Good morning
It's hard to reflect on a trip that was so short sheer will alone was enough to defeat my jet lag. When the journey back to the airport is a choreographed last ditch effort to see one more sight, hear one more sound, take more more bite you didn't stay long enough. I don't think I could stay ever stay in China long enough, or any of Asia for that matter. Career and mother-in-law aside, I don't have enough years left on earth to stay long enough.
In our final few hours Sean and I had decided to walk back to Xintiandi, and wonder through a outdoor shopping and cafe section right next to the mall. Also, at the strong urging of both
Moondog and
TOMFORD we were going to make our last act before leaving town a stop at the Ritz Carlton for a drink and a glimpse of Shanghai from above.
The M Lounge
A morning cup of tea
Luckily my morning eggs took so long I had time for the whole place to clear out and I was able to photograph the M Lounge. Seriously, 40 minutes for Eggs? I had visions of some angry chef shaking the eggs out a chicken in a room with a swinging light bulb somewhere.
Seriously, there was no one left in the lounge.
Walking through Xintiandi we passed some of the most amazing and massive pastries I have ever seen. How had I missed these every other trip here, and why did I wait for a chef to shake eggs out of a chicken?!
Xintiandi Pedestrian bridge
Strolling around under the trees
60% of the time it work's every time!
Students art class
Don't be a leaf if you can be a tree
Don't throw stones
Silhouette
Local lunch spot
We walked past a local market, and Sean got his first sniff of durian
DaLocal Duck
Hardware Store
Be-still my heart
Dan orders Milk Tea
Dan is happy: It's like looking into a mirror
I decided to take Sean to Crystal Jade Restaurant mostly because it convenient, but also because I had been to the one in Hong Kong and knew it would be great. Also, this being Sean's first time in the Far East I figured a little Cantonese cooking was in order to completely ruin any hope he had of enjoying Chinese food in San Diego ever again.
As expected the meal was fantastic. There is something about a handmade noodle that you just can't beat.
A look into the kitchen
A little food porn
Back to the Yu Garden Renaissance for the last time, a quick look down at the street below.
Other than the glacial pace of this mornings breakfast and the swimming pool the Yu Garden Ren was a wonderful property. The rooms were spacious, the beds and pillows were great, the bathrooms are very big, and the location is great. Easy access to the subway, a three minute walk to the Yu Garden/ God's Palace area, and a 10 minute walk to the Bund. II really enjoyed staying here and would recommend it to anyone.
We headed downstairs, and into a cab to the Ritz in Pudong.
Bye Bye...
Not a bad view over here
We arrived at the Ritz and we're disappointed to hear that Flair was not yet open for service, but we were welcome to enjoy high-tea and the view from the 52nd floor Aura lounge.
With no interest in little cakes or tea Sean and I opted for some beers and were swiftly moved to the bar.
The view
We were done and back in the cab before the staff at the Ritz had time to run our credit and give us the boot. I am sure the view from Flair is great, just check out
TOMFORD's trip report, but that isn't what we got. Unless you are into tea and little cakes or are suffering from insomnia an afternoon at the Ritz is not for you. I'll try to make it to Flair next time I guess.
Mercifully traffic was light so we were being hawked by a guy selling iPhones in front of the terminal in no time. Going through security Sean was able to grab this gem from the poster of things you need to take out of your bag - look at the name of the company.
Priority Pass let us into the China Eastern lounge which was awesome. This is a really great lounge, good food and plenty of space to sit and relax but the best part is the tarmac view. Today planes were turning and taking off right past the lounge - AVGeek heaven!
Terminal
China Eastern Lounge food
Bar
Noodle Bar ^
Somehow we were some of the first passengers to board the flight home. We didn't cut in front of business class on purpose, we just got shuffled into the right place at the right time I guess. Either way I wasn't going to complain, so headed to the flight deck, introduced myself and asked if I could take a few photos. I'll post those, and a very special video tomorrow.
Apologies for the delay:
Dreamliner flight deck
Heads-up display
I left my camera with the pilot from the 2nd shift who was in the jump seat for take off. I showed him where all the buttons were and told him to go nuts.
He captured this amazing sunset photo
...and this video!!
Fifteen minutes after takeoff my camera was returned to me with those surprises included. What a great end to the trip. Both American Airlines crews were great, and even the food on the way home was grade Z dog chow we were home in no time. Thank you again
Moondog, and
TOMFORD for everything.
Until next time,
M59