Sydney - to - Shanghai

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  Shanghai, China
Thursday, June 2, 2005

Said my 30 second farewell to my mum as she left for work, and I left for China. Knowing that I will possibly not see her for the next year, troubled me for a bit. Not for me, but for her tackling the world alone. Oh well, life moves on.
Had brekky at Wagamama. It was a searched Chicken Ramen & Coke. It wasn't very good... but it was breakfast. The chick serving me was nice. She wasn't elegant, sexy or whatever, but nice in a friendly kind of way. Even though it was her job to be pleasant, it was the kind of pleasant where it looked like she was sincere. That's good enough for me! Back to the ramen, it reminded me of Chinese soup from a food court... but it still beats having a sandwich in my opinion. Jap food rox. Ooops, got caught staring at the chick (waitress), but she just smiled and asked how my meal was. "It was warui!" (japanese for bad) flashes through my mind but I reply, "It's good, thanks". I wonder if my eyes give away the truth though.

As I was waiting for my TRS refund for my new Ixus 700 camera, I saw someone reading The Da Vinci Code. I borrowed that book off Cherie to read on the multiple plane trips I'll be having, or quiet nites in a hotel. It's just weird seeing someone reading the same book as you (except, I haven't technically started reading it just yet).

I pause around in the middle of the duty free shopping area for a bit... it feels like i've forgotten something. It feels lonely. Feel's exciting. I bought a pack of kit kats (29 pieces) to tide me over on the plane. Saw a 512MB SD card for $109. Wot a ripoff!! 1GB at Harris Technology = $177.

I start to feel worried. I have been carrying a stomach virus (or so I call it) for a few days now. I hope I'll survive... I've heard some terrible things about Chinese dunnies. I scored a window seat too, so the poor passenger next to me might never get any sleep ;)

I sit at the departure gate lounge and a lonely feeling sweeps over me. It's akin to going to the dentist. Alone, expectation. How much will it hurt? What if things go wrong? How long will it take? Do I get jellybeans at the end???

On the plane, the chinaman sitting next to me smelt of tobacco. It's the kind of smell where... if you had grandparents that smoked heaps, and they tried to kiss you, it's that smell they have in their breath. grose! I tried to ask him where he was from, but failed. My mandarin isn't *that* good. All he managed to get out of me was that I spoke english and didn't understand mandarin. derrr. I did manage to speak to his tour leader (yes, he was male) and apparently, they had just spent 12 days in Australia and New Zealand.
(... unfortunately, for those watching with interest, I have only managed to chat with 2 guys. Not really my day ...)

I noticed on the plane, that all the people with black hair sat at the back half of the plane, and those with blonde/light hair sat towards the front half. Probably coincidence ;)

I only had to use the bathroom once during the 9hr flight. Maybe I'm getting better!

The first thing you I noticed about Shanghai was the smog. You can't really smell it, but it's enough to make you think twice about breathing.... until you turn purple and just give in. I had 3 chicks waiting for me with a little sign with my name. One was my guide, one was a translater, and one was the sales manager. Sweet!

We drove around in a personal shuttle bus for me, aruond the Pudong area. This area is a newly developing area of Shanghai with brand spanky new buildings and lots of space. I saw the tallest building in Shanghai, and I forget what it's called. No, I didn't get a chance to go up on it either. Saw their train which runs on magnets (maglev i think it was called). So ... I guess Allen Mak wasn't just inventing technology :P Took some pics in Central Pudong, saw the Bund from Pudong, went into this tunnel thing which took me to the other side of the river and back. Saw fireworks being presented by British Airways... who as a matter of fact, are celebrating their 35th year in providing service to China. Hey.... it might come up as Trivia next time .. you never know!

(note to self: next time i go looking for internet, bring my SD card reader so I can upload photos to show you where I've been. I'll upload them at another time since internet at this hotel is expensive $3/hr?@?|?" that's bloody western prices).

My hotel was nice. It's 3-star... and although it can't compare to Japanese accommodation, it was clean and had most of the basics I needed. I picked up 2 soft drinks, prawn stick chips, and Oreos for $4. Not a bad deal... for a hotel convenience store.

So as I lay here, watching chinese game shows ( i have no way of describing what they're doing... looks like you're everyday quiz show ), and more importantly, contemplating the road ahead.... well, nothing. So because of 'nothing', I decide to take a picture of myself watching TV :) I'm feeling terrible as I have forgotten the names of the lovely ladies who are my guide(s). I'll have to make a note of asking them again tommorrow :D

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More Pictures

04 - The Bund (across the river)	05 - Underground transport across the river	06 - Inside the tunnel under the yellow river(?)	07 - Chilling out in my hotel

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