Winter Morning Walk in Shanghai

It's a cool morning in late February in Shanghai, but promises to be a clear, sunny day with temperatures getting up to 65ºF (18ºC).  I head out for a walk around the city in the brisk morning air as the sun rises.

I see the remains of Christmas/2016 New Year displays, as well as the more recent (February 8) Chinese New Year celebration.

  The remains of Christmas

The 2016 New Year

 Chinese Spring Festival/New Year) decorations

As I walk through the city, I see the winter flowers in bloom, getting closer to the end of their season, almost ready for spring.

 Winter plantings along the street

However, this has apparently been a cold winter, the more tropically-inclined palm trees are not doing well.

 Palm trees in poor health

My favorite garden at the top of the Bund, next to the Waidaibu Bridge, still has the same snail/dolphin theme as when I last came by in November.

 My favorite garden in Shanghai

 Another favorite topiary along Nanjing Road

Meanwhile, the morning exercise groups are out in the parks and malls, getting their day off to a good start.

Morning practice in the mall and park

 And the food/steamed bun stands are doing a brisk business as people pick something up on the way to work.

 Food stands in the morning

As I complete my loop and return to the hotel, the cats are out to welcome me back.

Sidewalk cats outside the Shanghai Marriott City Centre

Chinese New Year Decorations in Las Vegas

While the blog processes all the pictures from China and finds stories to tell, we'll share some pictures of Chinese New Year hotel decorations in Las Vegas.  While I was in Shanghai, Laura and Jennifer went to Las Vegas for the weekend and took these at the Shops at Crystals (next toAria), Bellagio, and the Forum Shops (next to Caesar's Palace).

Spring Flowers in February

I took a walk around town this weekend and the warm weather we've been having in February has fooled the flowers into thinking that it is Spring.  I took a few pictures and share some of them here.

The blog will be quiet for a week while I am in China (the blog is not accessible for reading or writing in China).

But, not all the trees are fooled by the weather, a few of them know there is more Winter yet to come.  This poor bird is used to hiding in the leaves.  It's not working so well now!