Back to Pudong

For my last full day in Shanghai, I decided to go back to the place where I fell in love with the city, before I started having problems with the polluted air or poisoned water. The shiny skyscrapers took my breath away the moment I glanced at them and even today, after seeing them quite a few times, I was still amazed by how much of a human achievement it is to have built up all these buildings in so short a time.

Due to a problem communicating with the taxi driver, I ended up at the Science Museum proper instead of the subway station of the same name. No problem, I figured, I've been using the station for close to 3 weeks, might as well check out the museum on this last excursion. The museum itself seemed a bit childish so I didn't see the exhibits but I was looked around and took a few snapshots.
The bubble is really cool and very Shanghai.
And it looks equally good from the inside
The museum also has a cool looking Imax theater
When I got to downtown Pudong, my only real choice was which of the two towers (World Financial Center or Jin Mao) to visit to get another view of the skyline. I settled for the tallest one, the World Financial Center (to the left)
Even though you can see the towers from practically anywhere downtown, it was quite difficult to actually get to them because of all the construction. At least I was on foot and quite a deal more mobile than these poor folks stuck in these metal boxes on wheels
Across the street from the two towers is one of the newest Shanghai buildings that will surely up the ante, it looks taller and even more daring on the poster on the construction fence
When I got to Jin Mao tower, I was taken back by the sheer size of it. It's one thing to see it kilometers away but to stand at the base and look up is very impressive. I can't believe someone climbed it!!
This giant magnet beside the World Financial Center is meant to symbolize the attraction of Pudong for commerce and businesses
There was also a fair going on to celebrate the first anniversary of the tower with an international bazaar that was just a few items from some country in those small stalls. No products from North America, a bit dissapointing.
In Shanghai-style, the wait area and lift to the observation deck is very science-fiction like

Even the uniform look like it belongs on Star Trek
The price of admission was well worth if, even if it's just to see the Jin Mao tower up close. What a mammoth of steel and concrete!
There was also a nice view of the park next door
The Oriental TV tower was also visible despite the haze
And I saw some structures that were not visible from the TV Tower. Those condos are exactly what we need in Ottawa!
Those buildings looked like lego blocks!
And those guys had to work at 450m in the air. OUCH!
I felt on top of the world, I'm really glad I decided to visit the area a second time!
When I was done at the observation deck, I walked to the riverside to see the Puxi side once more. It wasn't even 5 o'clock yet but it looked like sunset because of all the Haze (a Shanghai fixture it would seem)
I saw this tiny McDonald's that serves only ice cream
And found a nice garden to relax in and do some people watching while I waited for Alex's work shift to end
I also walked around a bit on the beautiful paths
And finally got some delicious Cantonese dinner once Alex made it to downtown. I was so hungry I didn't even get a picture of the delicious fishy corn soup. We then had Eggplant with pork (yummy and spicy!)
With some fish balls with crunchy sesame sticks
Shrimp dumplings
And the best steamed bbq pork buns I've ever had. Sorry Min, yours are now number 2!!
The traditional finishing touch of watermelon was nice
We then walked around a bit on what has to be the most romantic walk in Shaghai at the riverside to enjoy the night time Puxi skyline
And I couldn't resist taking more pictures of this iconic view. I must have this exact picture a million time already but I love it!
After that, we went to a cute little place called Half where the Shanghai LGBT group had its monthly meetup. We played some wii with friendly strangers and enjoyed some drinks while playing four in a row. Games are a big part of the bar scene it seems here and they make a really good ice breaker to start a conversation. We could learn a thing or two from the Chinese!

Not to panic if I am a bit quiet over the coming days. Busy days and travelling between cities means that I may not have time or the technical means to update these pages right away but I will make every effort possible.