AN EXOTIC SHANGHAI-DEWAY
Shanghai. The name conjures up images of flashing lights, silk clad women and a bustling sea of people. The popular city in China is thriving again after its SARS outbreak and could be a fantastic spot to celebrate New Year's be it the Western, or the Chinese version.
When I first saw the city, it was nighttime, and I was amazed because it appeared as if I were delving into a city from a gothic scl-fi novel. High buildings, brilliant billboards (some in English) and just a general feeling of its massive size made the fact that its one of China's largest cities very easy to grasp.
Because it is one of the most westernized places in China, most people understand at least a little bit of English, and comparatively, the culture shock of being there is less than it might be in other parts of the country. A large community of non-easterners is always wandering around in Shanghai; you could meet British, Australian, German or more American people by just stepping out into the streets.
Once you are there though, you can visit the beautiful Huangpu River and walk along the glittering waterway known as the Bund. The Bund is lined with many small shops and restaurants and offers a breathtaking view of the city. During New
Year's Eve, Shanghai is bustling, but interestingly enough, the Chinese really go wild during Christmas and Christmas Eve.
Also in Shanghai is Asia's equivalent to the space needle. It's a 468-meter tall communications tower known as "The Pearl of the Orient." From the outside it looks fanciful with a large opalescent ball at its base and a smaller one at its apex. Inside it holds an observation deck where you can see all of Shanghai spread out before you.
Downtown Shanghai has a famous shopping street where you can visit Nan ling Road and search for silks, pearls or an amazing variety of electronics. This road is bustling, as is the town's nightlife. You can find a wide range of bars and discos to slowly let your nights drift away.
To experience the exotic on New Year's Eve or whenever you have a chance, Shanghai is definitely the get carried away.
Patrick Cady
NEW YEAR'S EVE DOWN
Ring in New Year's Aussie style in sunny Sydney, Australia. This happening, seaside city may be a 17-hour plane flight away, but its beautiful scenery and exciting attractions make it well worth the hours of airplane-bound inactivity.
Arrive several days early and take advantage of Sydney's adventure sport opportunities. Climb up the Sydney Harbour Bridge and enjoy a breathtaking, 360-degree view of the harbour area. From the bridge's summit you can see Australia's trademark attraction, the Sydney Opera House. The guided climb takes approximately two hours, with an additional hour and a half for safety instructions. Climbs begin every 10 minutes from sunrise to sunset. BridgeClimb is closed December 30th and 31st. You can reserve tickets online at www.bridgelimb.com.
If you'd like to enjoy an equally spectacular view but prefer to remain safely indoors, visit the AMP Centrepoint Tower in the Centrepoint Shopping Complex, at Castlereagh and Market Streets. Enjoy a panoramic view of the city from the 305-meter building. When facing west, you can see past the city to the Blue Mountains. If you're tired of looking, start shopping. Visit popular department stores such as Grace Bros and David Jones or trendy shops such as Sports Girl and KOOKAI. Keep in mind that in Australia, jeans come in sizes five and up. If you ask the sales clerk to help you find a pair of jeans in a size two, she may think you're crazy. If you're longing for the familiar, wander into The Body Shop. This store
looks and smells exactly like its sister stores in the states.
When hunger strikes, walk over to Darling Harbor. This quaint area has a variety of restaurants to suit all your dining needs. Inexpensive hamburger joints are tucked in among the more expensive restaurants. Sample the swordfish at Jordons Seafood Restaurant, 197 Harbourside. The only thing better than this restaurant's food is its oceanfront view. If dining during the daylight hours, you can watch as an assortment of expensive, beautifully maintained boats sail in and out of the harbour. At night the flickering lights of the boats on the water mirror the stars in the sky. Make reservations online at www.sydney.com.au/darling-restaur-jordons.
Celebrate New Year's Eve in the Rocks. The cobblestone streets of this popular area are lined with 37 restaurants. If you're over 21, check out the area's 26 bars and pubs. If you want to make a good impression on the Australian natives, skip the Foster's, the tourist's favorite beer, and order a Tooheys New. Keep in mind that Australians often refer to bars as hotels. Establishments
such as the Harbour View Hotel offer drinks, not rooms.
For more information about things to do and see in Sydney, visit the city's Web site at www.sydney.com/au.
—Lauren Reidy
ROMANCE AT MIDNIGHT
Oui. Merci beaucoup. Voulez-vous coucher avec moi. OK, so maybe your knowledge of the French language doesn't go beyond yes, thank you and the lyrics to "Lady Marmalade." That doesn't mean you can't bring in the New Year in beautiful Paris, the city of romance. Who knows, on New Year's Eve, those might just be the only words you really need to know.
See the Eiffel Tower in its most magnificent moment of the year. The 986-foot tall structure has an amazing light show and firework display for its New Year's Eve extravaganza. Watch from the street or in high-class, formal style on the Parisian Boat. The boat party lasts from 8 p.m. until daybreak complete with a six-course meal, champagne, an orchestra and dancing. You'll sail for two hours along the River Seine seeing some of Paris' most historical monuments lit up, such as Notre-Dame, the Louvre and ile de la Cite beautifully. You'll end up in front of the Eiffel Tower with perfect seats for the midnight light show.
Remember that "Lady Marmalade" song I mentioned earlier, the one with the overt sexual connotations? You can countdown to midnight at the very establishment that inspired the song's revival, the infamous Moulin Rouge. The revue, called Feerie, runs from 9 p.m. to sunrise and includes a seven-course dinner, dancing and
a seven-course dinner, dancing at champagne.
If risqué is more your style, maybe you'd prefer an erotic New Year's Eve show near the Champs-Élyeees. The racy review, called Art of the Nude, is for adults only, as the name implies. The show includes unlimited champagne and is only two hours, so you can party it up at more than one hotspot.
For reservations or more information visit the Paris International Web site. www.paris-tours-guides.com.
-Julie Jones
thursday, december 4, 2003
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