Higher, Faster

Shanghai is the business capital of China. It has the world's 2nd highest building and its fastest train, amongst other things. And today, precisely those two things interested the kids, so off we went to the Shanghai Tower (650m) and the Maglev railway ( 430 km/h).

China loves construction, and it loves infrastructure, and it sure makes a difference to quality of life in terms of journey times, and in terms of air quality. Just 10 years ago, the air here would attack your throat. No more of that. Indeed, China leads the way with electric scooters, cars, and avoiding car use by providing trains. It's just so impressive. It makes the US look like a 3rd world country and Europe a 2nd rate player. The idea that we can somehow tame the tiger is wishful thinking. This place has built a solid, future ready platform.

Getting back to today, the techy parts were a particular joy for Lennox, and the girls and Oscar loved it, too. The girls not knowing the plan wore their Chinese clothes. Looked great.

We stay this time for the 1st time in China in a homestay. The owner and managers are a lady and her mother who live in the apartment. A new experience how little space they have, and this is a pretty upmarket neighbourhood. The two ladies are extremely helpful. You need a bank... let me take you. You need clothes repaired... let me take you... you want clothes washed? Just give them to us.Read more