rise
apartment complexes never diminished in the 60 miles we traveled to
Suzhou. I couldn’t tell where Shanghai
ended and Suzhou began, and if there were any cities in between. There is no shortage of luxury cars on the spider
web of jammed freeways.
Suzhou is the Garden City and the Venice of The East. Our first stop is at the Suzhou Embroidery
Research Institute. We watch as a couple
of master embroiderers work on pieces that will take a thousand hours to
complete. We’re asked not to take
pictures and I comply. Master works are
on display. The best ones are double
sided with completely different pictures on the reverse, such as Lady Di with Prince
Charles on the other side. Of course,
there was a shopping opportunity at the end of the demonstrations and
displays. The double sided pieces come
in rosewood stands that swivel for viewing. A
substantial piece would run about $20,000.
When you consider the number of hours, I guess it’s probably a bargain,
and considering that these women generally have to retire at 40 because they
can’t see anymore.
Next, we head to the canals and board boats that hold about
25 each. I think there are six buses
from Viking here this day, so we monopolized all the boats. Unlike Venice, these canals are strictly used
by tourist boats. No longer are the
homes served by water taxis or private boats.
It’s very picturesque as we motor through the canal. It seems like it must be laundry day and it
also seems like all the men wear faded, stretched out, red underwear.
After lunch we go to The Classical Gardens of Suzhou, which
are a UNESCO World Heritage site. It’s
crowded, so it’s hard to get a photo op without masses of people. Will try to edit them out later. It’s lovely, but we move slow and probably
don’t see half of what there is to see.
It’s time to get back in the buses and fight the rush hour traffic back to the ship.
That night the sky is clearer than the previous night. I couldn’t stop taking pictures of the
skyline. In every direction are colorfully
lit buildings. One building is
constantly changing its pattern. Tourist
boats on the river are lit and change colors every few minutes. It’s quite a spectacle.
I’m so impressed with Shanghai. It’s clean and organized and prosperous.
But, mostly it’s all about the LIGHTS.
That is a very nice light show! Great pictures! Sorry to hear about Bob's foot, hope it doesn't keep him sidelined.
ReplyDelete