4.27.7 – Friday - Part II

Suzhou –Shanghai –Day 12 - Part II
Once around the block on a one way street.

“Sit Still”
“Do I have to?”
“Yes… quit whining… its time you got yourself something”
“But I got the Chop yesterday…”
‘That doesn’t count… this is something for the wall”
“Wall Shmalll… this is ridiculous”
Shut up and SIT!”

Ooopppps that’s tomorrow…More about it later.

We arrived in Shanghai as the sun was going down and hit rush hour traffic. Good thing this was Mario Andretti’s current home and he knew the short cuts. [We found out that when he wasn’t on the road 6-12 days at a clip, he lives with his 18 yr daughter who works in sales at the Shanghai Golf range]

As we pulled up to what we assumed was our hotel, he pointed out our guide Chen Xue, another perky little college Student that would lead us around for the next day and then see us to the airport on Sunday. We jumped from the van and started to unload the luggage only to find that this was the restaurant for dinner… and had to put the bags back. We encouraged her to join us for a beer because we weren’t ready for dinner yet and wanted to visit a bit and brief her as we had the rest, on our likes, dislikes etc including the need to locate a UPS or DHL to ship the tchotchkies home and avoid the hassle of packing another bag. She vows to locate one and we’ll look on the internet as well. In no time, Chucky had her laughing so hard she was crying. Good start. She was off to dine with the drive and our meal began to arrive.
Wan Xi He restaurant was located above the Embroidery gallery which was not on the planned agenda but did serve a lovely meal… a chicken something, a beef something, [they were beginning to run together by now…] some great spring rolls, nice mixed veggies, usual rice and the best tomato/egg drop soup yet. We finished with a lovely 2 scoop dish of ice cream, one lemon vanilla, one chocolate. Beer very good, and a ****+ rating.

We arrived at the hotel… entering a one way street….going the wrong way… not to worry, Chen Xue jumps out… pulls up the vehicle barrier on the corner of the hotel and we head up the ramp… the wrong way. Seems that Mr Mario “I know my way around” Andretti turned one street too soon but hey… were there. Bags out… check in fairly smooth but only one key… and we find a tiny room with a full, not king bed that is NOT a non smoking room that reeks!... a call to the front desk and they send a bellman to change us to… an identically tiny room that does not reek and we settle in.

Again, a tiny, impossibly lit and weird bathroom. The inside wall of the tub is a curved corner of glass open to the bed room... Kinky… you can lie in bed and watch your partner take a shower, but they do provide a curtain for the shy ones. Did I tell you the room was tiny???? The closet and bathroom doors share the same glide space so if you want into the 2X2 closet… you have to keep the bathroom door shut. And no mirror or luggage rack so we have to use the desk chair and floor, cramming the sitting chair between the bed and oddly designed desk in order to work on the laptop. Same balky internet as Hangzhou but double the price and a lovely view of a construction site. If I didn't know any better I’d swear this was a “Hot Sheets Motel” but the presences of loads of tour groups belied that. Where is the Suzhou Garden View hotel when you need it!!!! More tomorrow.

再见朋友
Zài Jiàn Péng-You
Chuck and the not happy about the see through shower… but too tired to care
Dragon Lady