As I write this post I’m sitting on the floor of a cafe in Busan wearing Ajumma pants. My two best gals and I are discussing travel plans and researching everything on our laptops. This is quite possibly the most perfect Sunday afternoon imaginable. I’m researching Shanghai, G is looking at Japan and possibilities for her layover in Beijing around Christmas, and O is checking out places to go for her nice long vacation of 10 days in January. This is my life right now. A year ago I was in the middle of the hustle and bustle of TIFF trying to deal with the needs of my employees out on jobs around the city while I was supposed to be “off the clock” and was at a party with some of the guys from Bachelor in Paradise. Who knew my biggest concern a year later would be whether I want to visit a Temple during the day or at night? Life is good here. I really should write you a post on why you should drop everything and move to Korea, but for now let’s talk China.
I fly from Busan to Shanghai September 25th, 2015 at 5:50 PM arriving at 6:25 PM. I’ll be staying in a central area in a hostel that only costs 41,757.32 KRW (just over $46 Canadian) for all 3 nights, looks like it has really cool architecture and decor, and offers:
———SERVICE———-
* FREE Wi-Fi(in public area and every room)
* FREE 24-hour hot shower
* FREE luggage storage
* FREE board game to borrow
* FREE books to borrow
* FREE hair drier
* FREE self-service kitchen
* FREE travel information
* Movie Night every week
* Bicycle rental
* Laundry facilities
* Tickets booking(Train tickets and plane tickets)
* Bar
It also boasts proximity to many of the sights of Shanghai making my trip planning a little easier:
People’s Square ………………………………15mins walk
East Nanjing Road………….……………………15mins walk
Shanghai Museum………….……………………1 stop away
The BUND………………….……………………2 stops away
The Oriental Pearl TV Tower…..………………3 stops away
Yu Garden…………………..………………6 bus stops away
Shanghai Natural Museum………….………… 10min walk
The flea market at 580 west Nanjing road……..20min walk
Shanghai Circus World………..………………4 stops away
Hengshan Road bar street……..………………5 stops away
Shanghai Railway Station ………………………2 stops away
Shanghai South Railway Station………………9 stops away
Having just watched Anthony Bourdain’s Parts Unknown episode on Shanghai I’m even more excited about my upcoming trip. I got a wicked deal too. Using Skyscanner and Expedia I was able to get a flight for $207 round-trip and my hostel is costing me $46 so just over $250 for flight and accommodations. I’m pretty thrilled. When I was planning my trip to Osaka it felt a lot easier because it seems like such a small city. I feel like Shanghai is so massive I can’t choose where to go first. I only have 2 full days in which to take in the city. How can I decide? I’m hoping to get some suggestions from the hostel, of course, but I still have a lot of research to do.
I have no real interest in shopping at a department store so Shanghai No. 1 Department Store is out. Renmin Park looks awesome, but Yuyuan Park beside the City of God Temple seems more exciting. The temple grounds look absolutely stunning. Anyone who knows me really well knows I’m obsessed with architecture and cool looking buildings, so this whole trip will be a real treat. I can’t decide if I want to go during the day where I can take in nature or at night when it gets lit up and the night market opens. I’m leaning toward going at night, but let me know your thoughts if you’ve been!
I want to spend some time soaking up the beauty of the architecture on the famous Bund. From there it’s my understanding that you can see The Oriental Pearl TV Tower. Coming from Toronto I’ve been up the CN Tower a few times and am not super interested in paying $30 to go up and catch a view of the city. I would much rather perch on a rooftop bar on the Bund. There are some incredibly sexy rooftop bars on the Bund and I can’t wait to sip Champagne or taste a perfect cocktail (or a champagne cocktail!) while taking in the sights and sounds of this stylish area.
Sir Elly’s in the Peninsula Hotel boasts a beautiful view of the river and Pudong skyline. The glamourous restaurant offers a 5 course tasting menu priced around $140 Canadian. I’m not quite on that “treat yo’self” level quite yet, but hopefully one day! For now, a drink with a view will most certainly do.
