Melbourne to Shanghai

Wednesday - Thursday, July 30/31

After a hectic few days getting things organized before we left for China, we were finally packed and ready to travel once again. It was our turn to be the taxi as we had arranged to pick up Mum Walker and Heather (Al's sister) on our way to the airport. Fortunately the traffic was light and we arrived at the airport in plenty of time so we could finally start to unwind.

Tired Mum, Noelle and Heather around 11 pm at Melbourne airport

We were impressed with how efficient Cathay Pacific were with their check-in procedure, and then with the boarding and the flight crew were very friendly. Although the flight left at 11:40 pm, we still enjoyed the meal that was served after midnight. We dozed for nearly 6 hours before it was time for breakfast which again, was another nice meal.

Mum and Heather were on the 8:45 am flight to Shanghai but to a different airport to the one we were flying into so we just had time for a quick coffee (and an expensive one at that - AUD 40 for 4 coffees!) before they had to board their flight. Our Dragon Air flight wasn't leaving until 10 am so we had a bit more time to wander around HK airport. It was then time to get in line - again - and before we knew it we were off to Shanghai and our first visit to mainland China.

It was an amazing sight flying into Shanghai - it looked like Lego land with its multiple apartment buildings on block after block, and seemed to be laid out in a nice and orderly way. We could see massive freeways with very few cars on them, and high speed trains racing along.

Flying into Shanghai

Karen (the bride to be), met us at the airport which is located fairly close to the Xijiao State Guest Hotel where we are staying and where the wedding is to be held on Saturday. When we arrived at the hotel we were impressed with the expansive and beautiful gardens it is set in. We caught up with Mum and Heather again, along with Nick who had picked them up from the main Shanghai airport they had flown into? After dropping our bags in our lovely room we joined Nick and Karen for a quick lunch before they had to rush off to attend to some final wedding preparations. It was then time for us to unpack, freshen up and rest ahead of the busy schedule they have planned for us while we're here.

Karen, Nick and Mum at our first lunch in Shanghai

We had a quick look around our hote and saw photos of many important people (other than the Walker family) like the Queen & Prince Phillip, many US Presidents and Vladimir Putin who have stayed here over the years as it is the only 5 star garden hotel complex in Shanghai. Below are a few photos of the gardens and lobby.

The rest of the Walker family consisting of Al's older brother, Neville & his wife Maree, younger brother Colin & his wife Lorraine (the groom's parents) and their two daughters Claire & Rachael arrived later in the evening. Claire came with her husband Angus and brought their two daughters, Savannah (the three year old flower girl) and new bub, 6 week old Imogen Ivy. Rachael came with her partner Nick. All in all there are 14 Walkers that will be touring Shanghai on this trip. As all of Colin's family live in Sydney, it was great to all be together again. After catching up (and for some of us, meeting Imogen!), 14 tired bodies turned in for a good night's sleep in preparation for a big day tomorrow.

 

 

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