Our flight arrived on time early Friday evening. We hired a taxi to take us to our hotel in the city.
The concept of freeway driving here is quite different than in Seattle. Everyone is free to weave in and out of lanes without ever signaling. Any gap in traffic is free for the taking– the first driver there wins, and if you don’t seize the spot, the nearest driver will. Amazing that the system works as well as it does. In the U.S., this style would be considered rude; here, it’s just the way things are.
The Astor House Hotel is listed as a “Budget Hotel” in Lonely Planet. Built in 1846, it is the oldest hotel in Shanghai. According to the welcome book, the first electric light in China was lit here and the first telephone was installed here. It turns out that Albert Einstein, Bertrand Russell, Charlie Chaplin and Scott Joplin have all stayed here.
Our room is HUGE, about 25′ square, with 12′ high ceilings. Quite comfortable.
We visited the Jade Buddha Temple on foot and had lunch at the vegetarian restaurant there. Tasty noodles with lots of different kinds of mushrooms.
Tomorrow we’re off to Moganshan, a mountain from where we hope to see the eclipse on Wednesday. The weather forecast for mid-week is calling for clouds and rain, but things could change before then. Stay tuned.
Sent via BlackBerry by AT&T
Yahoo!! You made it to Shanghai. Did you call Richard yet? I am thinking of you every step of the way & sharing your blog with friends. You have many followers sending you love. Have fun, come home a little bit more enlightened than you already are.
Edie
Thinking about you … your hair looks cute.
We spent the early afternoon shucking crab for the freezer and drinking margueria's. Its been a beautiul day/week and every day seems to be a holiday lately. Steve is finally adjusting to not having a job and reconciling himself with the fact that his next job might not be in his field of work.
What different paths we are on! While you are off on an adventure, we are consumed with finishing off the apartment and not getting caught by the county cuz we didn't by a permit to do the work. But this is where we're meant to be right now. It is looking soooooooo good.
Had our 26th anniversary the 16th, and by the way sweetie pie, HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO YOU!
Lots of love . . . be safe.
Charlona
Sorry to hear you missed the eclipse. We love reading your blog. Laura and I stayed at the Astor Hotel too 4 years ago on our three week China trip. That was the nicest hotel we stayed at on our whole trip. I can't believe you will be traveling for four months. We are jealous. Take care and stay in good health. Tom Strauch and Laura Bruno