Bidding farewell to my family on Sunday morning, I joined the throng of people at the airport who all had a place to go to.. Mine was to PVG..
I stayed in Pudong at the suggestion of my friend whom I was to meet for dinner that night.. We had not seen each other for almost 15 years, yet when we met up in the hotel lobby, it was as if we just parted way yesterday.. The conversation just picked up like in the old days as if the 15 year span were not there at all.. I am often amazed at the bond people formed when they were young. That type of friendship never fades away even as time goes by and circumstances change..
We caught up over dinner at an elegant restaurant serving fusion cuisine.. One of my favorite dishes was this fish head soup...
We were so engaged in our conversation, and when we headed out of the door, I completely forgot about my iPhone that I put on the table after taking pictures of the dishes.. Luckily, I mean LUCKILY, the waitress spotted it in time and caught up with us where we were still within her sight.. No words could describe my gratitude for her!
She took me to the 87th floor of the Grand Hyatt on the Bund for an after dinner drink and to see the striking skyline of this amazing city..
It was so nice seeing her again after so many years!
I had until about 2pm the next day to experience Shanghai at which time I would need to depart for Suzhou.. So I decided to spend the time at 城偟廟and Yu Garden..
The interesting sculptures just outside the hotel.. I took this picture on my way to the Metro Station which is just around the corner of the hotel..
The color on this girl was quite catching and refreshing in the early morning...
Then I noticed this very unique wall of the building just cross the street with the Metro station..
I was amazed to see how empty the train was and how clean it was...
After two transfers, I arrived at Yu Garden Station..this was what I saw after getting out of the station.. Note the Oriental Pearl Tower in the distance..
Exactly what I needed in order to find my way...
Edge of 城偟廟started seeing shops... Silk robes seemed to be a fixed element for a lot of the shops there..
Getting deeper into the area...
Shops lining the street...
旗袍stores were a common sight..
I bought this at one of the stores..The pictures were taken after I got back for effects..
城偟廟Square seemed to be a popular destination..
I had to try the food here...
By the time I got back to the hotel, it was about 1:30pm and time for me to get ready to leave for Suzhou..
Only late that night after I was in Suzhou, I received a note from my hu*****and relaying a request from my daughter. She wanted a 旗袍. Only if I knew it that afternoon!
See my next blog for ＂來也匆匆，去也匆匆 - 蘇州園區篇＂. Thank you.
