ON TO SHANGHAI

In China, a lot of the work is still done by human-power. We saw a lot of road-building with sledgehammers and pickaxes and lots of carrying done with bamboo sticks.

 
Kite-flying is extremely popular. In almost every public place we went, there were at least a couple of men flying kites, and you could buy kites almost everywhere.

We stopped to visit a farm, and found out that modernization has yet to reach much of rural China.

 

As with many families, the older generation still lives in the traditional manner, while the younger generation (in this case, a son) works in the city.

 

The farmhouse is heated by wood-burning stoves and the food is cooked in traditional ovens. There is no running water (although it is coming soon).

 

Arriving in Shanghai was quite a contrast.

 
Now the sign was turned over to our last local guide, Jasmine.

Our first stop was the Shanghai Art Museum, where Pat coveted all the ceramics and most of the paintings, while Chuck went to see the bronzes.

 

Next we visited a silk factory and learned about the making of fine silk.

 

Shanghai is considered the most "western" city in China, but it still has its share of Chinese charm.

 

We spent some time exploring the Yuyuan Garden, which was begun in the 1500s and is known for its excellence in landscaping and architecture.

 

That afternoon Pat and Chuck went for a walk around the hotel, taking one last chance to absorb a little more feel of China.

 

That evening the group went for a stroll along the Bund (waterfront) to see Shanghai at night and to do a little people-watching before leaving the next morning.

 
Every place we went in China, we had been constantly accosted by vendors selling everything from postcards to "Gucci" bags. They were particularly prevalent in Shanghai, occupying every street corner and badgering not only the tourists but the locals as well. For two weeks we had faithfully heeded Stanley's instructions: "Don't buy anything from the vendors. Don't talk to them, even to say no. Don't look at them." Finally some of us gave in. Julie bought post cards. Frank bought three "Rolex" watches. And Ed bought heel skates and rolled around the Bund on them. But he could never build up enough speed to get their colored lights to flash, even after getting sage advice from Jason. We told him that we expected him to be proficient with them by the reunion.