June 20-22 SHANG

Heng Shan Hotel

page 19 HAI

view from Heng Shan Guesthouse

Heavy rain prevented us from taking pictures during our return railroad voyage from Suzhou to Shanghai. We were picked up by the lovely local guide, Miss Yuu, who propped us in a small bus to drive to Hotel Heng Shan. This was quite pleasant even though the shower did not work (the large bath did), nor did several lamps. Ed and I made for the bar where we ordered doubles (gin and rum, respectively) for 6 Yuan each. We talked with the bartender who knew some English and was aware of the Hawaiian Islands. Ed asked what happened to the White Russian Ladies for which "Old" Shanghai used to be well-known. Too late, apparently, by several decades. Two of his daughters came by and asked the bartender and me to make sure Dad did not order any more drinks. So Ed borrowed a cigarette from the bartender and it was hardly lit when his wife Florence playfully took it from his hand...

Anyhow, it was time to dry up or off, and get ready for the 16:00-17:30 scheduled visit to the Trade Exhibition, followed by a tour along shopping streets and, especially . . . .

. . . . the BUND! (here below): before 1928

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