Train travel but not as we know it 3rd December 2014

I started gently today and had a relaxed breakfast quite different by the look of it to some of the other people in the dining room, nobody serms able to smile and they are all looking so intense, what a way to start the day.

I had read about the super fast train here in Shangai so decided to go for a trip on it, I knew I had to go to the airport to then come part way back into the city, I had forgotten what a long journey it was mostly stood up on the train there. On arrival I paid for a single standard ticket I think it was about £7 then down to the platform, the area looked very upmarket but the train itself was very functional,  at least I got a seat, when it set off a panel showed its speed which went up to 300 kpm so the landscape just flew by, it sadly was quickly over I think the track is less than 10 miles at present, so now another conventional crowded train to bring me back to the hotel. I am not sure why but I decided to try another way out of the station, which was a total disaster as it was cold wet and windy and I got totally disorientated,  finally finding the entrance and retracing my steps, then time for something to eat and a rest in my room. Whilst there I was having problems with the internet, so went to reception and spoke to one of the staff, I upgraded my contract and decided I would wait until I got back before trying it out.

Next I went for a trip to the Peples square and the surrounding area, I found it hard to believe that walking just one street back that there was a whole different world with real shops and people and obviously little money. Even worse was the number of scooters and bikes riden on the paths with no thought for us poor pedestrians, the other problem I have constantly had here is 4hat when the lughts change and cars stop the scooters and bikes dont, many have no lights are overloaded and the riders have no helmet therefore no protection in the event of an accident, but it just seems to be accepted by everyone.
I forgot to say earlier that I think we had smog as it wasvery overcaste and my energy and breathing were not as good as usual.i wandered down to the river but seems it was the wrong part as there was no sign of life so back along the way I had been then the train to the hotel and a pleasant meal followed by cake then return to hotel to ease my feet in the bath and watch a film on TV before settling for the night, not long now before I return home.

Its Christmas in Shanghai 2nd December 2014

Woke early had a bath to ease feet checked Internet then went down to breakfast,  as with everywhere else this was very elegant, waitress seated me brought coffee,  then left me to choose from a very extensive buffet so indulged myself gor a change, my excuse was I did not know when would next eat. Afterwards used machine to change money, I do realise exchange rate was most probably poor but was conveniant.

Outside it was cool but sunny, people were in winter clothes,  so just as well I had sufficient appropriate clothing for the trip Across the road was a park so decided to explore, it was a pleasant experience with lots of paths, from there though I could see how poor people were in the nearby flats such a contrast to the hotel and rest of the area. There were people practicing tai chai at various areas and to various skill levels,  there was a range of contrasting plants and occasional structures,  plenty of seating for a rest and a number of seats.  I came across a group of men on motorised electric scooters they looked much more like motorcycles than ours and went much faster. There was a small fair but none of the rides was open, people were quietly chatting to each other, it was an enjoyable way to of passed a couple of hours and I took a series of photos and videos of what I saw.

I went for something to eat then a rest for a couple of hours, my feet were hurting again with the walking,  the maid had done a good job of cleaning the room and replenishing the towels and other items I had used. Aftet a rest I decided to venture out again so headed off to look at some of the large buildings and christmas lights, I was quite surprised at the fact it was so openly christmas, maybe it was for the tourists, it wad amusing when I went into the toilet to hear the song Rudolf the red nosed reindeer playing.  The lig
hts were very impressive but so were all the high rise buildings.

I had decided to go and explore the radio tower which I knew was very high but when I saw it lit up and changing colours it really was something to see.  I paid my money and entered the grounds, the closer I got the larger I could see it was,  initially I had to climb steps to enter then up in a lift,  it is 468 metres high, it was very swift in the lift to reach the upper observation deck.  The views were magnificent across the city and the platform for tourists was huge with large viewing windows,  many of the other buildings were lit up and changed colours as I watched, also on the river some of the ferries were also brightly lit up but there were lots of what must of been cargo ferries in the dark. I took a series of photos and videos but do not think they capture the size and view.  Then down to the next level where there was another viewing platform but with a floor that you could see through down to the ground,  I was not brave enough to stand on it but took more photos, then lastly I descended to 90 metres where there was a further platform with different view of the surrounding area. After that down to ground level and out across the road to explore more of the area. I wrnt into one of the shopping precincts and first saw outside the largest Paddington Bear that had ever seen, so , more photos, but then inside there was another so got Chico to pose with him and other exhibits. 

