Sunday in Shanghai

We are taken to the Galaxy Hotel and allowed to shower and rest. Lunch is on our own.

Gina and Destie opt to watch Gymnastics in their room. (We lament that we aren't in Beijing watching it live!)

Noelle invites her friend to join Belly and me. Joseph doesn't want to go out into the heat, and is a bit tired of Chinese food (go figure). We eat at a Japanese Restaurant in the hotel.

The sashimi was plentiful and good. I worried a bit after ordering it, but so far, so good.

Belly helped me finish mine, and then had sushi.

Some people have discovered that McDonalds will deliver!

This guy was in the hotel elevator. He is the ONLY person I have seen wearing a helmet. China used to be known as the "bicycle kingdom" and now could be known as the scooter kingdom. People ride on the back of bikes sidesaddle, have kids on their handle bars, play chicken with buses... but no helmets.

We gather for the buses...

to be taken to the Bund.

There is a statue in the park by the river.

We enjoy the amazing architecture.

We enjoy wathcing the boats- some fancy, some barges with coal.

Then we go inside a tea shop. There are samples. Lychee tea is a bit odd to my tastes. I love the jasmine.

The Beyer gang is there too! Here is gorgeous Ashley.

Then the clouds break loose. It pours!

Thunder! Lightning!

We make a break for the bus, and are taken to a shopping area by the restaurant. The vendors want to sell umbrellas. This is where we ate:

The beer is only 8 proof.
Spencer finds a more familiar beverage:It is the first night that we can see the moon.The lights look like China Town...

Next, we are back at the river on a 45 minute "cruise".

The lights are amazing. Boats and buildings are brilliant billboards.

Tomorrow is our last day.

Tomorrow will be our full day in China.