Day 16 Wednesday 18 April – Head in The Clouds

Expanding faster than the Big Bang, Shanghai is an ultra modern city, that gives the impresson of efficiency in every sense. In the new areas shiny windowed office blocks with crystal-like mirrors are sprouting up quicker than bamboo shoots. However, a vivid contrast is simultaneously presented as enclaves of almost third world squalor continue to exist deep in the heart of the high-rise, LED 21st Century.

Across the river from the Bund, the TV or Oriental Pearl Tower has to be one of the most original buildings on the planet. Both tall and pretty we headed straight for it taking the subway system which has all the stations and exits coded and clearly labelled and which did indeed prove straight forward. The quick trip to the top and down again actually occupied two interesting hours by the time we had visited all three pearl stages, had a drink in the revolving bar, and walked through 200 years of Shanghai history in life size models – another fascinating museum.

We headed to the Yu Gardens next which, once we eventually found them amongst the building site that is renovating the area, were actually quite beautiful.

The market surrounding the place was also quite interesting. Rolex watches seemed in abundance, but somehow didn't quite make the mark. No takers here, and it was amazing how safe I felt wearing the real thing cos no-one around here would have believed my own solid gold Rolex with real diamonds for numbers was the genuine article!