Shanghai to Urumqi Train, Pt. 1

                Despite the 2-hour tarmac delay at the Hong Kong airport, everything regarding my arrival in Shanghai went swimmingly. There was a baby sitting across from me on the flight, but he was well behaved. Upon landing I tried the much-vaunted Shanghai Maglev. To my dismay it was somewhat underwhelming. The initial levitation feeling gave way to a top speed equal to that of the Beijing-Shanghai high speed train (300 km/h) and a surprisingly bumpier ride. Still, it saved a pile of time and was a novel form of transport. 

No faster than a regular train, but way more expensive

                I went direct to the train station, where all the procedures to get in were straightforward. Two things to note: If you bring a knife, it will get confiscated (mine got caught in the metro scanner). This is a real bummer since now I cannot do two very important things: cut sausage and stab bears. RIP to the bear stabber, but be forewarned: they will grab it. Unless it is either tiny or a leatherman, because they did not take my tiny leatherman (which is less useful than a 3 inch blade). Secondly, the left luggage is hiding at the back of the main concourse. You will see signs on either side of the station, but they lead you to a counter with a man who will point you to the actual lockers hidden under the staircase going up from the main concourse. Keep your receipt—you need it to reopen your locker. Also it takes a picture of your face, so wear your nicest tin foil hat. 

Where the luggage party happens

                A word about the Shanghai-Urumqi train: it is quite nice. I debated actually taking one from Shenzhen or Guangdong, but it would have necessitated a departure at a strange hour of the morning from Hong Kong, or a 40+ hour ride in second class, respectively. The first I couldn’t do, the second I should have a better handle on when I try the 18-hour sampler in a day or two. In any case, Shanghai seemed a good compromise of comfort and convenience, although it required flying China Eastern Airlines. 

                The train itself is comfortable and surprisingly fast, with all-modern coaches. My compartment-mates were a family of grandparents and two small children, some guy who has yet to say a word, and a student named Bill who speaks enthusiastic if somewhat halting English. Besides Bill’s constant, good-natured conversation (it is certainly both constant and good-natured), there is really not much to say here in terms of a social life.