May 2010: A Photo Summary

Well G’Day Everyone,

Just tonight, I finally got around to downloading Toni’s photos off her camera from the month of May 2010, and I thought I’d put together  bit of a photo montage combining a few random shots that we’ve both taken last month.

I just recently posted a new page for the site – Rob Around The World – Cities Visited (in Pictures) – posted a few pictures of places I’ve been over the years.

Starting off the month in Hong Kong was an unusual way to start, but provided a bit of variety and some night life along Hong Kong’s famous “Lan Kuai Fong”.

When we visited in 2006 there was no development where the brand new bus terminal is over in Kowloon.  In fact, it took less than three years to build what is now Hong Kong’s tallest building (pictured) and apparently it is also home to the world’s highest hotel (in terms of floors, not elevation, obviously).  Hong Kong trams still service the greater city as you can see.

Besides the trip to Hong Kong, we had a fairly interesting month, with time spent also in Shanghai as well as in many interesting locations in and around HangZhou.  Finally, more realistic Spring weather has hit the fine town, and things are looking good!

To kick things off, here’s a night shot up close and personal with Shanghai’s famous Pearl Orient tower.  We’d been down to the Super Brand mall which is opposite, and had dinner with and old former colleague of mine and his girlfriend.  Here’s a hint for those travelling to Shanghai – it’s impossible to get  cab from anywhere near the tower..

Next, a series of photos from a famous (and ancient) Confucius school in HangZhou called Wansong Academy.  As you can see from the photos, it is situated in a very lush and green environment.  

The photo of the massive gates is interesting, there are three gates in total, and they represent the three times in history that the school has changed names.  The place was home to a number of very famous locals, many of whom went on to become scholars, officials and philosophers.

A quick bike road up to Metro (a large supermarket in North HangZhou) yielded some interesting grocery purchases. 
How would you like a couple of cans of beer as big as in the second picture?   They also had a pretty decent sized wine cellar section (as pictured).

Lastly, a photo of me eating a superb duck Sheppard’s Pie at local French restaurant Provence. 
The wines by the glass are only 35 RMB on Mondays 🙂

Lastly, a picture of an actual set of scales at Wu Mart.  Got to love the inscription.