From the Summer Palace to Shanghai…
Last Saturday saw CSA students and staff take a trip to the amazing Summer Palace, one of Beijing’s major tourist attractions. It doesn’t take long after entering the palace to realise why so many people flock to see it. It is incredible. The enormous grounds house a stunning collection of traditional Chinese buildings and architecture scattered throughout the lush gardens. It didn’t take me long to loose the little CSA flag, but finding my way back to the group was all part of the fun. I didn’t know what I would find next. Another walking path? A little cave? More buildings? The palace has it all.
It is hard to believe that this beautiful space is situated in one of the world’s biggest city. Call me soppy, but the word I can best used to describe it is ‘romantic’. I would even be willing to compromise my ‘independent-woman-of-the-world’ status to wander the grounds with a sweetheart… I guess the charming Esteban was a good substitute for the day (I only write that because I know he reads these…hi mate!) Summer Palace gets two big thumbs up from me. I will definitely be returning to experience it all again, an afternoon just wasn’t enough.
Sunday I packed my bags and flew above the smog (it was nice to be reassured the sun is still there) and headed of to see Shanghai. I would love to be able to say I enjoyed the sights from the Bund and experienced a different take on Chinese cuisine, but I didn’t and I’m not even going to lie. I spent a majority of the first day in a German pub drinking steins before stumbling along to watch a live football game, and the second day I only left the couch to venture to the Italian restaurant next door. I didn’t try Shanghais famous dumplings, but I did have the best spaghetti bolognaise of my life. I guess this demonstrates just how increasingly cosmopolitan Shanghai is becoming. Although I was a really lazy tourist, what did manage to see of it, I really enjoyed. It is a really pretty city with its modern architecture and clearer skies. I felt it possessed a certain sense of ‘sophistication’ not present in the gritty, traditional spirit of Beijing. I guess this is why some people prefer one city to the other. Shanghai, you impressed, but I didn’t give you a fair go. I hope to return soon!
Till next time!
- Rhia Scrimgeour
