25/11/07
Sunday

Woke up early to the wailing sounds of a traditional Chinese orchastra, playing on the stage under my hotel on Nanjing Road. Throw down a pot noodle for breakfast and then it was back outside into the chaos! 1st stop Shanghai Museum, a gigantic space age building found to the south of Peoples Square - entrance fee and audio guide $10nz. Spend the next 4 hours exploring Chinese Bronze, Porcelain, Furniture and Jade pieces. Feet dying, back aching and stomach grumbling, jump on the red Metro Line 1 heading to the French Concession, an arty and shopping area with beautiful trees lining the streets and art deco apartment blocks. I grab an epic fried pork rice dish for $3nz and do some aimless wandering. I end up at in Irish Bar with a huge grassy area in the front and camp my ass in the sun, sipping Irish coffee's. The friendly staff help me plan the next leg of my adventure.
On Tuesday I'll be heading north to Suzhou where you can hire a bike and spend a day exploring the cities wonderful gardens...recommended by Marco Polo! After that I'll be taking an overnight ferry to Hangzhou, where I'll catch a bus to Huang Shan - the most beautiful mountain in China according to most Chinese. After spending a night on the summit and relaxing in the hot springs I'll take an overnight train north to the fortified town of Kaifeng. Then if everything goes to plan, I'll be able to catch a train west to Xi-an to check out the Terracotta Warriors!
That is the plan but in true Mureah fashion I'll be leaving things to the last minute - or as the old Chinese saying goes....Linjun moqiang 'To Not sharpen my weapons until the battle is upon you'

This concludes Daily Report 2.