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We stayed at the Ramada Hua Hai in Hang Zhou, a really first class western style hotel.  Breakfast, which was included, turned out to be quite a treat.  Magnificent would be an understatement.  A large room full of stations that included American, European and Asian foods and delicacies.  More like one of those weekend brunches at high end restaurants. [ELANA, we ate eggs, toast, juices, coffee, waffles, Chinese dumplings, fruit, but had no rice for breakfast.]   We then began our exploration of the Westlake area, which contains many of Hang Zhou's attractions.  Though the weather was very hot and humid, we persevered and saw many interesting sites and even took a boat ride.  Saturday evening, we attended a show entitled "Impression Westlake" and we really enjoyed it.  A cast of 600 with lights and water effects acted out an ancient Chinese Fable. 

On Sunday, we took a cab up to a tea plantation, which we believe was the driver's home and he then made and poured us tea.  We drank it and then purchased some.  Seth and Liz stayed behind to hike the hills and Arleen and I returned to the lake to continue our walk there. It was so hot we had to shower a number of times (fortunately were able to keep our room till 2:00PM) and went through all of the clothes we brought.  Caught the train back to Shanghai at 6 PM (modern and fast transportation) and, of course, capped the evening with a Chinese dinner at a nearby restaurant.

The pictures and video that follow will best describe our weekend.

(Guest post from Dad Steve.  We only have limited access to our blog.  We can post but we can not view or comment on our posts.  We can't post a reply, but we still love your comments. )

In this slideshow: On and Around West Lake, Impressions on West Lake Water Show, Museum Shots

Pictures for Elana and Shoshanna

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