These are the days of My Life - Shanghai, China

Well my Hong Kong departure was very exciting as I awaited the A11 bus to the airport and it took over 45 minutes and the bus ride itself was almost an hour. Needless to say I missed my 12;30pm flight. As i stand in line panicking that i have finally messed up big time, the first class line agent looked up and motioned me over. I knew I wasn't deserving of first class treatment but then again when a door opens...step thru and accept the blessing. She was gracious and put me on the next flight, that was only an hour later....which of course was in another terminal which you had to run the length of the airport only to realize that you were directed to a bus stop that was to whisk you across the tarmac to another terminal only to realize that the bus was not there and while we wait the clock is ticking on my departing flight leaving without me. The bus arrives and the whisking begins...well the waiting for the additional late passengers begins. As we finally arrive at the terminal across the tarmac and find yet again an OJ Simpson run up to the second floor around a few long weird turns up a few ramps and there it is gate #501. That's right 501, not 12, not 25, but fricking gate #501. Needless to say I arrived with minutes to spare and happily sat in my China Air window seat.

The flight was non eventful and the meal was interesting. I ate the yogurt, watermelon, the pasta and shrimp. I did not attempt the radish stuff that came in a foil container,,,,ewww it stunk. I also did not eat the unidentifiable meat product that was a part of the salad. I had McDonald's once I hit Shanghai as i was afraid of the restaurant choices in my Hostel area. Once I got to the airport in Shanghai, I was once again slightly nervous about getting to the Blue Mountain YHA. I located the customer service counter as I usually do and provided the address of the hostel. The lady was nice and found my street on the map and as usual I was too tired and a bit nervous as I usually am when it is a travel day. I had the directions on my email on my phone so i showed it to her and she told be to take the #2 bus and it would be close to my Hostel. Little do these people know that my directions need to be specific details with a map as well as actual right/left directions not the North/South that is widely used.  I found my bus and as I was awaiting it to get to a stop that I recognized, it came to a stop and everyone got off.  I was told in Chinese that it was the main bus station, last stop and to get my stuff off the bus.  I stupefied got my bag and backpack and stood at a major road in front of me and subway station to the right.  I looked again at the directions and again at the road and subway line entrance and decided to sit on the bench in front of a flower bed and just about burst into tears as I didn't know where to go from here and Chinese isn't my best language.

The angel of mercy stopped, a kid from the Bronx of all places, thought that I looked confused, little did he know I was way beyond that and asked if he could help.  He remembered getting to Shanghai the first time and wanted to pay it forward.  So he took me to the subway, bought my ticket, $1 yuan per trip and sent me on to the subway stop that i might easily access my hostel.  Believe it or not it was up, out and around the corner and down the street almost to the point that I was afraid i had missed it.  The building is a tall commercial building with the Blue Mountain YHA sign cleverly situated high up on the building where of course I was not looking.  As I entered the lobby, the security guard looked up and seeing me pointed to the building directory, no small talk.  I headed to the directory and saw 6th floor was my destination. 

I was put in a 6-share room which on the first night I was 1 of 3 (me and 2 Chinese) again not alot of small talk.  There was free wifi and surprisingly very clean bathrooms and the common area was very large and finally some chatting in English, broken, thought provoking...me thinking what the hell are they trying to say, but conversation.  Then low and behold in walks the cutest little Chinese girl that actually works in the hostel.  She plunks herself down in the midst of the gathered travelers and we all get to play 20 questions.  She had been at the hostel on 2 months but knew all the best stuff to do, where to go when, how to get there and all the really great information that researchers who spend a life time compiling is being provided for free for the asking.  my own little Chinese google search. awesome.

Needless to say my week in Shanghai was filled with visiting local haunts with a trip to the history museum, The Bund (day and night to watch the light come on). The Bund transportation tunnel which is an overpriced tram ride under the river that has cheesy black lights).  Not highly recommended more for the kids.  Take the subway it is cheap and easy, Wu Garden, The old city, the french quarter, Nanjing road (prepare for on slot of hawkers from 2 wheel skates that you wear on your shoes (kids) to jewelry and every other service wink wink that they can get you to the shops that will pay them a commission or rip you off.  Just a pleasant place to walk around and people watch.  I didn't venture far into the surrounding region as I was not as comfortable my first stop in mainland China.  It was all rather challenging and I didn't meet the really cool folks to hang out with until I was ready to move onto Beijing.  A great adventure and know of alot of hot spots that I will definitely explore on my next visit.

Economy Class lunch, don't see that still on any airline in the States.  Of course I can't identify most of it either...but it was good.

Sign at urinal...I think it should be mandatory worldwide.

Guess which door I chose......

And the winner is!!!

Yeah, I'm lost...again!

A bridge like in Dallas, so cool.

Blue Mountain YHA bar and common area.  Miss you guys.

Nanjing Road all lit up.

Um yeah, it is a gigantic shark tank in the front store window of a department store on Nanjng Rd. in Shanghai.  Quite a show stopper as everybody, locals included stopped for pics and to stare in awe.  You should see it at feeding time. 

Shanghai Art Museum.  Fun place with great exhibits.