February 27th - Shanghai, China

Today we did something different, but had a blast - we took advantage of the
amazing shopping here in Shanghai.

First stop was to an underground mall. Four hours later and we had only made
it through a quarter of the shops.

Took a taxi back to do some more shopping and sightseeing on Nanjing Road.
Had a light lunch at the historic Fairmont Peace Hotel - built in 1930 by
Victor Sassoon it has retained its' art-deco interior and old world charm.

Before heading back to the ship we took a walk along the riverside of The
Bund with views of "the Old Town" across the street, and "New Shanghai" and
its' amazing skyline across the river. The word bund derives from the word
embankment and in Shanghai The Bund is a 771 meter long walkway running atop
the retaining wall of the river.

Was a great way to spend the day (and help the Chinese economy), and it
seemed wherever we went we ran into fellow shipmates and crew just enjoying
the day and this amazing city.

February 26th - Shanghai, China

Got off the ship, met our guide and driver and we were on our way for the
day's adventure.

Drove out of Shanghai and headed for Suzhou, and like many of the locals,
enjoyed spending a Sunday meandering through a lovely garden.

Next we made a stop at Panmen Gate. About 25o0 years ago, a moat canal
surrounded Suzhou and provided for transportation. A wall was built to
defend the city and a tower was built over the canal to defend passage
through the canal. Just like the people of old, we boarded a canal boat and
took a ride up the canal and through the gate.

Stopped for another traditional Chinese lunch (cigarette smoke and all)
before heading over to the Lingering Garden, a hidden gem with traditional
Chinese gardens and a once beautiful old style home.

Our last visit today was to Tongli Ancient Town, 50 miles from Shanghai. It
is one of six famous ancient towns to the South of the Yangtze River. Tongli
is sometimes referred to as "the Oriental Venice" due to its unique water
town scenery and canals weaving their way through the town. The architecture
and cultural relics here date back to the Ming and Qing dynasties
(1368-1911). The town was filled with sightseers and people as interested in
taking photos of us as we were of them. We even saw a group of birds the
locals use to catch fish. I have been here several times and always manage
to see something new. It was wonderful to be able to enjoy it this time
without wall to wall people.

Upon arrival back to Shanghai got to see the skyscrapers all lit up creating
a Las Vegas-like atmosphere. Great way to end the day.