China is done

We are finishing up our time in China and are currently in the Shanghai airport. We had a very nice time in Shanghai and is probably the one city that we have visited in China that we could potentially see ourselves living (probably not though). Seeing the difference between the Chinese and Japanese cultures has been unreal. They are so different in so many ways.

Our time in Shanghai started with a visit to the Bund area which everyone speaks very highly of. We unfortunately didn't think that it was very nice as most of it was under construction and very dirty. The city is preparing for the World Business Fair which is next May here in Shanghai. The US is being a little difficult right now and saying that they are not going to participate in the fair as they don't want to spend the money to build their pavilion.

We also went up to the top of the Jin Mao tower, the Shanghai Museum, walked around the French Concession, and went to the old city area. We didn't have a guide or do any tours here, so we managed the city on our own, using the subway which was very easy to use.

Here in Shanghai, there are a lot of people walking around the street asking if we want to go into the back alley's and buy watches, bags, etc. Erin and I created a little game with these people and as we saw them coming up to us, we would walk in two different directions and confuse them. It was very fun. Unfortunately there were times when we couldn't avoid them and they just don't take no for an answer. In one incident, Erin was rather frustrated and swatted the lady.

It's now off to Vietnam for 1 night and then to Cambodia for 3...Hope all is well with everyone.