DAY 6 [ Shanghai ] : Speeding on the Bullet Train & Hitting the Language Barrier

We make our way through health quarantine, customs and try to find our transport into Shanghai via the Mag-Lev or Bullet Train.

The Train travels at a speed of 270mph and takes about 9 minutes to go the 30 miles we need to go. Although the train is smooth, you really feel the speed since you are so low to the ground and the surrounding streets and buildings look like a minature beacuse you can't see the cars or people moving. You get a snapshot and then you are gone. If you pass another 200 foot Mag-Lev train going the other way, it's gone in a blink literally. If you are facing the other way, you wouldn't have time to turn your head when you hear the sound, to see the aqua and orange striped train blur past.



We arrive at the station and have to catch the Metro near to where Geoffs Uncle Monte and Auntie Wendy live. I'm not sure what to expect but it's been great to have crash pads and not have to spend any cash. Turns out it was rush hour and we got stuck an extra stop because the train was full and we couldn't get off.

Back on track, we're on foot and walking to get a taxi to no avail so we walk...
This is another moped driven city that seems to flow in a weird chaos that baffles me. It's the weirdest word problem ever.
Q. How can you pass twenty mopeds, fifteen cars and thirty people all through the same space at the same time all coming from different directions?
A. You can't... but somehow the math works in this city and it all flows.

Somehow the rain found our forwarding address and catching a cab is impossible. We are all the way accross town from where we are supposed to be but the view from where we are is straight out of Star Wars. Unique shapes and ultra modern. It looks like all of the high rises were built in the last 5-10 years except the old ones (circa 20's-30's) around the Bund used to house the embassys.



Half the worlds cranes reside in Shanghai and since the property value is so high, the city tears down the old two story buildings and put up new 80 story high rises for the 'good of the people'. Communism versus Commercism.



After a couple hours walking, we arrive at the aunt and uncles place. What I didn't know was this is a three story, 2 million dollar condo with the best view of Shanghai you can possibly get. The furniture is ornate with gold leaf and could have been lifted from a museum exibit. Uncle Monte is a mellow, good natured guy who is one notch above stowic leaning toward bemused. Auntie Wendy is a majong player and a smoker who reminds me alot of my grandmother so I like her already.