A few weeks ago we visited Shanghai, China for the first time. Not only did we get to see the vibrant and crowded city that my brother and his girlfriend live in, but we also met up with my Mom and her partner Frank as they finished a two week tour of China. As we often do when visiting a new place, we could not help but compare Shanghai with our home in Ulaanbaatar. In terms of amenities–public transportation, dining, convenience store snacks; etc–Shanghai comes out ahead. But, in terms of personal space, pace of life, and being able to use your credit card, Ulaanbaatar takes the win. While living in Mongolia, one can forget just how crowded some parts of the world truly are.
As for places to see, we highly recommend the Shanghai Urban Planning Exhibition Center. The Bund is a fascinating mix of old and new. The acrobatic show put on by ERA is jaw dropping, and everything we ate from Japanese food to traditional English tea is delicious. The intense frenetic pace of the city makes it hard to call it a “relaxing” vacation destination, but there is so much to experience, it is definitely a place worth visiting.
David outside the school he works at near People's Square.
On our way to the Bund.
The old side of the river...
the new side...
...and the millions of people checking out the view with me.
Drivers in Shanghai make Mongolian drivers look positively well behaved. We had so much time to spare trying to cross the street that we could take a picture.
Fuxing Park. Shady peaceful parks are definitely something missing in Ulaanbaatar.
A road in the French Concession.
A much needed and delicious veggie bun stop.
A memorable family dinner.
The view from the 94th floor of the Shanghai World Financial Center.
David at work.
Nothing like high tea to rejuvenate a person.
David and Jessica at tea at the Mandarin Oriental Hotel.