Saturday - A big day of exploring

Powder Finger: (the day you come) “On the day you come, rising up. On the day you come, rising up.Vision is rejected, the people's choice is tested, ignorance has won, children are infected, remedy suggested, don’t drink from tainted cup, all the population, a media sensation, the damage has been done. On the day you come, rising up.”

If people don’t consider Shanghai the mega city of contrasts, in my mind they should.

Early this morning, I was walking through ‘the people’s park’. At peace with the surrounds, I was soaking up the atmosphere. Surrounded by skyscrapers (40+ floors), I was in an oasis of oriental green; bamboo stalks, ponds, rocky creaks, oriental maples. To call it serenity inside kaos would be an understatement. The song above was playing. I was moved. I felt I was starting to connect with this amazing city.

The contrasts are intense. They are everywhere. Sometimes its disturbing and other times it is awe inspiring.

I continued to stroll. I smiled at the elderly Chinese folk that passed by, I wondered what there stories were and how they felt about Shanghai of today.

My day started full of feeling and fuelled by anticipation.


Moments later I met a lovely gentleman abut to practice his ‘sword exercises’ he was happy for me to take his photo and proceeded to put on a show. See what I mean by contrasts. (look close)







The day was full of contrasts and amazing sights. Best I just share some of the many pics.



As some people know, it took me a long time to get an Ipod. I am so happy I had it today. With rock blaring in my ears, it managed to dull the sound of the many street hawkers. ‘watch, bag, shirt, you buy sir’ or ‘watch, Rolex, you buy’ or ‘come to my shop, you want watch, you buy’. I think I will now call my small device the ‘I Peace’

At the same time, Alanis Morisette while in the main shopping mall of Shanghai with a 100,00 other people really adds to the experience.

This pic is for Ralphie, how asked I take pics of the obscure. Well, I reckon this lift for the disabled fits the bill. Clearly the disabled don’t care for where the lift goes, so long as they have one.






I must say, it’s a shame the $AUD is so bad. Things would be a god buy here. That said, I do not recommend any sane man allow his wife to visit here. There is just way to much choice, and way too many great shops.


There is nothing you can’t buy here. From an $11,000 designer mobile phone to jewellery I can’t afford to look at. It’s all here and then some.



As a lover of retail, it has been great o see what is happening in category, but I also like the chance to step off the main roads and spot delicacies like feet and tongues in the local shop fronts.



And, to finish this one is for my mate and gastronomy expert, Christine. It's a fine cake shop near tomorrow square.