Shanghai adventures

I had such an adventure today in Shanghai! A group of 8 of us set out from the ship as soon as it was cleared around 2pm. We started walking, found an ATM to get money, then decided to see if we could find some markets to shop in and then five of us wanted to see an acrobat show because we were told that Shanghai has amazing shows that are definitely worth seeing. So we looked at a couple maps and started trying to find our way around. Turns out a lot of the directions in English on street signs are wrong so that was confusing. We stopped at a Starbucks so we could get change and ask for directions (as lame as it is, Starbucks never fails for things like that so I now secretly hold a special place in my heart for Starbucks even if it is taking over the world) so the Starbucks employees helped us out a lot by writing where we wanted to go as well as directions back to the ship in Chinese, so that we could show it to taxi drivers because none of the them seemed to speak English. So far Shanghai has been the most difficult place to get around in. So after Starbucks we started walking again, and we stopped in a hotel to ask for more directions and it turned out that that hotel sold tickets to one of the acrobat shows, so we bought tickets and figured we’d just walk around and shop for a little while and then head to the show.

So we walked around more and found a little market but we got there just a little bit before it was closing so didn’t get too much time to shop there. Then we decided we should just take a taxi to the show and find somewhere to eat nearby the theater. Getting a taxi was the trickiest part of the day! We stood outside a hotel and had the hardest time flagging one down (it’s a different hand motion than it is in the US, it’s kind of a “bouncing a basketball”hand motion to get a taxi) so eventually we gave up and decided instead to brave the Shanghai subway system! So there were 8 of us and we all stood outside the subway station preparing ourselves. I’m sure it was such a funny thing to watch us all. We put our bags in front of us, linked arms, made a plan of where to meet when we got off in case we got separated, and went for it. It was SO crowded! My first subway experience was in New York City but this was way more crowded. We had to shove our way into the subway while staying linked to one another so we basically shoved in sideways and didn’t let go until we got out. Hahaha just thinking about it now is so funny. But we made it! And it wasn’t too bad really. The subways are pretty nice and not too hard to figure out. There were signs in English and we had maps so we did well. So after the subway we eventually found the theater. We had to stop for snacks along the way in a convenience store because we didn’t have time to get dinner before the show. We got to the theater only 5 minutes late.

The show was absolutely amazing! There were amazing acrobatics, magic, hoop jumping and everything in between! They put all American circus shows to shame, haha. And the final act was the giant ball with FIVE guys driving motorcycles around the inside! It was insane!! So after that we decided to find some dinner, we were walking along a major street and stopped by a little booth with a woman selling tea. Some people bought tea and while we were there we got into a conversation with a guy who told us a good place to eat and we went to this cute little restaurant with balcony seating, had a great dinner and took a taxi back! It was such an adventurous day full of fun spontaneous experiences! I was also very glad that after more than a month of hot, sticky, humid weather we finally got to a port that was cold! It wasn’t too cold but chilly enough to need a couple layers and a scarf. So even though it’s pretty tricky getting around and most people don’t speak English, it ended up being a great experience in Shanghai. We’re here tomorrow too although I may need to spend most of my day catching up on homework which I didn’t finish while we were at sea. Sigh. But I’d say I got a pretty good taste of Shanghai anyways. And I’m getting excited for Japan! Our two ports there are Kobe and Yokohama, and I’m going with a group of friends to Tokyo which should be really exciting! I’ve heard it’s the most populated city in the world.

Well I think that’s all for now. I’m pretty much exhausted so I’m off to bed now. It’s afternoon for everyone at home! Haha. So I hope everyone is having a lovely Monday, and please send me more emails!! :-)

Peace and Love!