As we try to get our stuff together (not just the stuff we brought, but the stuff we bought, from the $4,000 embroideries to the $6 Louis Vuitton knockoff bags and $1 "Rolexes") on our last night in China, everyone I have talked to from our group of 200 or so has raved about the experience. China itself is the star, with such an interesting history, perhaps no period more so than the last 10-20 years. It would be exciting to return 5 years from now and see the additional changes that will occur by then.
Today we walked along the Bund, which is the financial district by the river for Shanghai, known as the "Wall Street of the East." It's very stately, and the walkway by the river offers spectacular views from a spotless vantage point. In fact, all of China, though the air and water may be substandard, has hardly any trash visible... on the streets or the highways. You just don't see litter.
The shopping here is phenomenal, whether high-end or via the hordes of street vendors. You really can buy a phony Rolex for $1 if you're a good bargainer, because bargaining is the name of the game, in stores or on the street. One of our group members today bought an I-pod -- with all the attachments and instructions, still in the box -- for $10. None of us think it's real, but it works. The sheer volume of inventory available is overwhelming, and you wonder how you can buy a new "Beijing 2008 Olympics" baseball cap for 75 cents.
It's time to hit the sack before we lift off tomorrow for home, sweet home. Though it's been an eye-opening and fabulously interesting trip (far more than anyone expected, I think), we are ready to leave the "togetherness" of sharing a city with 20 million people... and get back to the SLO Life. California, here we come, tired and happy.
Bob Wacker
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