Were Back to Reality!

After a full 5 days on a different planet (China), where the internet is restricted and the people don't know english we have finally come back to reality! Apologies for not being able to update our blog. Heres a day to day play by play of what we've been up to so far...

Saturday, January 8th 2011.


Sunday, January 9th 2011.
After a LONG LONG LONG (npb) 13 hour flight (although not so terrible) we finally arrived to Shanghai China. Disregarding the communication issues (very impossible to ask for help at the airport), we hopped on the Maglev Train for 50 RNB ($8) which took us closer to our destination. Keep in mind, this train took 8 minutes (an estimated time of 45 minutes by cab) at a speed of 300 km/h. We then took a 15 minute cab ride 36 RNB ($5.50) to our hotel (located in central Shanghai). We checked into our king size suite at the Salvo Hotel. If we could recommend a hotel for all of you who are planning to go to shanghai, it would definetly be this one! The people were great (they spoke A BIT of english - a bit is better than none), the rooms were beautiful and the food wasn't terrible. That night we took a quick stroll on some random streets of shanghai (it was a bit nerve racking), where we bargained for a pair of gloves (we definitely didn't prepare for -3 degree weather). All in all the travel wasn't all that terrible and the real journey around shanghai starts tomorrow!

Monday, January 10th 2011.
As we started to get more comfortable with the area and realized that we only have 5 days in this dream country we decided to be adventorous. Our first stop was the random chinese markets that we happened to stumble upon - called 1930's lane. Walking through the markets was an adventure in itself. It is an eye opener to see the look on these peoples faces - its as if they've never seen a white person before, or should I say "foreginer/alien" (that's what were called in China). One things forsure though; Chinese people sure know how to hustle - but they also don't know when to quit. Its plain and simple. Its called the calcutor game. They take out their calculator, try to rip you off by typing in a ridiculous price in hopes that you will be a dumb idiot to pay so much, and then the bargaining begins. After a while we learnt that the trick was to give them a super low price and if they dont agree just walk away... they always come chasing after you (even if your already across the street :)) Anyway, after the markets we continued on to Peoples square and then Shanghai Museum (the touristy stuff that we have to say we did). We then walked down Nanjing Road, which is considered trouist central. Everything on this road is overpriced and targeted to tourists - it wasn't exactly our cup of tea, although if you did ever go we do suggest you visit "the bun" bakery/cafe to try the most delicious and unique pastry type foods. Finally, we finsihed off our day with the Chinese Acrobatic Night Show, which was phenominal!