July 22, 2010 - Shanghai, China
"You need more than luck in Shanghai."
~ Mrs. Elsa 'Rosalie' Bannister in The Lady from Shanghai movie
~ Mrs. Elsa 'Rosalie' Bannister in The Lady from Shanghai movie
Although completely overwhelmed by Shanghai's size, I had to take on the World Expo. This is Shanghai's pride and one can't go anywhere without seeing the mascot, Haibao. Haibao translates into "treasure of the sea," but he really looks like a blue Gumby. With over 190 countries represented from around the world, lines into the pavilions ranged from a five minute wait to a couple hours. Throughout the day, a sweet Chinese voice came over the speaker, calmly announcing "a yellow heat alert above 35 degrees." 95+ degrees F, but closer to 110 degrees F when surrounded by cement pathways, buildings, and human bodies. With the temperatures, we had a rule - the line has to be less than five minutes for us to visit the countries pavilion. This meant we visited Cambodia, Czech Republic, Iran, Mongolia, North Korea, and Tajikistan. Good picks, since a couple of these countries may never open to U.S. citizens or the world.
More than 25 million people have visited the Shanghai World Expo. 98% are from China, we helped represent the remaining 2% of foreigners.
We are staying in the Changning District of Shanghai. Prior to 1998, this district was all farmland, now it's business buildings, apartment buildings, and western restaurants; including Kentucky Fried Chicken, Subway, McDonalds, Starbucks and many other western inspired cuisines. Through curiosity and research, I've discovered there are at least 120 Starbucks in downtown Shanghai.
Shanghai is huge. There are too many people and it's almost inaccessible for the average traveler. Knowing that I'm again heading to rural China tomorrow, I've decided the best part of Shanghai is access to western-style foods. Before this trip to China, I began reading Rob Gifford's, China Road. One of his first stops is at the Shanghai Hooters. I've never been to Hooters in the United States, but tonight, in honor of nachos and Rob Gifford, my roommate, Erin, and I hit Hooters - Shanghai.
Shanghai is huge. There are too many people and it's almost inaccessible for the average traveler. Knowing that I'm again heading to rural China tomorrow, I've decided the best part of Shanghai is access to western-style foods. Before this trip to China, I began reading Rob Gifford's, China Road. One of his first stops is at the Shanghai Hooters. I've never been to Hooters in the United States, but tonight, in honor of nachos and Rob Gifford, my roommate, Erin, and I hit Hooters - Shanghai.
