Shanghai-1: To the North
Leaning Tower
After we landed at the Shanghai airport, our tour buses took us north. Essentially, we would make circular route, first to the north for a day, then towards the west for a day and finally into the city itself for two days.
We stopped at a public park and as we were walking towards the center, we came upon this horse and cart, patiently awaiting riders. As I prepared to take the picture, it seemed as though the horse politely gave me a picturesque pose.
This in the leaning tower. The Chinese compare it to the Leaning Tower of Pizza and they have had to go through similar efforts to stabilize this tower to keep it from topling.
Dru with the tower in the background. The afternoon sun gave a different coloring to the tower.
Canal Boat Ride
Just as the sun was setting, we took a boat ride through one of the canals. It gave us an opportunity to catch a glimpse of the local people in their normal environment.
Some of the homes were quite attractive.
A different way to commute.
A bit more cluttered.
Looking down the canal
A beautifully lit foot bridge we went under on the night time ride back
Patrons dining at a canal side restaurant
More Food
While on the canal boat ride, we stopped and went through a local market. These are a couple of samples of the available food. Before, when we stopped for lunch, the restaurant displayed some Chinese food choices.
The fruit looked quite delicious. However, we were strongly advised not to eat any of the food sold in the local markets.
Chicken for taking home. Note the feet still attached.
All of the restaurants we were taken to served an adequate selection western friendly entrees. This one particular restaurant had a huge, startling display of Chinese selections. Not only are these fish menacing looking on the plate, but they look like they would be pretty mean in real life as well. Those are some serious looking teeth.
Succulent duck feet, ready for your enjoyment.