Time for the train routine. Victoria Plaza Hotel concierge wrote down the name of the Hangzhou train station and instructions for the taxi driver to drop us off on the 2nd level in Chinese. That level is where the soft-seat bullet train waiting room is. On another piece of paper (also in Chinese), the name of our Shanghai hotel, address and telephone number.

HINT: Try to always do this so when your taxi driver gets lost…and he will get lost…he can use his cell phone to call for directions. We watched CCTV-9 most of the time in China, usually the only station in English. One interesting show featured Beijing taxi drivers who are attending compulsory “Taxi English” school for two-hours a day in preparation for the 2008 Olympics.

on the Hangzhou to Shanghai bullet train
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The bullet train to Shanghai resembles the TGV’s in France, has reserved seating only and almost every seat was filled. A very fast 1:13 at speeds of up to 165km/102 miles/hour. Show your train tickets to the guards at the exit. Out of the huge Shanghai train station, into the taxi queue… View image…and we were on our way to the Rujin Hotel in the French Concession section. A beautiful, historic and little more quiet area located in Shanghai’s heart.

The Ruijin Hotel is a Tudor-style manor, once home to the Morriss family, owners of the North China Daily. The grounds take up one city block and was a serene place to stay away from all the 24-hour honking and street noises.

Ruijin Hotel, Shanghai, China
It also seems to be a favorite place for wedding receptions. Both nights in Shanghai, two very elegant weddings were taking place that would have been right at home in Chicago or New York.

gorgeous Shanghai bride with handsome groom at Ruijin Hotel 

exquisite train on her bridal gown, Ruijin Hotel, Shanghai
Time for my other Shanghai favorite thing in the world (besides eating, that is) — SHOPPING! A mile-plus walk to Fenshine Fashion & Accessories Plaza, 580 West Nanjing Road. Three levels of clothes…children’s wear…sunglasses…watches…handbags…accessories…i-Pods…knock-offs…you name it…they probably have got it. Very similar to the other knock-off malls in Beijing. Just look at who ended up being measured for “designer” jeans…that’s not my waist, and yes…he bought two pairs at $18.00 U.S. a pair!

Steve’s moment of truth. What did the tape measure say? China
Carrying bags, we strolled back to the Ruijin Hotel on Huai Hai Road in the French Concession, past the many Art Deco buildings still remaining…View image…and boutiques. My problem is always fitting into clothes made for the average Chinese woman who is the size of a Barbie doll. I’m thin, but not that thin.

Art Deco balconies in Shanghai 

one of the many fantastic boutiques in Shanghai, China