Arrived at Yin Bo Hotel in Shanghai late morning and headed out for the usual orientation walk with the group. The Bund is only 10mins from the Hotel so we had a really good location, not right in the heart of everything, just away from the noise and bustle of the city. The Bund runs along the riverfront and is full of British, French and American architecture. Across the river is an awesome skyline including the worlds tallest Hotel (Hyatt within Jin Mao Tower) and a futuristic looking building which is the worlds third highest tv tower. We went down the main shopping street and had lucnh in a cafe then headed back to the Bund. In the evening we skipped the group activity and the two of us went for dinner further along the main shopping street. We walked to the cinema to watch Pirates only to find that it isn't released in Chna untill later this month! Instead we went to a Haigen Das cafe and watched the world go by. We walked back past the bund which at night is even more spectacular as it is all lit up against the night sky. We got back just in time to see the repeat of England V Brazil game. JT scored Englands first goal back at the new Wembley! Woo Hoo!

Sunday 3rd June

At 9am we met Stuart and Ruya for a day of sightseeing in Shanghai. We walked along the bund but again it was overcast so we couldnt get great pictures. We decided to go across to the other side of the river and went through the undewater tunnel. You board a small pod that slowly travels through a light filled tunnel. It was a bit weird but cool at the same time! We went to Starbucks for breakfast then headed to the Jin Mao tower. We went to the 54th floor (its 420.5m) as thats as high as you can go free of charge and our ears popped! There was a great view of the surrounding highrises and the Oriental pearl TV Tower (the futuristic building) but not much further because of the low clouds. Then we went shopping where they even had a H&M but lack of funds and limited luggage space stopped me from buying the entire store!

The four of us went to the legendary Hooters restaurant for a much needed western feast of burger and chips! Everytime someone came in they would all shout 'welcome to ooters' (they couldn't pronounce the H!) We all got a picture before we left and all brought a tee to wear that night to wind everyone up about missing Hooters! We had to go back through the tunnel to go to the hotel and went for an afternoon nap (that is becoming a regular occurance!).

In the evening most of the group went to the Acrobat Show. It was fun at times although some acts were a little dragged out. The best part was of course saved for the end - The Ball Of Death! Its basically a steel ball with a small door on the front. A motorbike is driven round inside, going from side to side and upside down. The audience is oohing and aahing then another bike comes onto the stage then enters the ball. It ends up with 5 guys going in all different directions, it was amzing but we coiuldn't help thinking there going to crash and die any minute!

Monday 4th June

7am meet for our 25hour train journey to yangshou. Lots happened - Brad tried his first oreo and Chelsea used a squat toilet!!