We didn’t even want to go. But when we realized that our
first night in Shanghai would be spent in the hotel room, we joined the rest of
the tour group for the boat tour down the Huangpu River.
Jannie
and I jumped on the bus with the rest of the tour group and drove through the
street lamp streets of Shanghai. We arrived at our destination and stepped of the
buss to a skeptical looking building. We walked into huge waiting room full of
people and joined them in waiting as our tour guide secured the boat tickets.
After a few minutes we were lead down a narrow hall and through a back door of
the building, just like that we were standing on the docks waiting to board our
boat. The chill in the air kept us awake as we watched as passengers slowly filed
of a riverboat style vessel. When the boat had been emptied it was our turn to
board.
Up the
gangplank we went, surveying the riverbank views. But it wasn’t until we
reached the far, river facing side of the boat that I was glad I had come. The
views opened up to the brightly lit riverbank with skyscrapers decorated with
lightshows and varying architecture was a unique sight. As we waited for the boat
to debark, we explored the two open air decks. The boat slowly left the bank and the crisp
air turned into chilling breeze that took my breath away. I couldn’t take
enough pictures of the banks the light displays on the buildings fascinated me.
The unmistakable Oriental Pearl Radio & TV Tower was a light
show in and of itself constantly changing colors and light patterns. Cruising
along the river were boats that were as bright as fireworks decked out in light
designs and arrangements. We were passed by boats designed as floating rainbows
and dragons.
In
every trip there is always a moment when the gravity of the adventure finally
hits you. The riverboat ride in shanghai was my moment. Shivering from the
cold, breathless from the breeze and entranced by the view I stood at the bow
of the boat and realized that I was on the adventure of a lifetime and I may
never be here again.
Sincerely yours,
Lady of Adventure
