Oh, Hi Shanghai

I'm going to be perfectly honest. As of yet I really haven't worked that hard. Actually, I've worked harldy at all when it comes to my internship. While I'm excited for the Cycling Road Race, it turns out it is not neccessarily considered a "high-profile" event, so for the most part (at least up until this point, August 1, when I began my daily training) we are allowed to run around like Peking Ducks with our heads cut off. Or whatever that simile is. (Or is it a metaphor?)

Not that I'm complaining. I've enjoyed my free time here and have taken it personally upon myself to ensure the area bars and restaurants (in particular La Bamba which has cheap beer and burritos) reap the benefits of my devoted patronage.

However, for four of our free days, my fellow Cycling interns--Zach, Leslie, Blair--and myself decided to take a trip to Shanghai.

It all began with a 13-hour train ride. No, actually, it began with whatever illness from which I am now suffering. Something to do with my stomach. Let's just put it this way: I'm addicted to Pepto Bismol. Because of this nagging digestive issue and persistent cramps (I'm feeling candid today) I was a bit nervous about the trip. So, I called Dr. Holm back in Brookings, set myself up with an antibotic and began the BRAT diet: Bananas, Rice, Apples and Toast. It didn't last very long. Shanghai had too many good restaurants.

The train ride went suprisingly well. It was a sleeper train and we, the fearless foursome, had our own car with beds more comfortable than back at the hotel. I slept like rock. When I woke up, we were already in Shanghai. Oh, hi Shanghai.

Enough of the writing part. I know all you want to look at is pictures.



Here are a few facts about Shanghai:
1. It is the nation's most populous city, with 13 million people. Not exactly 13 million, but somewhere around there.
2.It is one of hte economic and industiral centers of China
3. It has numerous all-you-can eat sushi restaurants.



Here is a picture of Leslie, Blair and I at one of said all-you-can eat sushi restaurants. This was the day after I began my BRAT diet, so I clearly lack self control. To my credit, sushi does contain a lot of rice.



This is the skyline of the Bund-an unattractive name for a very attractive place. The Bund, which is the name for the riverside prominade, serves as a symbol for Shanghai.



The Pearl Building on the Bund, the tallest building in Asia.



This giant dragon statue was outside of a Dim Sum restaurant. Dim Sum is basically small dumplings or snack-type foods brought to your table usually in sets of three. It is a type of slow eating.



This is a sleeping cat. And no, I don't think they really eat cats in China. At least not in Shanghai.



Ladies making dumplings--a classic street food here in China.