This amazing tour is heading to its conclusion! Shanghai was done in two parts and included a variety of different activities, including visiting a school, the best oriental garden of the tour, night lights and ascending the fourth tallest building in the world.
Our first impression of Shanghai was that of a very modern and busy city with massive traffic
and.......one that appeared more western than most cities we visited in Asia. Actually, it put Carol in mind of some of the old Flash Gordon sci-fi comics.
It is obvious that this is the business heart of China - it certainly showed.
But, there was culture and history to observe, including a visit to the cultural museum.
Up the escalator and again signs caught our attention:
Once up, the view from the top was worth another picture:
But we came to see collections of the past and on this occasion would like to show you a couple of art pieces. The picture of these old men playing Mahjong won me and I remembered with much enjoyment sitting with another group of old men in Dali as they played this game::
The following gives a little background to the above 'scroll' which is of course about the mighty Yangtze River:
But I also wanted to put the 'ancient' in touch with us 'moderns' today:
So what better comparison than Carol!
A visit to the Bund during the day was rather disappointing, but provided a great opportunity for a photo-shoot.
And here are a couple of shots with great folk whose company we enjoyed for over three weeks:
A visit to the TV tower was pretty impressive:
A total change of 'PACE' was a trip on the new fast train to the airport. And yes...it is the fastest train in the world!
It was fast! Some wanted to sit on the side where they could view the passing of the train coming from the opposite direction! Hah! It was a split fraction of a second as we just felt a whoosh and the moment was gone.
A visit to the Children's Palace was a delight. (Wonder why they call it Children's Palace?) Just note Carol, the music teacher, taking careful notice.
It was lovely to see the kids together with, what I believe, was a parent:
Just love this next shot:
Careful tuning by this youngster - she seemed too small to handle the instrument!
To get a real feel for the place, we all went back to school and our behaviour was of course exemplary (all good little children):
The artwork from children was really nice and creative:
After that, a look at the ballet class and, as you can see, kids really are the same everywhere. Us mob from left Greg, Graham, Phil, Carol, Pat, Chris, Barry, the teacher, Beryl and on the floor - looking as though she wants to join in, Sandra:
The kids certainly played up for the cameras and the 'big noses':
All this stuff makes for hungry people and we were certainly being looked after by the tour. Perhaps, it would have been nice as a change, to sample the local dishes that the city workers indulged in, like Shanghai dumplings.
And just like in Oz, fast-food outlets are well advertised and very popular:
The last afternoon was set aside for a visit to the Yu Gardens. Most of the party however wanted a last chance to do some shopping, which left only us two plus Chris and Graham to go with our local guide to visit the garden. And what a delight awaited us!! This was the most outstanding garden we visited in China and with just four of us, were able to do this at a most leisurely pace:
As we entered the gardens we did so in style - almost like a bridal couple entrance!
It was clear that Chris enjoyed this lovely spot.
And here we are with just the four of us:
Signs have intrigued us throughout this tour, and here is yet another worth publishing - never heard the toilet referred to as the 'Chamber of 10,000 flowers' before (impressive). Perhaps a separate sign for the toilets would have been more appropriate - or perhaps not everyone has our twisted sense of humour.:
Rather than follow the signs, just follow us as we share a small sample of photos with you - and there heaps more:
Carol is looking very comfortable
...though the fish thought she was going to feed them.
To top off this special afternoon, we were entertained by musicians playing traditional Chinese instruments, most of which were made from porcelain, including beautiful stringed instruments, flutes and bells. This concert was a real bonus, much enjoyed by us.
What a fantastic trip we have had!!
BUT....it is time to say our goodbyes. The first photo is from left Beryl & Barry, Helen & Colin, Ricki & Phil and Tony:
The second photo saying 'Cheers' and 'Hope to see you again', standing from left Chris, me, Faye (you beaut!), Greg & Graham. Seated Julie, Christine, Carol & Pat.
So, let's celebrate in style with a night drive that really was something:
And what about the waterfront!!
Our boat cruise was cancelled, I think by government order (boats were commandeered for other official visitors). Instead, we were treated to a visit to the fourth tallest building in the world
and thoroughly enjoyed the views from the top.
For us, it was an early start the following morning to travel by train to Nanjing for a special add-on. That will be the next chapter on our blog. Feel free to tune in and share our special enjoyment in that place. Many thanks to everyone on the tour. You are a great bunch of people and we appreciated your company!
and spring flowers like daffodils. 
Oh yes, the weeds also think it is party time, but we will restricts ourselves with the beauty of new creation that is springing forth in our own garden. Carol is just inspecting the front garden that we have turned into a 'native' garden:
On her right is the most beautiful show of a Native Mint bush:
Let's get a closer look at this magic colour:
There are a variety of Banksias, including this delightful one which is so soft to touch:
This one on the other hand is quite hard but very impressive:
This Grevillea is a great ground cover and requires very little watering.
The Native Wax Flower along our boundary is also showing its worth
This morning, our Wisteria was showing its gratitude from a solid prune back during winter:
And finally, a selection, just picked, from our own garden:
