We had booked tickets for the Shanghai – Osaka ferry. Since we started talking about this trip Japan was always top of list however we didn’t want to go until the weather got warmer. Very excited that it’s now time for Japan and we have loved pretty much everywhere along the way.
In Shanghai we mainly relaxed and did a few chores. We found a great place for noodles near the hotel but didn’t do any sightseeing at all. Malene got a haircut which went well thanks to the Chinese version of Google Translate! It was all pretty normal expect you lie down flat on your back to have your hair washed.
We caught the ferry from Shanghai to Osaka which took 48 hours. The views from the deck were great as we sailed through Shanghai on the Huangpu River.
The Pearl Tower seen through the smog
Modern architecture
Relaxing…
The river is very much still used for transport
The trip takes 48 hours and we had a great crossing with calm seas all the way. The other passengers were mainly Chinese tourist travelling in groups. They were very social and spent the 2 days playing cards and mahjong. There were only 3 other Westerners and about a handful of Japanese. We enjoyed chatting with Kume, a Japanese guy who lives in Shanghai, about the differences.
First glimpse of Japan
Our only regret for the trip was that we didn’t bring a packed lunch! Overall food in China is a challenge given they like to eat everything we westerners discard. We did have some tasty meals however trying to find tasty, healthy and reasonably priced food 2-3 times a day is difficult. Between Malene and I, we are missing a few kilos that we will make up for in Japan. Note: most of what we know as Chinese food is Cantonese from Guangzhou / HK region. This Cantonese food is very nice especially dim sum and other regions serve completely different dishes.
On the plus side, We found people in China to be the friendliest of all the countries we have visited so far, always ready for a laugh despite the obvious communication problems. This even extended to the large modern cities where many especially the younger people would strike up conversations, even on escalators they would have a go, Hello! Whe you fom? Cyprus and Denmark was a good answer, Australia would have been too easy.
Hello Nick and Malene
we are having a nice time in Australia. love Aren.xo
Hello Nick and Malene
today is a long weekend in Perth and we are not at school today. we are going to a playground and then I am going to my friend Selma’s house and Aren has Lily’s birthday party. My favourite noodles are udon noodles. we might have them tonight. can you please take a photo of some udon noodles? I wish you a very happy travels. love Evangeline.XO
Dear Evangeline and Aren
Have a great time at Selma’s and Aren at the party, wish I could join you but I would probably stand out being so much taller than the rest of you. I’m so glad you like our blog and often we think of you guys and say to each other ” would’t E and A love this” especially when we are faced with interesting food or strange sites and when we visit all the fun places too.
Lots of Love and a kiss to mum and dad.
Nick and Malene xxxxxxx