August 22, 2009 – Day 241 – Shanghai, China

Through the splattering of fat rain drops descending upon our heads, we still managed to have a good time dodging the crowds at the “antiques” market (tourist market with overpriced souvenirs and trinkets, very few antiques, and huge crowds) next to Yuyuan Gardens.

Stuck in the downpour

We made four passes through before deciding there really and truly was nothing there that we couldn’t live without. The rain was beginning to ease to a slow drizzle so we started for home. Of course, shiny things always attract our attention and we could not help ourselves when we came across the real antiques market just a few blocks over from the touristy “antiques” market. Both sides of the street were lined with shops, although the side with the McDonald’s actually has more antique shops while the other side has a few antiques mixed in with the typical new souvenir fare.

In case you were hungry, ducks for sale near the market

Up, around, over, and through we made our way into a wide, multi-story building with antique stalls, sleepy shopkeepers, and no tourists (local or otherwise) within 200 meters! A few things caught our eye but even with so little business those particular shop owners were less than willing to negotiate with the only customers they had had all day. Moving along, we came across similar but better quality items and the best part–they were cheaper before we even began bargaining! Finally, an honest shopkeeper! We were so pleased with her and her stock that we decided to buy a couple more items than we orginially planned to. (Note: Sorry but we can’t share what we purchased because we don’t want to ruin the surprises for certain readers out there!)