Well, we finally did it. I got everyone cards and we rode two more modes of transportation in Shanghai. The first ride was on the
Maglev (Magnetic Levitation) Train. For the price of $12.00 US each, we got to ride out to the airport and back at 267 mph. What takes 25 minutes by car took us only 6 minutes. The best part of this ride was the lady that sat across from the 4 kids. Elise is pretty sure she was talking about having 4 white people on the train was bad luck and that everyone on the train was going to die (the number 4 means death in China). Two points....one, apparently she didn't see the kids get on with us, so there were 6 white people; two, we didn't crash because I am here typing this. After our fine trip on the
Maglev, we then rode the Metro (subway) around town. Yes, it was another great opportunity to be the
FreakShow for awhile. We only had one person get petted (Natalie) and we all managed to stay together. We rode the Line 3 which is above ground, so you get a good view of what Shanghai really looks like. We had many opportunities to see things that we don't get to see when we are driving around. We found a water park, saw the Football Stadium, and got to see neighborhoods that were definitely more local than not. It is amazing to see the living conditions here for those who aren't privileged. Another thing we noticed on the subway was that the car could be packed with people, and everyone was giving us a bunch of room. Apparently we were either quite intimidating or it was too difficult to take pictures of us with people standing around us. We were going to ride all the way around and back to the starting point, but after 2.5 hours on the metro everyone got hungry. So, I used my mad subway maneuvering skills to find a stop at Taco Bell
Grande so we could be greeted with more Chinese, "
Hola, Amigos!" and "Adios, Amigos!". As we were sitting in the restaurant I looked outside and noticed it was pouring down rain. Then, the thunder and lightning rolled in and we ended up with the largest storm we have been in since we got here. This ended our public transportation extravaganza, and I called Hang Lei to come pick us up and take us home.
Apparently this is plum season. During plum season it rains everyday and storms come and go quickly. It may be a perfectly beautiful day when you leave the house, and .5 hour later pouring down rain. We wondered why many of the people we saw on the subway were carrying umbrellas, and now we know. They also work wonderfully for shade when it is not raining.
Also, Happy Belated Birthday to Mr. Kent!
Anyway, we will be home soon. Here is a picture of Jacob assimilating to the culture:
6 comments:
Wow! What an exciting day you have had! I'm wondering if older bones handle that many exciting things all in the same day? :)
Probably not right now when only one foot is good to go, but it's getting much better.
Jacob that's a pretty cool picture of you in your "attire". Thanks for sharing the picture.
Grandma decided to stay put here at home today. We did venture out to the grocery for a longer walking experience yesterday - I was ready to be done.
We're looking forward to your return to the States.
Love you all,
Grandma R
Thanks for the Meglev info! Another cool mode of transportation to add to a History of Travel timeline this Fall. I can't imagine going that fast while still on the ground. Must have been pretty amazing.
Natalie, are you going to miss being petted when you're in the states? NOT!
How lovely that you can all come visit family for awhile. But woe is me...what EVER will I read while you're gone?
:-) Betsy
I've been reading this blog since you first landed, and it seems like you are all on such an amazing adventure. Your children will really benefit from such a unique cultural experience. Sounds like you are living in a bit of a fish bowl, but handling the situation and attention very well. We wish you and your family the best on this journey! We'll continue reading about your experiences on the blog. Any thoughts about a possible book deal?
Thanks for sharing these stories.
Matthew Tucker
Oh, my goodness, what fun and cool experiences for all. I, too, can hardly imagine going that fast while still on the ground. I think it would make me dizzy seeing things whip past me so fast. Are you going to miss the center of attention when you get home?? So which mode of travel are you taking to the airport when you come home this week end? Be careful and be safe!!
There is probably one thing that I envy about being there and that is the, oh so cheap, massages and pedicures. It would be cool to be pampered like that!!!
Have a good trip home. Be careful!!!
Aunt Carol
So, You are saying that the weather (during June-July) in Shanghai is like living in Michigan...wait a 1/2 hour and it will change! Just another way that God has made it easier for you to adapt to your new habitat.
I picked up the wrist bands for July 1st. Ken B. couldn't figure out why I needed 12!I told him Roger had a secret family from his past and they were coming to visit!
So is the train ride bumpy at all? did you hang your head out the window and let your tongue flap in the breeze?!Just curious.
Hi there - Glad it was you going 267 mph and not me. Somehow I don't think I would enjoy either of the rides you went on.
Nice picture of Jacob. Looks like he is relaxing and enjoying himself.
Can't wait to see you. I am getting so excited about it I wake up in the middle of the night thinking about things we will need for camping and what we will do.
See you in in 8 days!! Call us when you get back in the States.
Love, Mom
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