Costa Rica Pics Bob and Ann in Elder Hostel China Odyssey 2004

  • Thursday, April 22 - Shanghai

    We were up early for trip to canal city, Suzhou, an hour and a half bus ride in grueling rush hour traffic. Heat and humidity arrived early with the smog. Anticipation of our visit to the silk factory kept us upbeat. First, we were given an overview of the life a silk worm- all 45 days of it as illustrated by a set of bottles containing specimens of each stage in the critter’s life, pretty dismal if she is destined to be fabric! From a worm ‘farm’ we progressed to the floor of the factory where cocoons were culled and eventually unwound into silk filament. Serious marketing began in the silk quilt room, on through the clothing boutiques and an amazing variety of silk scarves, where we bought some as gifts. Lunch at the factory buffet featured uninspired ‘Western style’ food, scalloped potatoes, macaroni and cheese, pizza, beef stew and salads. With our meal ticket we were allowed only one drink which was protested because we were all thirsty in the heat.


    Photos by Bob Lynn
    Silk Worms

    Photos by Bob Lynn
    Cocoons
    Photos by Bob Lynn
    Picking Out the Silk Worms

    Spinning the Thread
    Photos by Bob Lynn
    Suzhou Boat

    We boarded the bus again to visit the Master of Nets House/Garden, take a disappointing boat ride on the grand canal and walk up Tiger Hill to the famous pagoda on top. By this time it had begun to thunder and after we piled back on the bus it began to rain. By the time we got to Shanghai all trace of rain was gone but it was still muggy after dinner and cooled later in the evening.


    Photos by Bob Lynn
    Tiger Hill Pagoda
    Photos by Bob Lynn
    Tiger Hill Pagoda

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