SHANGHAI II

31.07.07
Went to Yuyan Gardens and Museum of Urban Development today with Dave and Karen. Both were nice, but not amazing. Museum had interesting model of what Shanghai will look like in ten years, and also a cool 360 degree cinema tour of the future city. The gardens were okay, but touristy and I'm a bit spoilt after so many Japanese gardens.
In the evening Dave and I went for an amazing feast at a Cantonese restaurant with Ping and her friend, Nina. Then off to a club called Babyface for a little dancing.
Last night Dave and me ended up eating on the street again. In the wee hours of the morning we hit our 'regular' noodle stall which is temporarily situated near our hostel each night. Always seems appealing after a loads of cheap Chinese beer. This time there were other customers eating too. Sat on tiny plastic stools amidst the city's rubbish we scoffed fried noodles and tried to make small talk. Three girls shared their dishes with us and were very nice, but not a word of English. A cool, but mean looking guy sat alone eating. When there wasn't enough stools to go round, Dave offered him his knee to sit on. He then warmed to us, but never smiled. He looked about 16 with a mustache and after throwing his chopsticks onto the street with a look of disgust, he offered us a cigarette each. Everyone in Shanghai reminds me of my friend Matt Porter.
Photos (from top): Urban Development plans for Shanghai, Yuyuan Gardens, Me, Ran and Dave in Ucool hostel.