Shanghai Stop Over : 7 November 2011

Day 10: 7th November 2011, Monday

Destination: Shanghai

Shanghai was not on the list to see as I only had 10 days break. Yes, all of my 30 days leave finished. However, thanks to the transfer flight and 10 hours in between, I manage to see the city in the nick of time.

Upon arrival, I went straight to the information counter, gathered information on the city, took a map and jump on the bullet train, which was the fastest and most convenient way to get to the town. The transportation system in Shanghai is superb, with so many different Lines all connected at the ground, getting to places was easy.

First stop, is to the old Jade Buddha temple, situated right in the middle of the town. I loved Shanghai, its so modern and trendy. Most people I encounter actually spoke English or at least was friendly, which made my stay so pleasant.  

Next stop was ofcourse the to the skyrise buildings that was all in one area, the Oriental Pearl tower, that looks more like space ship than tower; Jin Mao Tower and Shanghai World Financial Centre. I choose to enter only Oriental Pearl Tower. It cost alot but the view up was amazing. It only took second to reach the peak, the fastest elevator.

Then I went across Huangpu river to the Bund, the old Shanghai by underground train. The river was one the famous historical Shanghai Port. It used to be filled with junks. The Bund has dozen of historical buildings mainly banks, insurance and trading houses, which looked familiar to Penang Island. It was beautiful, one side is old and rustic and across the river is modern and high tech.

I just simply loved Shanghai.  I wished I had stayed another day to see more on Shanghai as well as other part of China. just couple more days to complete my loop. At about 1630 pm, I left the city to the airport to fly back home. 

Overall, I find traveling in China was realy interesting. It is indeed impressive, beautiful, different and unique.  Unlike what the rest says about China, I find traveling in China was not  difficult at all even when I did not speak the language. The truth was not knowing the language made the journey more interesting. May be what my mom says is so true, there is always an angels  with me when I travel abroad to protect me.

Beijing Part II: 6th November 2012 A Hike to Remember

Day 9: 6th November 2012, Sunday

Destination: The Great Wall of China From Jinshanling to Simikot!

I woke up early, all prepared. Even manage to get out to packed my breakfast, flat bread form Char Kueah shop. I was so eager for this day, hiking Great Wall, from Jinshanling to Simikot. There were 4 of us from the hostel, and we picked up more from Hutong, total of two van van. Everyone was from different corner of the different world, different age but one thing in comment, conquering the Great Wall.

We were told the hike was difficult and there was only two option, cable car or walk. Unfortunately the cable car was not in service, so there was no option at all. I was worried. It was aproximately 3-4 hours hike, 20 watchtowers.  With so much fear, started the hike. It was not an easy hike, but managable. Some part of the hike were steep and some difficult due to the ruins.  But the best part ws the breathtaking  view. The sunny day and the yellow and red colour from the tree, was just picture perfect.   I actualy had tears!