The Bund and The Fray

Nov 13

In the morning Jyl, Charlotte and I join 8 other women and attend a two hour make up demonstration held on the 8th floor of the Shanghai Tower.  I learn some new things to be sure.

In the afternoon Bruce takes us to The Bund area of Shanghai.

The word 'bund' means embankment, levee or dam.  It is on the west bank of the Huangpu River and winds nearly one mile in length. Standing by the railings, visitors have a snap shot view of the Pudong Area and Huangpu River.

The Bund was initially a British settlement, was established as a trading port in 1846 and as a UK concession the Bund became a major financial hub of East Asia. It was the location of most countries consulates, many banks, businesses and newspaper offices settled there.

The victory of the Communist Party in the Chinese civil war led to clubs, hotels and financial institutions being closed in the 1950's.  With the thawing of economic policy, buildings on the Bund were gradually returned to their former uses.

2008 saw the beginning of major (re) construction and in March of 2008 the Bund was re-opened to the public.

We have lunch at Mr & Mrs Bund

 and spend the afternoon walking the area and enjoying the many vistas and celebrations.

Bruce delivers us home where Charlotte has prepared a delicious dinner for us.

In the evening Mr. Li takes us see The Fray in concert at the Shanghai Expo site in the Mercedes Benz arena.

The Fray is a band from Denver Colorado, I had only just heard of them before we left our Canada home.  Our kids knew about them so we hope our attendance at the concert may have elevated our level of antiquity in their eyes.  

The concert was good.  For me music is all about the words, and as usual in large venues the words are tough to understand, I will look forward to downloading some of their songs.  Their hits include - How to Save a Life, You Found Me, and Never Say Never.