Foreword: The upper reaches of the sea

DEPARTING from Vancouver, Canada

This trip was actually a "gift trip" offered by my uncle who lives in Shanghai. He is not really Chinese, but have lived in Shanghai for years for business reasons (people refers to these businessmen as "Taiwanese merchants"). The Tokyo trip that followed this was my main focus, but since his daughter (my cousin) is going to Tokyo with me, he suggested to stop by in Shanghai and live with the family for an extra bonus travel. It turned out to be a great decision as I had loads of fun without a big budget! The extended airfare was so minimal, and I didn't have to spend any money for accomodation, transportation or food! Not to mention that everything in China is ridiculously low-cost.

Canadian passports required VISA to enter China, and for some reason I decided to register a Taiwan Compatriot Pass (what was I thinking? Oops there goes my political standing). It's a specific travel document for Taiwanese people to enter China, and I believe that Hong Kong and Macau have their own versions as well. Taiwanese Passport is equivalent of nothing according to China, because of dispute over Taiwan's "legitimacy" as a country (although a Taiwanese Passport is used to apply for a Compatriot Pass...so to me it just all feels like a practical joke) Oh well, it's valuable experience anyway.

CAMERA: Fujifilm FinePix F601Zoom