SATURDAY, MAR 6TH--SHANGHAI, CHINA

We had a very interesting day here in Shanghai. Unfortunately, after lunch it started a downpour right when we were to visit the Yu Garden so most voted to bypass it and shop in an interesting Chinese market place. So first we departed the ship and drove along The Bund, the famous waterfront boulevard. Interestingly, they are now building an underground road that will open in two months and traffic will no longer be allowed at Bund street level. From The Bund you can look across the river and see the Pudong. It is the “new” part of Shanghai (built during last 20 years) and has only new buildings that are mostly skyscrapers. The bus continued on through the French “concession” area with its sycamore tree lined streets. Here we saw some of the older parts of the city. Then we took a tunnel under the river to The Pudong, or new city. We were to take a walk along the Riverside Walkway where we could look across the river once again but this time we had a great view of The Bund. It was a very cold, damp day and we were freezing so we waited for the group inside a nearby hotel lobby. Next we had a very short walk to the Orient Pearl Tower. I have several pictures of it so you will know what I am talking about when you see them. When inside we visited the very nice Shanghai Historical Museum for about 45 minutes. Then we took an elevator up to the 876 foot high revolving restaurant for a buffet lunch. Unfortunately, the day was not a good one for views due to smog, fog, rain, and low overcast clouds. I tried to take some pictures from there but they were not good. During our lunch it started pouring rain for last half of our tour. Back on the bus and under the river again for Yu Garden as I have discussed at beginning. At the shopping place called “Old City at the Old Street of Yu Garden” we went into a silk shop. There we heard and observed how silk is produced from silk worms and made into products. This shopping area was made up of hundreds of small shops with all types of Chinese products. We headed for a jewelry shop that our guide recommended as Rebecca wanted some nice fresh water black pearls. Starting price was $400 and I finally paid $170. Then of course, had to have some earrings to match. At the shop next to it we bought a 18 inch wide by 4 feet long painting on rice paper and framed in silk. This will be hung in our guest’s bedroom when we return home. Rebecca also collects snuff bottles so had to get one. I bought a large tea mug that changes color and picture when hot water is added--very neat. Finally back on the bus and short drive back to the ship. We have 2 hours here before our next event. This will be a special Regent event for all full world cruise passengers only. It is an “Ethnic Fashion Show at the Bund”. So we will take be transferred by coach to Three on the Bund for cocktails and canapés while listening to Chinese music and watching models dance in colorful costumes. This will be followed by a fireworks display outside over the river on the Bund. Our guide said they only have fireworks like this on the Chinese New Year but this one is special just for us. Thank you Regent!! After having a big lunch we will wait until we return to the ship around 9pm to eat dinner. I will not have time to upload pictures onto the blog until probably day after tomorrow. Too much to do and see here!