Shanghai - Naha Japan

 After Beijing, we had two days at sea to rest up for Shanghai.  The rest was appreciated as my feet are weary and this darned head cold is persisting.

MS Amsterdam from North side of Yangtze

     Shanghai (while I’m sure has plenty of its own history) is a fascinating mixture of old and new.  China’s largest seaport straddles the Yangtze river and would take a lot of time to explore.  It has an estimated population of twenty-one million.  

     It has areas of antiquity surrounded by a modern city of skyscrapers and high tech.  The river at night puts on a dazzling display of lights.  Two days is just not enough time to explore Shanghai.

     We were in Shanghai for two days.  Day one we had a friend and shipmate guide us.  He (Jim) and his wife (Lillian) are Chinese and the language advantage is massive

North shore by night

The Lido was decorated festively for the evening meal

Thu and I having a beer with lunch

Jim and Lillian at lunch

Clowning with art

October 30 - Naha Japan

     One day at sea sailing SE brings us to Naha Japan.  After breakfast went back to wake the Princess.  Then we had to clear customs again.  We took a cab to the nearest outlet mall.  This, of course, gives me loads of time to collect my thoughts (such as they are).  

Searching for bandwidth in Naha

     I’m very impressed with the cleanliness of Japanese restrooms.  No odors!  Clean high tech toilets that are so kind as to wash your bum.  There is even a menu for the type of spray desired.  One must appreciate such things if you travel in Asia as there is a wide variety ranging from a, bring your own paper, hole in the floor to the high-end comfort I just found. 

Taxi ride from outlet mall to downtown market

      Had my local beer and it's apparent that shopping is the order of the day.  I chose to return to the ship and update this blog.  Hope it's worth your time to read it.