Buddhas and Gypsies

Good morning America,
For your convenience and general entertainment JDS Inc. has decided to formally announce a shift in our blogging ideology. Rather than continuing to post one large all encompassing memoir, I will produce a number of short ones that will be disseminated in close intervals. One of the great advantages of this is that it seems that it may allow me to include some pictures (see Lee, I do care about you).
 I shall begin with the first day, as crazy of an idea as that may seem. The first thing we did was get off the boat—I wasn’t too sure why, but apparently there is more to China then just the MV Explorer. In fact many people assert that in the coming century China will destroy Americas status as a hyper-power and we will yet again experience a hyper-powerless world with two super powers. Political, economical and social trends all lead experts to believe that this geopolitical shift is inevitable. I, however, am more interested in the fact that I ate bamboo; it was awesome.
Going back to the first day, we debarked in Shanghai and went to the YuYuan gardens where I met Amy Burkoff (friend from high school). We immediately worked our way through the scores of Asians to find a restaurant with traditional Chinese foods. I was shocked and appalled to see monkey and dog on the menu; I apologize, that was a blatant lie. In fact, I didn’t see those fine cuisines once in this wonderful country. This is the point that I was first introduced to eating Bamboo; I liked it so much we may have a problem next Sukkot.
Amidst the hustle and bustle of the hectic marketplace lay an oasis of spiritual worship. There were two gorgeous temples, one Tao one more nationalistic than religious. 
From there we went to an antique market. Unaware that in China haggling entails getting them to 20% of their original asking price I was so proud of myself when I got a hat for 70 yuan (10 dollars) when the original asking price was 110. I found it next door for 45. Funny thing about that hat, I was planning on wearing it in China and then giving it to someone as a gift, but I left it in a hotel room. I guess the big man was preemptively punishing me. Dear g-d, punishment noted. PS-It’s me Margret.
From the gypsy market we went back to the ship, got ready, and went out for Sushi. In China. We also sang the national anthem. Of America. Some call it obnoxious, I call it cultured. From there we went to Cold Stone Creamery, a fine Chinese institution also located in the Palisades Mall. Our day concluded with a trip to a bar with a name that had red in it. Apparently that was because they light the bar on bar multiple times throughout the night. It was amazing.
Be prepared young fellows for the details of ensuing adventures will be posted in mere moments…
TTFN