Dear All,
Greetings! It's Thursday in Shanghai and we've been here long enough to feel settled in this massive megacity. We've both seen and heard of the results that occur when there are so many extremely rich people, an extremely small middle class and so many who are extremely poor. In our check-in devotions last night we reflected on all the different ways that we've observed this and how challenging this is most challenging for the majority of the Chinese people.
We're staying close to the BUND which houses all the major banks of China and is integral part of the economic core of this megacity. Close to this region the government set aside a vast tract of land for foreign companies to build their headquarters which has created a foreign 'hub' within this area of Shanghai. Shanghai is the country's capital for high rises & ranks in the top of the world for high rise buildings. The massive expanse of high rises was evident from the plane and our tour of the city.
The architecture along the BUND and old downtown core is a combination of English, French and Chinese from the historical time period when these other countries controlled sections of Shanghai. This is a sad part of the Chinese history as the Chinese were treated poorly similar to the deep south as they had to pay to cross the Pudong River while 'white' people didn't and signs in parks/areas would say no Chinese/no dogs allowed etc. So this reminder is always there from the building left behind.
In Shanghai on Wednesday we toured the Yu Gardens which was our highlight of the day. A beautiful complex that a son built for his father with intricately carved buildings to live, be provided with their own small theatre for entertainment, living quarters etc. The rock formations, gardens, trees, bamboo and water way that was intertwined between everything was tranquil and a blessing to enjoy. (You'll see many pictures of this as everyone got lots of pictures of this).
We went into a really interesting shopping market with the old styled buildings, waterway and paths which was a great experience after our tour. The students are getting proficient at their bartering skills and enjoying this part of the culture. (Although we all also enjoy stores that just have a fixed price too for a break from the process!)
We drove around the Expo 2010 site which covered a massive amount of land and the number of people going through a day hit 1.5 million people. Our guide said the line up from some pavilions would read 9 hours!! Our dinner was at another Chinese restaurant that provided live entertainment of musicians.
Last night we split into groups again as we have a core group who are really enjoying the opportunity to have a 'massage' in the evenings. For 120 yuan = $20 those who go are getting a 2 hour massage. I haven't had the chance yet as I've been staying with the other group of students who like to shop but perhaps at some point I may have that chance. This has been another highlight for many on this trip!
Today we're off to another city to tour so I will write more soon! The blessings include healthier students! I didn't want to comment until I had positive news and so now I can because things are looking better for everyone! Thanks for your prayers!
May you have a wonderful day and we'll touch base soon,
Mrs. VV
P.S THANKS to Cheryl who is now in Chicago and still able to upload our pictures to the blog!!! Watch for more pictures to come!
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