Shanghai

I have always heard that Shanghai was an amazing city but these are just words until you are able to see the city.  I stepped out on the deck of the Orion II to see the most incredible sky scrapers.  The convention center actually has two structures that appear as globes with the world marked.

After leaving the ship we had a quick ride through the city on our way to water town.  The buildings which do not comprise the financial district have a very European feel as they reflect the various countries who settled in Shanghai.  As we left the city, the fertile rice patties were in evidence everywhere and it was easy to visualize the rural economy that had once been Shanghai. 

Zhujiajao is a fabulous town originally built over 900 years ago along canals much like Venice.  The area has been restored but the buildings now are no more than 200 years old.  It was great fun to explore this city by boat and see the everyday lives being carried out before us.

       

In the afternoon we had a chance to visit the beautiful Jade buddha and get a taste of bargaining for treasures in the local shopping area.  The Buddha was fantastic and the shopping frenzy high!  So ended our day in Shanghai.  I would advise anyone to spend more than one day as I am hungry for more.  I understand the Museum is amazing and I think an architectural tour would be fantastic in this city.