Annoying Habits, Night Trains and Glory

So after the wicked day of biking, we took a night train to Shainghai. I'll be honest the whole process stressed me right out. You can't read anything and I had no control of the situation so I was getting worked up. Meanwhile, chinese men are constantly making the most disgusting noise in the world and spitting on the ground. I almost yelled at someone yesterday because it really is the most disgusting habit I have ever experienced in another country. Sidewalks, inside buildings, there is no limit... they constantly spit. I now understand why people who sat on the floor in the waiting room laid down paper or plastic.. even the people in this country are aware of it... apparently during the olympics they fined you if you spit... maybe this is something they should continue on for ever.. olympics or no olympics. NOw that I am in Shanghai, a more western city the spitting has ceased. Thank god. It makes me cringe.

So the night train was an experience for me more than anything. We had to share cars with locals and I was just to freaked out. There were two men in the car with me and Emily and they both made us feel uncomfortable, so much so, that our leader was able to get us into a room with others on our trip. I know nothing wouldn't have happened,but its just the constant staring and conversation and comments toward us, that I know I wouldn't have slept at all if i was in the room with them. I know I am being neurotic, but Chinese men do not make me feel comfortable at all. You walk by they point, say something in their language and then come closer. It's a bit daunting and for me, I would rather play it safe than get myself in a situation that I would regret.

With that being said, all of us in a room was not a good idea...the gang drank too much, and no one slept all night. Security was called in at one point. I guess though a successful night ;-p.

It was fun last night comparing England to Canada in regards to words, and I am sure I will pick up some new lingo by the time this trip is over, kip, bloke, loo, reckon, cheers.. as its all around me all the time. Kenny, I have now heard over 2 albums from the streets, and I am hooked :)

Shanghai is beautiful. Less smog. So I am finely seeing a skiff of blue sky. Big sky scrapers, old french buildings, alleys and shops, loads of walkig fun! I took off on my own today as the over night train and yesterdays bike ride as a group, I just wanted my own space. So I walked down the Nijiang Road (shops, shops and more shops) to the 'Bund' and then walked along the bund, rubbing the lions feet for good luck and then took "the sightseeing tunnel' to the padong which is on the other side of the river. The bund is basically the financial center of Shanghai, and the buildings are characterised by western influences in the early 1900's. Walking along the padong river promenade I grabbed a starbucks (I was in withdrawal, I had too.. even though they don't have my grande 150 degree no foam tazo chai Brandy), and scone and just sat and watched the barges go by. There I met two guys from Canada, who have lived here for 4 years. They are jaded and ready to go home. I said in the 1 week I have been here, although I love the sights and food, I know my home is Canada. I couldn't live here, there is soooooooooooooooooooo many people, soooooooooooooooooooooooo much congestion, that you really appreciate the fact you can take a quick drive be in the mountains and be in solitude. ANyhoo, I was going to go up to the worlds 2nd largest building viewpoint, but there was a bit of heavy smog this morning so the Canadian blokes advised against it. They just said, find a hotel and sneak in if you want a view, no sense paying 50 cdn for nothing. So back to the sight seeing tunnel, it was the only way I could figure how to get across the river, and I just laughed. Picture a mini subway train, windows all around as you go under the river in a dark tunnel with the worlds cheesiest light show ever.. as you go through comets, oceans, heaven and hell all depicted in lazer lights... it was 10 bucks I 'll never get back.

After that I found the Yuhan Garden and Bazaar. the garden was beautiful and I Just sat and watched. Its such a maze of rivers, trees and buildings, it feels larger than it really is. I then bought a chinese dress and I love it. I bartered a bit, and to me I think I did ok, but I am sure I am over the true cost. It was a 1000 yuan (200 cdn), and I got it down to 60 cdn. I am happy with it. When I had it on, I didn't realize that there was a group of chinese outside taking pictures of me.. so I had them help me to decide which one.. I was going to go with a more traditional black and gold, but this elderly chinese lady pointed to the blue and white one, so that is what I went with. They measured me and all, but man those slits on the side of the dress go way up, I feel like a hootchie when I sit down.. but it will be a great dress for Kerri's wedding over july long :).

I then just got lost in the city. At points I was the only white person around (which is rare for shanghai) and I just walked and walked. I don't know how to explain the smells of china, but it ain't pretty, but its okay. It's amazing to see how many people can live in such small quarters, and get around. I can't explain it, but the city looks worn. How can you keep up, when there are millions upon millions ontop of eachother. But here in shanghai the old and the new just work together.. I love it.

I then when to the museum (which was FREE!), and I got lost in its walls. Sculptures of budhas going back to 500 a.d., caligraphy from various dynasty's, currencies, ceramics, furniture from the ming dynasty, it was beautiful. I couldn't get over the fact it was free, and every thing was in English which made it all the more better and interesting.

To access the internet in china, you have to give your passport. They scan it, record it, and such as part of the chinese govt internet controls. I won't mention anything further under fear of being persecuted.. ha ha.

Tonight we dine as a group (I only eat when the tour guide orders, otherwise I haven't been so lucky), and tomorrow night we take another night train to Xi'an.

Hope all of you are well!! Happy 31st Birthday to Sarah!!

Cheerios!