Smoggy Shanghai

Shanghai was shrouded by smog so thick it eclipsed the sun completely.

We did see quite a few people wearing protective masks, but none as fashionable as those shown below.

Advertising cuts through the smog

The Light Fantastic

The shops along Nanjing Road are fairly ordinary, but their brightly lit signs are dazzling.

CELAP

We stayed at the China Executive Leadership Academy Pudong (CELAP) before moving into town. The campus is sprawled over 41 hectares, and there are buggies to transport guests between buildings! The buildings, supposedly a blend between traditional Chinese values with Western design concept, were designed by French architects.

We wondered why the trees were all propped up, and if this was due to a desire for everything to be rigid and organised.

Later, we were told this precaution ensured plants wouldn’t be too badly damaged by typhoons.

What the?

We did see some other strange sights. Double click on the pics below to take a closer look.

E.g. wedding dresses displayed along a dusty road.

and check out these signs which say:

“Psychos or drunkards without guardians are prohibited to take taxis”

"The visitor to the park should discipline himself instead of making himself a nuisance to others"

Parents have realised they can save on diapers with strategically placed holes in their toddlers’ pants.

Give us today our daily dumpling ...

Popular dumpling shops can be spotted a mile away. That’s how long the queues stretch …

… but they’re so cheap and so delicious they’re worth the wait.

Other delicacies include:

Chicken bum satays (hand me that artery scrubbing brush stat!)

Chinese version of 'curly fries'

Self-served seafood

catch 'em

and cook 'em

Pork is a nice sweet meat

According to mX, pork prices have risen in China and vans like these have become a target for robbers.

But this little piggy went to market.

And these little piggies had their sweet cheeks
skinned a la Lector.

I wonder what sort of dish one would make with these, and how they would be presented …

Bird and Flower Market

Those who like animals and would prefer to see them live, should visit the Bird and Flower Market. This would have to be one of the most interesting places I’ve visited. There were a variety of birds, and as many different worms to feed them with. Lots of crickets too, which people purchase to fight or listen to.

Don't know how these guys can differentiate one cricket from another!

Isn't this kitten just adorable? If we lived in Shanghai, it would have a home with us.

and this bunny also