Too much luggage :(

So yesterday, I said "Goodbye!" to Dad. Sad day, but we had a great time! Anyone else who wants to come to Shanghai, take me out to dinner and have a free translator and tour guide, just let me know. I'm serious...

This is us on the Mag-Lev to the airport. Max speed: 430 km/h (267.2 mph). We only got up to 300 km/h (186.4), but that's still pretty fast.


After wishing Walter bon voyage (一路顺风), I changed rooms at the Donghu Hotel (from a double room to a single room). Today, I moved to Blue Mountain International Youth Hostel. It's nice, minus the construction ten feet from the head of my bed...

One thing I've learned from this: Don't pack so much. Parents, expect a big package within the next few weeks with some clothes. :)

Anyway, the day before Dad left, we went to Nanjing Road (China's most famous and lucrative shopping district) and to Chenghuangmiao Shopping District to buy souvenirs...


...and a hat.


The next week will probably be pretty uneventful. I'll be preparing for class to start, which means reviewing what I learned in Qingdao and last semester. I'm also going to try and contact some people about my thesis on environmental politics. So I'll keep you guys posted on my progress!

Until then,
Matthew