Three Windows and an Orchid: Shanghai/Beijing on CX (F), High-Speed Rail, RC
Aug 1, 2015, 8:12 pm
#16
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Location: Long Island, NY
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Aug 1, 2015, 9:16 pm
#17
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Join Date: Dec 2000
Location: Shanghai
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After sundown on Saturday night, we ventured out to Pudong to check out the other Ritz Carlton and went to Flair -- the bar at the top of that hotel.
We got lucky and the air was cool and the night was alive. Looking out across Shanghai at night was an incredible sight. The drinks only enhanced the experience, although it was incredibly pricey. Worth every penny though
We got lucky and the air was cool and the night was alive. Looking out across Shanghai at night was an incredible sight. The drinks only enhanced the experience, although it was incredibly pricey. Worth every penny though
I'm sorry I couldn't join you at Flair that night. While I generally dislike: 1) the idea of paying $35 per drink, and 2) going to Pudong -- Flair is sufficiently amazing to justify both annoyances.
Aug 2, 2015, 5:21 am
#20
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Aug 2, 2015, 9:50 am
#21
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Nice report, thanks for sharing.
I find it incredible that CX don't plate up the kosher food properly and serve it on a laid table
I find it incredible that CX don't plate up the kosher food properly and serve it on a laid table
Aug 2, 2015, 4:22 pm
#22
Join Date: Mar 2005
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Aug 2, 2015, 5:46 pm
#23
Join Date: May 2006
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Great TR!
Dini's used to have a proper stand-alone restaurant with a full meny but it was short-lived as the Chinese Gov. "borrowed" the shopping center it was located in for a new project
Dini's used to have a proper stand-alone restaurant with a full meny but it was short-lived as the Chinese Gov. "borrowed" the shopping center it was located in for a new project
Aug 2, 2015, 7:16 pm
#24
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Three Windows and an Orchid: Shanghai/Beijing on CX (F), High-Speed Rail, RC
Great TR - amazing that your carry-on held enough for a week trip! Did you have issues with laundry? Did you use AA miles for the CX F tickets?
Aug 3, 2015, 6:37 am
#25
Join Date: Dec 2007
Location: PEK and BOS
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Most of the guides charge a "per person" fee which I don't totally get. I mean, it's the same time spent if you have 1, 2, or 5 people....
The guide wasn't "cheep" but the cost was well worth it for us considering I had very little time to research everything in advance, and we wanted to do a lot in a short amount of time. We paid about US $500 for the two days for two people. That cost included all entrance fees to all the attractions, the guide, the driver, and a comfortable air-conditioned car. So about $125 per person for each day.
The guide wasn't "cheep" but the cost was well worth it for us considering I had very little time to research everything in advance, and we wanted to do a lot in a short amount of time. We paid about US $500 for the two days for two people. That cost included all entrance fees to all the attractions, the guide, the driver, and a comfortable air-conditioned car. So about $125 per person for each day.
Given that the car rental and entrance fees might have amounted to $150/ day (maximum), that's "only" a $200 premium over booking a car and driver I guess.
I honestly think booking a driver is better value, but can argue the toss, especially since discretionary income/ expenditure is also an issue.
tb
Aug 3, 2015, 7:19 am
#26
Original Poster
Join Date: Aug 2009
Location: Long Island, NY
Programs: AA EXP (2 Million Miler)
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We used AA miles for the CX F tickets. Can't get more of a bargain than that for 67.5k miles... the challenge is getting them... be persistent.