I'm sort of scared to put my external hard drive into my computer. I think I have a virus that affects external storage devices, so I'll just write for now...
Lijiang was a great experience. I think my parents and Jim really enjoyed themselves there. I certainly did. Ok ok, it was a bit touristy at times, but it had it's charming moments that were priceless.
After Lijiang, we flew to Shanghai. Like the first time I was in Shanghai, the taxi driver took us a bit of a "detour" just to up the price. Jerk. Shanghai - the city of thieves! A friend of mine got his wallet stolen there. My camera was stolen on Nanjing Dong Lu. And now I was ripped off a
second time by cab drivers?
Whatever. I love Shanghai. And I didn't let bad experiences like that ruin my awesome stay. We stayed at a hotel with a rich history north of the Bund called the Astor House Hotel. Great place...and the price is right for what you get.
Met my friend Jake at the hotel. It was great seeing him. Last time I saw him, we went on a trip to the Okanagan in 2009 before my practicum. He's almost finished his final year in university at U of T. We definitely caught up with each other. 2 nights in a row just drinking beers and talking until 3 AM aught to do it!
We toured the China Pavilion, Pudong, Nanjing East Road...among other places. Jake and I broke off from the 'rents and Jim to go explore the French Quarter. I brought him to the Propaganda Poster Museum. Last time I was there was with my traveling partner Nick. It was a headache to find, since it's in the basement of an apartment building. Jake got a lot more out of it (being from Harbin) than I could have imagined.
I also got to hang out with my old colleague Hedy, and even Jake and Jake's father. Good company, good times.
Shanghai was the last stop for my father and Jim. They left for Vancouver after 3 days of Shanghai. Mom and I continued to Wuhan on the same day. She would meet Cathy and see the school...
