Slow Boat to China

 Twenty-four million people in Shanghai, China and it looked as if half of them were in the streets and on the sidewalks when we toured the city yesterday during a national holiday.  We thought the architecture in Hong Kong was stunning, Shanghai might be even more dazzling, especially at night.

                                                This is the view from our starboard balcony.

Our first stop was the Jade Buddha Temple where we were not permitted to photograph the giant white jade Buddha.  However, we did catch a glimpse of Buddha in position for attaining enlightenment- ready for nirvana.  There were buddhas everywhere, including our guide pointing to my "buddha belly"!  

    Yu yuan Garden in the Old City was swarming with people which detracted from its beauty.  (I sucked in my buddha belly while being photographed)

Tea tasting and demonstration time again.  In Asia, tea bags have no respect and we have learned why.  Not only does leaf tea taste much better and have many more health benefits, there is a detailed method of preparation.  Shown above is jasmine tea which is good to drink, but more for entertainment to watch the closed bud blossom into this lovely flower when covered with hot water.

Jenny took us to an authentic local Szechuan restaurant.  Chinese steamed buns were our favorites among the many small dishes we devoured.

This photo was taken early in the morning before the streets became packed with people.  Our main observation was the lack of beer booths or anything related to spirited drinks.  This public holiday celebration is not alcohol centric.

Jenny, our tour guide, ended our afternoon with a walk along The Bund.  The Bund is an area along the river with fabulous views of the financial district, as well as restaurants and nightclubs.  I asked her if Jenny is her real name or just a name she gives to Americans.   She told us her Chinese name that sounded a bit like Jenny.  Forrest Gump is a film she and her future husband watched thirty years ago when they were falling in love.  He turned to her at the end of the film and said, "You are my Jenny".  She has embraced the name Jenny, ever since that day.  

This is the opening stage setting for Chinese Acrobats, one of the most spectacular perfomances we have ever seen.  It was a bit like Cirque du Soleil.  Acrobats are an important component of the culture in The Peoples Republic of China.  The dizzying displays of strength and balance was enhanced by fabulous lighting and stage sets along with thrilling acrobatic stunts.  

George Strait sang these lyrics in When You're In Love;

Don't go in the summertime
It's too hot and the rooms are high
But if you go in the fall, you'll have a ball
There's so much to see and do
When you're in love

There's an old hotel right on the beach
Romantic rooms you won't want to leave
But take my word take a stroll into town
There's so much to see and do
When you're in love

Don't miss Jamaica Joe's
You can dine al fresco
Then dance in the street till the sun comes up
You can take a barefoot cruise
Share a moonlight made for two
There's so little time and so much to see and do
When you're in love

Be sure and take, lots of pictures when you're there
Be sure and make, lots of memories trust me

Don't go in the summertime
It's too hot and the rooms are high
But if you go in the fall, you'll have a ball
There's so much to see and do
When you're in love

There's so much to see and do
When you're in love