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Awoken early by chatty Chinese man shouting at his chums down the corridor, so we an executive decision and shut him out so we can go back to sleep. Eventually make it to shanghai (asking the conductor at each stop whether we should get off - dont want a repeat of yesterday), and into a taxi.
In fact, Shanghai in general makes a good first impression...theres a proper taxi rank, they speak English, and they know exactly where to take us. A+ for Shanghai so far.
Arrive at our hotel nestled on a busy street with surrounding skyscrapers and get to our penthouse (!) twin room. We're very jammy once again, as the room is lovely, the power shower much appreciated and the views from our top floor room are pretty wonderful, plus we can get there via a LIFT for once (walking 4 floors with 12+kg on your back in sweltering heat is no-ones idea of a good time!!!)
After we've done our traditional faff, we head out to explore the yuo yang gardens and the old part of town. Quick detour down "fanbang street" (not kidding), reveals that there is a Chinese pound shop, and next door, a Chinese 20p shop. Shopping heaven! ( but we also realise the extent of the ripping off we have endured thus far!)
Half hour later and the sky suddenly goes jet black....electric tropical thunderstorm ahead! This is not a poncho place, so we take the plunge and buy some snazzy matchig green brollies so we can keep going. Wandering around the old town is a slightly surreal experience...fabulous old Chinese buildings, and in the background, 21st century sky scrapers. One of the oldest and most famous tea houses in China, and across the street, a Starbucks. Quite a contrast!!
We grabbed a cab to take us over to part of the Old French Concession do we can potter there...it's a bit like the South Lanes, or Covent Garden. Really lovely anyway. Had some Indonesian food for dinner (for a change!)...delicious for me, slightly toohot for Nic!!
Now for our very exciting evening entertainment- the Shanghai acrobats and circus! Slightly concerned that this could be another rubbish tourist rip-off, but we couldn't have been more wrong. The shapes these guys are able to twist themselves into is quite superhuman, and they should probably win world records for the amount o backflips possible in under 3 seconds. It's gobsmacking. And then they bring on five full sized motorbikes and put them inside a giant metal sphere..and the drive around it, upside down at full speed. Needs to be seen to be believed!! Although its pretty terrifying to watch, so probably easier to take a quick peek through the gaps in your fingers as you cover your eyes!
Attempt to visit the "789" bar for nighttime views of the people's square- after 3 failed taxi rides we give up (after a quick rummage in the m&s and GAP sales!!!!)
Tomorrow, the Bund. And high altitude cocktails!
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