The name of the bridge speaks for itself. In a crowded area of central Shanghai, my host sister Liza, Katie Jarrett, her host sister, and a couple of their friends met up for lunch and a tour of one of the most interesting bridges in Shanghai.
The bridge itself was jammed packed with citizens, but most of them were tourists that were not only from the United States but from all over the world. Living in China for a couple days already, I have learned that life on the streets is very rough and loose. Just when we were waiting on the bridge ready to take a picture, several people bumped into my host sister and got in the way before we could get a good shot. I was angry, but Liza seemed as if it was no big deal. I guess growing up in the city can mold you into a different person.
The bridge itself did zig zag in a pattern across a small lake that was in the center of many shops and restaurants on the outside. The restaurant that we went to for lunch was a classic place that Liza said she went to when she was little. I tried all the food that they got for me, and was not disappointed. The dumplings were amazing! If I wasn't full I would stuff myself with them as long as possible!
The bridge was beautifully constructed. It weaved perfectly through the center of the small pond it reached over, and sitting in the restaurant I got a good shot of how jam-packed the bridge truly was! It stretched one way for about 15 feet, and then cut back in the opposite direction, and continued that pattern all the way across the pond.
In the pond beneath the river, tons of fish gathered near the edge of the bridge awaiting bread. We went and bought some breadcrumbs from a nearby vendor. Another interesting thing about China is that there is no real set price for things that you buy on the street! To bargain, you wait for them to offer you a price, and then you refuse, saying that you will take it for half that price or won't take it at all. If they refuse, start to walk away. Don't worry, they will call you back to sell it!
After throwing bread to the fish for a while, we went out to go shopping, where I bought a couple gifts for my real family back at home. All in all, seeing the zig-zag bridge was a great experience and it taught me a little more about Shanghai in general. My host family is so polite and kind, and I can't wait for hopefully more of these experiences later in the trip!
Matt McGraw
The bridge itself was jammed packed with citizens, but most of them were tourists that were not only from the United States but from all over the world. Living in China for a couple days already, I have learned that life on the streets is very rough and loose. Just when we were waiting on the bridge ready to take a picture, several people bumped into my host sister and got in the way before we could get a good shot. I was angry, but Liza seemed as if it was no big deal. I guess growing up in the city can mold you into a different person.
The bridge itself did zig zag in a pattern across a small lake that was in the center of many shops and restaurants on the outside. The restaurant that we went to for lunch was a classic place that Liza said she went to when she was little. I tried all the food that they got for me, and was not disappointed. The dumplings were amazing! If I wasn't full I would stuff myself with them as long as possible!
The bridge was beautifully constructed. It weaved perfectly through the center of the small pond it reached over, and sitting in the restaurant I got a good shot of how jam-packed the bridge truly was! It stretched one way for about 15 feet, and then cut back in the opposite direction, and continued that pattern all the way across the pond.
In the pond beneath the river, tons of fish gathered near the edge of the bridge awaiting bread. We went and bought some breadcrumbs from a nearby vendor. Another interesting thing about China is that there is no real set price for things that you buy on the street! To bargain, you wait for them to offer you a price, and then you refuse, saying that you will take it for half that price or won't take it at all. If they refuse, start to walk away. Don't worry, they will call you back to sell it!
After throwing bread to the fish for a while, we went out to go shopping, where I bought a couple gifts for my real family back at home. All in all, seeing the zig-zag bridge was a great experience and it taught me a little more about Shanghai in general. My host family is so polite and kind, and I can't wait for hopefully more of these experiences later in the trip!
Matt McGraw