I had bought a 3 day pass to use on the trains although it could of been used for buses and taxis,  I found it easy to negotiate the stations were large and oddly enougj fairly well signposted in English and on the trains destinations were also announced in english and there were maps to make sure did not get lost. The trains were long but often full to capacity,, most people ignoring each other and on their mobile phones,  few speaking to each other or on the phone rather medsahing or playing games from what I could see.  People generally were not polite rather it was everyone for themselves l noticed people did not give up seats to elderly or others who needed a seat, pretty much as back home, they were air conditioned and very clean and fast with lots of trains every few minutes.

I decided to return to cafe I had used the previous day they had a laminated card with items for us foreigner's to point to, but there seemed a problem, it was just gone 9pm and they stopped serving rice at that time do chose another dish, then afterwards another cake to finish my meal.

It had been a busy but enjoyable day  with a whole range of experiences what a shame though I was on my own with nobody to talk to about it all. I returned to the hotel had another relaxing bath before retiring to bed for the night.

Now for Ayres Rock 20 November 2014

Another early start today I was up at 3am local time finished packing and had something to eat as I was unsure what would be at the airport or plane. The transport shuttle arrived on time the driver was more pleasant as was the drive, I was now getting used to the process that I need to check in rather than use a machine, I accepted help to get to the gate, but when explained there was taken after everyone else in a buggy,  think maybe it would of been quicker just to make my own way. On board the virgin Atlantic plane was pleasant as were the staff plus we were fed despite the fact it was a relatively short trip and there were plenty of soft drinks free.

Soon we arrived at our destination and there was an air conditioned coach that was free to take us to our various accomodation. Mine was Pioneers Outlook and I was booked into a shared room with possibly 3 others at reception the man said as the room I should of been in was being refurbished that I had been upgraded and was on my own.
Now this is where it gets complicated because I had only paid £36 for the night so expected little, well thats what I got in some respects,  just as well I was on my own as it would of been a tight squeeze if there had been 4 also I noticed later it could of been a mixed room, not much chance of privacy. I forgot to say earlier that it was very hot, possibly higher 30s and the humidy was also high the good bit for me was that the air con was quiet and excellent.  There was coffee for a drink but it was bunk beds, well with my bad back the top bunks were out and bending down to get into a bottom one and being tall was also an issue. the shower was great and spacious as was the toilet, there was a fridge for food and soft drinks,  ooops another problem I had to share with a few ants and a couple of other insects that I quickly disposed of, I could not find my insect repellent and the electric one said it did not work well with air con oh dear, wonder why they had not sealed the bottom of the door to reduce the chances of this happening.
I had a wander about and decided to explore how best to get to the rock, there was a free bus that went round the complex which actually was free, so why did I decide to walk to the town centre in the baking heat at midday. When I got there I got some water and drink to make sure I did not dehydrate, then a sandwich.  Then booked a visit for that evening to see the famous rock, I felt that I did not want to dine on my own,  just see it. I went and had a rest for a while after having a shower and caught up with websites and e mail.

Then time to see this famous iconic rock, the coach was on time, it was only a short drive to the rock and we were promised drinks and snacks when we arrived. As I looked round it was obvious that there were sections for different tours, as expected there were lots of selfies being taken, I assisted a couple of families by taking photos of the two of them, how or why particular people I am not sure,  possibly there is a paid job out of this LOL.
I had taken Chico with me so set him up for a couple of photos, some people nearbye gave me rather odd looks,  I noticed this was not very well though of with the small group but also it seemed lonely to be such a place with nobody to share with . I noticed a post that would be good for a photo of Chico , a young couple were there, good news is that they  were happy to chat about how I came to be there with him,  I took photos for them and then took some of me and Chico. Maybe he will acquire more FB friends out of it.
The sun settled down but the clouds were a problem so we did not get one of those special sunsets I had hoped for, it was just darker. It also seemed the time was up so back to the coach and a return to the resort in total we had been away less than 2 hours. I just telaxed for the rest of the evening as tomorrow was going to be another long day.