SHANGHAI

October 14, 2014

October 14th, Part 4

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Our second day in Shanghai began with a trip to the silk factory. We learned that the moths mate then lay many eggs. The tiny worms eat so many mulberry leaves in the next few days that they increase in size to HUGE fat worms. More...



The fat worms then spin their cocoon around themselves. There is either one pupa in the cocoon or two. One pupa cocoons are used to spin into silk threads. This is because a cocoon will contain one continuous thread which can be combined with 7 others to make thread which can then be made into cloth or perhaps into embroidery thread. When there are two pupae in the cocoon, the threads become tangled. Therefore these are left intact, then stretched out in a couple of stages to create a "hat" of silk. They are then stretched into layers for comforters or pillows. The factory sold the comforters, pillows, duvet covers, pillow shams, fabrics, clothing, scarves, and many silk knickknacks. I got a kick out of their tops having a XXXXL label but likely being no more than a Canadian medium-large shirt.
Lunch was on the ship on the river front but since we got there a bit early, we took a walk to a park along the river. We were on the same side of the river as all the skyscrapers so we could see the river cruise boats across the river as well as the Bund, a main street in the city.
After lunch we went to the Shanghai Museum. Great things to see there, for sure. I started on the top floor with the ethnic display and the furniture, both awesome displays. I moved down to the third floor which had Chinese painting and calligraphy as well as a display of seals. Since I had a limited amount of time, I felt like I was almost running. I totally skipped the second floor (ceramics) because I wanted to see the bronze display. Good that I did since the articles there were outstanding. Food vessels, wine vessels, musical instruments... many dasting back over 200 years. Such design and craftsmanship!!
Last on the schedule was "Old Town" which was full of traditional Chinese shops. Can you say "Barter?"
Finally, 10 of us asked to be dropped off at the Bund to view the night lights. Many were roaming along the river. There was also a fashion shoot going on. We flagged down cabs to return to the hotel and (in Chinese Yuan) we paid, 28, 35, and 56??? Thing is 20 yuan is $4 split 4 ways $1 so... when in China, don't sweat the small stuff!