Olympic Quest 2012: Shanghai

We began the day with a walking tour of the boardwalk along the Huangpu River. Here we had a chance to learn about the history behind some of the surrounding buildings and take some spectacular pictures of downtown Shanghai. In the area we explored, there were 15 banks, but one building’s architectural feature made it stand out from the rest. It was supported by twelve marble pillars and of those twelve a couple were created from one solid piece of marble, making it one of only around 6 buildings in the world that have that feature. There were also some amazing statues and differing artworks on the boardwalk including one the group (Adyn) determined resembled a man furiously making a bed. Real symbolization???

After taking in the sights around the boardwalk, we headed to a place of beauty and serenity. This place was the Yu Gardens. Rocks were shipped in from all over the world to fill the landscape that is also home to flowers grass, plants, ponds, and trees, some that are over 100 years old! Walking through the gardens was very peaceful and provided us the opportunity to get some great photos.

We ate an interesting lunch next to the silk museum before going to the exhibit. The term interesting is used because a lot of the food was in question as to what it was. There were some great dumplings, rice, and steamed vegetable but not a lot of meat which I think everyone was hoping for.
We later visited a silk museum learning about how silk is made and different ways it can be used. We learned about the farming process, how silk is extracted, and how it is made into thread to make quilts and a variety of clothing. They even explained to us that after they are done with the worm it is common for them to be eaten as they provide a good source of protein, but after seeing the worms I think there was a common feeling of nausea after hearing that part. They had a large selection of silk clothing and a majority of the men on the trip went straight for the silk boxers.
We switched gears and headed to Nanjing Road. People were everywhere! Stores like Nike and Rolex, restaurants including local cuisine and McDonalds, and people selling everything from shoes to real estate were all part of the experience. By now we all are experts at the various techniques of declining their sales pitch: look down and walk faster, ignore them and talk with other classmates, or just say “No, I already have that and I don’t want it!” Many other local people were very friendly and interested in where we were from and what we were in Shanghai for. Overall I think we all are impressed with their English. Our Chinese speaking ability is another story.

Before heading to the hotel we got the opportunity of a lifetime. Shanghai is home to the fastest train in the world, Maglev. At a top speed of 431 km per hour, riding on Maglev was a blast! At one point the train passes the other one headed in the opposite direction only feet away. For one second we could see a dark blur pass by our windows making a loud sound and slightly rattling our train. All of us jumped; one of us screamed. This was an unforgettable experience. The day was filled with exciting new experiences we can’t wait to share in more detail with you all when we get back!

Zai Jian!

Adyn Clausen and Jake Klem

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