View from New Asia Hotel breakfast room

A rooftop garden on the building next to our hotel is one of many green roofs in Shanghai. The pearl tower and new Pudong area was clearly visible on the last day of Hort 4000 for 2008, Friday morning, May 30.

Culture Shock

A lot of people have asked "are you feeling culture shock?"  We've asked among ourselves too, and the general answer is "no"- for now.  Coming to China doesn't seem to be putting the stress of change on the group very hard.  We've had english-speaking guides who have explained all of our questions and have been able to translate for us.  A bus or our feet have taken us to where we needed to go.  The hotels and cities are quite western.  But also by now most people are beginning to miss home.  Five of the group are going home today, but six others are going on to Beijing.  I think that for those going home, the reverse shock will be much more noticeable as they realize afresh just how different of a place they have been.  For those going to Beijing, having to order food, obtain transportation, and ask simple questions is likely going to be a challenge.

Free Day in Shanghai

At left we pose near another Olympic sign, this one made of Budwiser beer cans in the form of each of the events. Other signs have shown the countdown to the opening day.
Today we toured the French Concession,and the new area, Xintiandi, renovated stone houses now shopping and restaurants. Then to the Antique Market and the Flower, Insect, Bird and Fish Market. Crickets anyone? Complete with cages, and plenty of chirping, as shown hanging on the right.
With Chengyan, we could navigate the subway, which was clean and looked new, but also crowded, none of our group sat down.

Zhejiang University

Although I enjoyed many things during my stay in China, one of my favorites was visiting Zhejiang University. Not only did I find the differences in their school system and courses very interesting, but also their dormitory and students way of life.
Getting the opportunity to mingle with the students and having free time to roam the campus was a great opportunity. I was guided around campus by Willing, a second-year student studying landscape architecture. I was given a personal tour of the dining hall, the library, her floral arrangement collection, as well as her dormitory. Speaking with her I found it interesting how students were required to live on campus, and could not keep a car on-site. I also found the very strict rules in the living-quarters a definite contrast to ours. During our time at this campus we were treated excellent as we were given a presentation, personal tours, and a fantastic dinner and we hope to keep in touch with all these wonderful students!