China

Kunming, May 17 

Fashions from silk

The last segment of our visit to Suzhou ended with our visit to silk factory; some pictures of that visit are now posted. As you will see, we got actively involved in the factory activities and we were treated to a fashion show; some pictures have also been posted of the Zhuozheng and Wangshi garden visits in Suzhou.  (Click on the Photo Gallery link to view all the pictures.)

After the silk factory visit, the group had lunch (enjoyed by all, and as shown in the photo gallery, some in the group are getting the hang of using chopsticks). We then we headed back to Shanghai to take in the newly built Shanghai museum.  The museum contains five floors, and houses amazing collections of ancient Chinese bronze work, as well as exhibits of Qing and Ming (and earlier) dynasty porcelain vases and other exquisite works.  Collections also included the “jade” room and beautifully carved wooden furniture. After the museum we checked into our hotel and had a free evening to explore.

The next day we had a free morning; some of the students together with Dr. Mullis and Dr. Koplas were up early to take in some Tai Chi dancing with the locals in people’s park (see video).

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Some students also went with Dr. Koplas to take the maglev train that runs between Pudong airport and Shanghai – cruising speed is 430 km per hour (see pictures); one way is 7 minutes, a distance that takes about 40 minutes by taxi.

Following lunch, we headed off to take a boat tour on the Huangpu river, which flows through Shanghai. The west side of the river is the location of the “original” city of Shanghai, and the promenade area along the river here is called the Bund. On the east side of the river is Pudong, which is the newest area of development in Shanghai. Pudong is the site of the financial district and related businesses, as well as the newest skyscrapers that have arisen in the past ten years in Shanghai.

Making a friend in Yu Gardens

After the boat ride the group headed to the Yu Garden, which is surrounded by the Chenghuangmiao Market – one of the most visited and crowded markets in Shanghai – lots of clothing stores along with everything else currently made in China. We had a few hours to take in the garden, stroll around the market and find a bite to eat. We then boarded the bus to the theater see the evening performance of the Shanghai Acrobatics extravaganza (see pictures). Everyone was impressed with the display of talent, which also included a magician and a finale that had five motorcycles going around inside a giant steel ball; fortunately, no mishaps in that act, although in the previous week there had been some mishaps. We then went back to the hotel, with the rest of evening free for those who wanted to venture out.

On Sunday morning, the group assembled for the ride to the airport to catch our flight to Kunming and to begin one of the highlights of the trip – a four night stay in the mountains a few hundred kilometers outside of Kunming to do work with Habitat for Humanity (GanhaiziVillage). The group was very excited about this impending part of the trip; the next update will provide reactions and details. The weather report is sketchy at the time of this report: unlike the trip thus far which has seen generally mild temperatures and clear skies, the group could encounter rain and thunder storms during part of the stay in Ganhaizi Village (Yunnan Province).

Everyone is in good health and having a great time.

Dr. Harry Bowen