Having been to both Hong Kong and Shanghai many times in the past, I didn't really feel the need to do much in the way of "tourist visits" while in these two ports. Also, having a good friend in each city meant that I did more hanging out, eating, and shopping thing there. My good friend Simon in Hong Kong was actually in the midst of moving to another apartment, so I actually spent one of my days there helping him unpack in the new place and rearranging furniture. We ate at several good restaurants in the SoHo area (South of Hollywood Road) of Hong Kong near his place and drank coffee at outdoor cafes (when it wasn't too cool). You will see that the pictures below in both cities are mostly night scenes since I often went to a 'bar with a view' when we decided to head out in the evening. In Shanghai, my friend Will has started his new travel agency and is busy with all that a new, start-up business requires. But, it was great to see him right before his first trip to America. I took some of my students (since they begged) to the famous "fake market" and I think we nearly bought out the place. The market sells copy Gucci purses, Rolex watches, NorthFace gear, even fake IPhones and IPads. This big seller this year seemed to be the Dr. Dre headphones that are quite expensive back in the states, over $200. They sold for anywhere from $20-$50 at the market in Shanghai. I warned the students that most of these things probably would not last more than a few months after they got them back home, but the allure of cheap stuff is a powerful drug! All said, I had a great time in each of these ports and got much of my Christmas shopping done eight months early - shopping in China is great!!
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