Final Days in Shanghai

Saturday November 7th - Sunday November 9th

Our last two days in Shanghai continued to offer exciting visits and new things to see and do.  Saturday was at the Chinese Antique Market learning about the types of antiques and reproductions available to purchase and the market for these.  There is not a lot of genuine antiques available because so much was destroyed in the Cultural Revolution, however there is interest in Chinese Antique furniture, hence the ability to make reproductions, or new furniture from old items.  Matt had the chance to visit a physio working in Shanghai, then we were taken to lunch by Lora’s host Matthias.

After an afternoon rest (or shopping) we gathered at Cisca’s place for some drinks, cheese and bikkies; a term (bikkies) that Cisca found a little strange, but she enjoyed using the Aussie slang anyway.  It gave us a chance to spend some time with people that had helped us a lot while in Shanghai including Cisca and her husband Tom, Tom from Rotary and a young Chinese man Michael – who was invaluable help on many occasions.

Sunday  we took a 2 hour bike ride along the riverside and through small farming village.  When we stopped for a break I think we offered the locals a lot of entertainment as they do not often get foreigners through their village, and they gathered around to watch us.  But the bike ride was fun, and offered a new perspective and view of China we hadn’t seen.  After the ride we went to a water town, ate some lunch and took a gentle boat ride.

Farewell Shanghai, thanks to Cisca and Tom, and everyone from the Rotary Club of Shanghai for showing us so many things, teaching us about Shanghai, and making us feel very welcome.