Sunday, September 17, 2006
Adventuring in Dalian
Taking the light rail, Leslie and I went into Dalian today to find the antique mall near the Shangrila Hotel. After much walking and finally a taxi ride, we found the building and spent a couple of hours looking at goods in stalls on three floors. There was jade, pottery, calligraphy, furniture and knickknacks. Some of the goods were obviously reproductions and some may actually have been antiques. We heard a lot of Ming and Qing, but were dubious shoppers so only ended up buying little charms for our telephones. Perhap we'll go back another time with someone who is more in the know.
We then proceeded to have a tasty lunch in the cafe of the Shangrila.... la dee dah dah! Very tasty indeed and beautiful besides. Tony, a host at the cafe kindly helped us figure out how to get to Haizhiyun Square which is a beach area. We walked to a trolley car stop and hopped on the 203 after first inquiring if this 203 went to the end of the line. Pointing to the map and a questioning face yielded a firm no from the first 203 trolley that happened along. The next trolley driver nodded and beckoned us aboard and we were off. At the end of the line we found Haizhyun Square and the Sea Charm Park. Charming it was so we paid our fee and hiked on into the park. The park meandered along for many kilometers. We hiked to the end of that particular park area and then hopped a gas multipassenger tram back toward the entrance. The hightlight of the multiple hour hike was all of the sculptures! Enjoy pictures in the next entry!
So today's transportation consisted of light rail, walking, taxi, walking, trolley car, walking, gas powered tram car, walking, a three wheeled taxi, walking and light rail again. The total cost for transportation today on the 7 hour adventure was $10 split two ways. The most expensive transport was the gas tram car back toward the park gate. 40 yuan! Tai gula!!! (but it was pay or hike back and the feet said, "PAY" so we did). It was a glorious day and a glorious time was had by all ( two of us that is).
We then proceeded to have a tasty lunch in the cafe of the Shangrila.... la dee dah dah! Very tasty indeed and beautiful besides. Tony, a host at the cafe kindly helped us figure out how to get to Haizhiyun Square which is a beach area. We walked to a trolley car stop and hopped on the 203 after first inquiring if this 203 went to the end of the line. Pointing to the map and a questioning face yielded a firm no from the first 203 trolley that happened along. The next trolley driver nodded and beckoned us aboard and we were off. At the end of the line we found Haizhyun Square and the Sea Charm Park. Charming it was so we paid our fee and hiked on into the park. The park meandered along for many kilometers. We hiked to the end of that particular park area and then hopped a gas multipassenger tram back toward the entrance. The hightlight of the multiple hour hike was all of the sculptures! Enjoy pictures in the next entry!
So today's transportation consisted of light rail, walking, taxi, walking, trolley car, walking, gas powered tram car, walking, a three wheeled taxi, walking and light rail again. The total cost for transportation today on the 7 hour adventure was $10 split two ways. The most expensive transport was the gas tram car back toward the park gate. 40 yuan! Tai gula!!! (but it was pay or hike back and the feet said, "PAY" so we did). It was a glorious day and a glorious time was had by all ( two of us that is).
# posted by Sidney @ 8:49 PM 
