After some shopping and a picnic in the apartment’s hallway (since it was far too hot to eat outside) followed by a quick swim, we went with our local guide, Sandra, over to Pudong on the East side of the river from the oldest part of Shanghai. This is a new region of the city that 20 years ago was basically a swamp. Now it is one of the world’s foremost financial centers and to quote the guidebook, “the center of ‘China, Inc’”. The area is very reminiscent of the Canary Wharf development in East London which back in the 70s was basically derelict docklands, now an array of hi-rise office blocks, apartments and hotels. The new developments sprouting around McCormick Place in Chicago are another example. Still, Pudong does it one better in that the buildings are really, really, really high. The old Pearl TV Tower has an observation deck at 1000 ft which is well below the height of the newer Jinmao tower and the newest World Financial Center.
Since it was very hot and humid (i.e., typical for July) we went to another cool aquarium (pun intended, anyone see a pattern here). This one was a bit more modern than Beijing’s and the 500 ft long moving walkway finale through transparent underwater tunnels is quite amazing. Makes Atlanta’s underwater moving walkway seem really short!
After an excellent dinner at a restaurant overlooking the river with great views of the Bund (old Shanghai) on the opposite back, Debbie and the Girls went back with Sandra and I went up the Pearl TV Tower to get some night pictures of the skyline and then walked around some more soaking up the views. As you can see below, spectacular is an understatement!
Pictures below (now uploaded).
Debbie and Simon: love the photos of the girls together...they are so cute - looks like they might be wearing about the same size like Katie and Shelby. Sarah is so pretty....she seems very photogenic and very confident too. Seems like you have been gone a long time and you are not even in Guangzho yet. XOXOXO Susan et al
ReplyDeleteHey hey, 3 aquariums in 3 weeks? Good going, the photos look spectacular, and Rachel must be something of a marine biologist by now! Sarah looks absolutely lovely, and the pictures with Rachel are simply adorable. Good work with the corridor picnic, and good to hear Sarah's got her priorities in order, ice creams first!
ReplyDeleteSo happy for you all, lots of love.
Pete x
Hi! Finally posting from here in the Simpson house! We have not been here much at all!!! I was excited to see the two girls together! They are the same size!? What has been Rachel's response to all of this? China and a new sister all in one week! Hope you continue to have a memorable and fun time together in China! Ian and Emma say hi to Rachel... and Sarah!!! They are enjoying the tales from China and seeing you in the photos! Love to all of you! Stay cool! Victoria and the rest!
ReplyDeleteP.S. Ian has a question for you!!! He would like to know if they have Rubik's Cubes there? (not the ordinary 3x3 though!) This one is a 5x5! He says the company over there that makes them is called East Sheen. On the off chance that you might see them, will you send a post to us?!
He has been crazy about solving the 3x3 and the 4x4 and he says this company over in China makes the best kind! BTW He says Sarah looks so cute and he is excited to meet her too!
Hi Debbie, Simon Rachel and Sarah. We are so excited to see you all together. You all look so great. I esecially love the pictures of the girls holding hands. How precious. This is the first time I have ever been able to get modern and post on a blog. Wow!!! Jerry and I are just thrilled for you and praying every day for you. We know God is blessing you. Love, Susan and Jerry
ReplyDeleteHi Simon and Debbie - Well, great pics and nice to see the two girls together. They appear to becoming loving sisters. Now, the family is plus one more and a happier family in the years to come and more lives to share and memories to keep.
ReplyDeleteGods blessing to one & all, Carl Callju