Thursday, February 12, 2009

SHANGHAI TRIP






Early Monday morning, I hastily prepared myself for my Shanghai trip. I took a shower and went to CRH (fast train) station for my friend, LANZ was already waiting there. We bought two tickets and then had our breakfast at McDonald's for our trip was at 8:24 and t’was still 7:15. We had a great meal.

Boarding the train came and we gleefully find our car number and our seats. We were wondering why our ticket was a little expensive than the usual one. Only to find out, we were in a first class coach car. That was fine for it was so comfy there, few people, spacious, big and comfortable seats better than that of an airplane(the economy ones). We were so happy as we were heading to our destination. We make it to Shanghai at exactly three hours from the time we departed Hefei. I was so happy setting my first footsteps in the business capital of China. We then looked for the airport bus going to the international airport. As we found it, we immediately had our early lunch directly across the train station. Then we move our asses around and took pictures especially around the Shanghai expo 2010 logo. As we strolled along the busy street, we found small MISTER DONUT billboard. We headed to the place, got in and ordered donuts and lavishly devoured them for we miss eating these back home. Then time to take the airport bus for it’s like an hour going there from the city center.

When we arrived the Pudong international airport, almost an hour earlier than the expected arrival of our friend, we asked where do Philippines Airlines land. They told us to go to terminal 2 for we were at terminal 1. So we took the airport shuttle bus as what we were told. Looking at the big screen, we disappointedly find vacant seats to relax for the plane is delayed for almost an hour. We were wondering if we could still catch the last CRH going back to Hefei. Tired of sitting, we roamed around the airport and took lots of photos. We went to the maglev station for we planned to take it going back to the train station.

Happily, we went back to the waiting area for t’was almost the arrival time. Jubilantly, I went closer to the passengers exit for the airline was already announced to have landed. It took us like more than an hour to wait for him, only to find out he was questioned by the immigration for bringing lots of personal care stuff, for he only has tourist visa. He just explained they’re his present to his friends here.

We immediately ran out of the airport and took a taxi for we only had 50 minutes left before the last CRH leaves, but we were stuck in an enormous traffic. Well, it’s one of what Shanghai is famous for, dense traffic jam. So we were unable to get the last fast train. One more thing, our taxi fare was 156 RMB (23 USD), unimaginable for we are not used to have it in our city. Well, no choice but we had to take the ordinary train. One more frustrated situation, there’s no sleeper, we had to sit down for 6 hours. Anyway, that was my unforgettable experience in Shanghai. LANZ, thanks a lot for traveling with me there. COMRADE, thanks and congratulations, you made it here and good luck and welcome to China. Enjoy your life here.
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