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by caren viniegra

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posted on Saturday, April 5, 2014 @ 11:18 PM | 0 comments

❝ Shanghai - Paris of the East

Shanghai Skyline

I hope it's not too late to blog about our trip to Shanghai, China. I have always planned about blogging about this getaway, but just didn't managed to find time to do so. One of the reasons why may be because I still don't have my own laptop--which adds more laziness to revive this blog for the nth time.

Well, we went to Shanghai last March 6-9, 2014. And yes, during school. I had to be absent for two days but luckily classes were kind of irregular during that time since finals was approaching the week after that. So most of them were just submissions, and some professors even gave away their period to do our plates at home.

So we left for Shanghai at around 7 in the evening and we arrived at the Pudong International Airport late at night. We had to take a shuttle which prices at 100 yuan each person. But I guess it wasn't a very bad price (okay, kinda) because it was a really long ride! It took us almost an hour to get to our hotel, Pacific Hotel at Nanjing road, which we didn't expect to be far away from the airport.

Pacific Hotel was a neo-classical hotel built around the 1920's. It was residing next to the oh-so fabulous Radisson. It wasn't very attractive at night, because the lights were off, well it was forgivable considering that it was almost midnight when we arrived (saving electricity, yes!) And we hope that they wouldn't mind mistaking the place for a church (oops!) But, really, it was okay if you like that vintage feel.

Our rooms were at the 5th floor, or was it 4th and a half? Lol. Because you had to go down the stairs after you get to the 5th floor via the elevator, which is like half of 4th and 5th floor? Uh, I don't know. I don't get the humor. Haha!

On the first day of our stay, it was mostly going around the malls and getting to know the city. We went to this Fabric Market (Soft spinning fabric market?) and you don't want to know how far we've walked from the Metro Station (about 10 blocks oops) because we were given the wrong directions from the concierge. Trust me, one of the most difficult things I have experienced during the trip was communicating with the people. But it was worth the walk since what you will find in the Fabric Market was a variety of authentic cashmere coats, Max Mara, Armani--replicas. Haha!

There were also cheap Wonton Houses around the area, prices range from 9-12 Yuan

The second day was indeed the best. Because we went to the Bund, and to the different famous landmarks of Shanghai through the Big Bus City Tours. The tour was 300 Yuan each, and was valid for two days. One good thing about this tour is you can hop on and hop off during your trip, and there will be buses to pick you up at certain stations at certain schedules.

We also went up in the Jin Mao Tower to see what the city looks like high (very high) above!

This was taken at the Bund. China was also colonized by France that it why buildings were built in the French architecture. Also, here are some photos taken during the ride.

These are beautiful flowers we saw near the park at Kathleen's 5.

On our third day, we went to the Jade Temple. However, we weren't able to go inside the temple since we were running behind the schedule because my sister and I got left by the bus! So we just took photos with the temple. We also went to the Shanghai Old Street where the Yu Garden was located. And this is also a good place for shopping for souvenirs. Here are some photos we took as we walk along the area. It was very crowded during that time so there are times I had to put my camera up just to get the photo. Haha!

Here is a photo of the famous Xiaolongbao. You won't be able to enjoy these babies if you don't know how to eat them properly. People have different ways of eating these, but what I learned (and was the most convenient for me) was: get the xiaolongbao using your chopsticks, bite the top part and sip the soup inside. Then, dip those yummy xiaolongbao into that mouthwatering sauce and then enjoy!

Also we took the relaxing Huangpu River Cruise. Huangpu is the river that divides Shanghai, it was also said in one TV show I've seen, most people are arguing which side is better. It was a very relaxing ride which is about 1 and a half hour, where you get to admire the stunning view of city with a very romantic speed.

Although it would have been better if we took the night cruise, however we were on our last day and we had to get back to our hotel to get ready for our flight.

But it was all worth it, especially to unwind from all those walking we made for the past few days. Seeing the city slowly drift from it's bright futuristic skyline to a beautiful contrasting yellow-blue silhouette of serene vintage architecture.

We got off the cruise at around 5:30, and then again we missed the last bus on our way back to the hotel! So we had to take a cab which can take us back to our hotel for about 10 minutes. However, what took most of our time was trying to find a driver that could understand our destination.

After this tiring day, we just walked around the area to unwind and prepare for our shuttle back to the airport. And took our final souvenir shoppings within the area of Nanjing road.

Shanghai was my first Asian country besides my home, and it wasn't very bad for a first. I really hope I can get to travel to more countries!

Till my next entry. Hopefully soon.

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