Shopping

We started our day with shopping for lots of fake things (read: fake brand-name things). I bought a lovely bag for $14 dollars and it put a smile on my face all day long. The bargaining was hard work, and only grandma's really good at it because my mom and I both weaken when the store owner begins to get upset or discouraged. At any rate, it was very fun and ultimately fulfilling even if it was in a material way. If we have enough cash left on Saturday we might go back!

After shopping we headed over to the riverfront, which is the famous scenic point of Shanghai. We took a gondola-type-car-thing through a tourist tunnel under the river, which was an audio and light extravaganza. It was a lot of fun, especially as a method of transportation. I took many wonderful photos--of myself in my new coat! with my new bag!--but unfortunately I'm still at the net bar chilling with smoking gamers and can't load any photos onto the computer.

Instead of hailing a cab all the way home, we decided to save some money (perhaps for another bag?) and headed for the subway. When the car arrived it quite literally looked like people had been packed into the cars like sardines. I thought we'd never be able to fit in, but we squished in, held our breath, and the doors closed right behind us. Then we arrived at the next stop. OMIGOD, YOU GUYS! People actually squished in behind us. I have never been in such a crowded place ... especially not an enclosed space underground. It was the kind of packed-in sensation that (literally) takes your breath away. I couldn't breathe for the next two stops! I didn't even have to hold onto a pole or bar, because I wasn't going anywhere anyway! I thought I was in the front row of a rock concert or something. Anyway, embarrassingly, I think my favorite experience of the day was taking the subway!

Everyone who promised to email me should maybe do that. So I don't forget who you are. I WANT TO HEAR ALL ABOUT YOUR LIVES!