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2.19.2010

Walking to the metro

Well, it's ten after four in the morning.  Thankfully tonight there have been very few fireworks, or if there were any, I slept through them.  So that made for nearly seven hours of uninterrupted sound sleep.  Just a few minutes ago I heard the, "Mommy, I want some peanut butter bagel..."  And it is no wonder, both kids were out cold before we ate dinner last night and we simply couldn't rouse them to eat.  (Am I a bad mommy for admitting that it made for a great date night ~ or as much of a date night you can have with one kid passed out across two chairs beside Ian and the other snoozing soundly in the stroller beside me?  More on dinner later).

Before the day got started my sweet babies had a quick "Dora fix."




Our original touring plan was rather ambitious, even for the pace Ian and I used to keep before kids.  We missed A LOT of what our Frommer's Day By Day guidebook recommended, but I think we got a feel for the pulse of Shanghai.  We actually began "derailing from the plan" within a few blocks of the hotel.  We pretty quickly considered two things ~ 1. When we come back on a heritage tour for the kids one day, Shanghai would be a good "gateway city" because it is so close to Darcy's first home and 2. Our kids were fascinated with EVERYTHING that they saw.  ~ and we relaxed our pace and decided to enjoy what we were able to see. 

Residential streets with cyclists.

Both Kylie and Caleb kept whipping their heads around with wide eyes, taking in all they saw.  We headed down Guangdong Road toward the nearest metro.  Here are some of the things we saw along the way...




                                         
Modern skyscrapers in many interesting shapes.




Our first "detour" from the way to the metro station, a fantastically crowded pedestrian shopping street.  We ended up losing nearly an hour here just people watching and checking out the New Year and upcoming Expo sites.




The sheer mass of people in this street was exciting and almost oppressive at the same time.  It's interesting that there is no concept of "walk on the right" in this country.  Navigating our stroller among the throngs of people was a constant delicate dance, but we really enjoyed it!



Just in case you need a "safe place" to have a snack.  We ended up seeing this chain restaurant EVERYWHERE!



Putting new meaning into winning the "Kewpie doll."  Curious...




Cindy, this one was for you ~ thinking this would be your idea of the Chinese "temple of heaven."  Apparently they have built this fantastic pagoda for the upcoming expo and on this square they recreated it using good old "coca-cola" for the main medium. 


 
 And mainly because we had to wait about 5 minutes to get our turn, we decided to take a picture with the expo mascot.  Ian and I have affectionately dubbed him Gumby.


 I always find it fascinating that there are usually creatures outside of buildings as if they were guarding the entrances.  In Beijing it was mostly lions, here we saw a lot of dragons.

Okay, the kids have full bellies and we are going to attempt a bit more rest before we get up for the day.  Next up, riding the metro, the mag lev train, and the view from the top of the city!
 

8 comments:

Shannon said...

Well yours are up eating bagels. Noah just fell prey to the stomach bug and pulled me out of bed...my post for the last 24 hours. Graham is the only one left and I am sure it is only a matter of time poor thing. Loved seeing the new sights of Shanghai from your vantage point! Loved hearing that the kids are enjoying it so!I guess by now you are on your way to Hungzhao! Woohoo! Only one more sleep!
Praying for your safety as you travel and for God to prepare ALL of your hearts!
Much love!
Shannon

Ann Marie said...

I'm hanging on your every word because our Andrew is from Shanghai. I so wish you could go and get him for us. Glad you are having a good time.

Our Journey said...

I'm so glad you've been able to post! I'm also glad you've got some sleep - I don't know about you all but in Nanchang in 07 they were putting off fireworks almost nightly too - and it was the week before CNY! You're my morning ritual - love waking up to read about your daily journey!

Anonymous said...

Looks like you guys are having a great time. I can't wait to hear more!!! Glad you got some better sleep last night. Love ya,
Traci

Brad said...

It looks like you all are making the most of the wait. We'll be praying for that moment when the five of you are together for the first time and all the moments that follow.
Brad

Heather said...

Oh I am watching ... and praying and waiting .. and stalking a bit, ha! Thanks for keeping us all updated and for "keeping it real" that is what many of us need to read and see and yes, God is that big, so in no time - we will all be thinking Darcy has been with them forever. :) Sleep well my friend. I will be checking all evening hoping for an update.

Nancy said...

I am impressed with how much you've seen and how well you are doing with documenting it all!

Lisa said...

It's so great checking out Shanghai through your eyes. Love the crazy crowded street...too fun!