Has it really been two weeks since I was sitting in this same chair typing up the first China trip entry? In a way it seems impossible and in another it seems like a lifetime ago. So, I am home now- obviously and I can’t wait to go back someday. I love Shanghai!! Melissa and I stayed at a Marriott because I had some expiring certificates to use and the others stayed at Manhattan Business Hotel near the Bund. Their hotel was $34/night and I totally could have stayed there. It was far better than anything you could get in the states at the price. The Marriott was a nice change of superior service, river view and more wine and food than we could go through. But, it was kind of a pain being far away from the others. We had a hard time getting connected with them so I would probably rethink that decision. Also, the due date for homework was “before you leave Shanghai” so some of us needed to get work done before others and it interrupted some good sightseeing time. I would say- do your class notes each night after class, your plant tour notes each day after the tour and be sure to coordinate with your project partner on a time to work together on the project- especially if you are not leaving on the same day.
Anyway, we left Suzhou to finish our adventure in Shanghai. Our 2.5 bus ride from Shanghai to Suzhou at the beginning was a 25 minute train ride back. My 1 hour taxi ride from PVG to my hotel was a 7 minute train ride back. Traveling by train at 350 KM/hour has its benefits.
Love this city! Walking along the river at the Bund was a favorite. It is just hard to believe that Pudong was farmland 30 years ago- they build cities fast there! We went to Taikang Road twice- that was a very cool place to shop. Don’t go there for the bargains- go there for the cool stuff. Melissa and I went to Era which is basically Chinese Cirque du Soleil and we would recommend that again. We had a great time and finished the evening with some shopping. Old town is a must see but pushy pushy pushy sales.
Our final dinner was a perfect evening. The weather held up so we ate outside with a breathtaking view of the city, hit a couple of places for drinks and said good bye. These people who were nearly strangers on a long bus ride- seems like I have known them forever. As I sit here now, I know they are over the pacific somewhere trying to sleep and anxious to get home to their families. We were all ready.
Now it is back to the real life. Xia’s last day of 2nd grade is today, Reid’s brother is getting married on Saturday and Sydney is busy with final events as she finishes up for the year. I am so grateful to Dr. Donahue and Professor Cooley for leading us on this adventure. To Becky, Kim, Melissa, Scott, Omar, James, Kevin, JT and Thomas- thanks for this lifelong memory, congrats on your graduations and I miss you already!!
China 2011- Success.
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