See evidence below.
Our kid
Their kids
Our kid
Their kids
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Friday, August 2, 2013
What is their secret?
Ok so we know the Chinese must have some TCM ( traditional chinese medicine) trick to making their kids good travelers! What is it? A tea? Some herb? Give us your secret!!
See evidence below.
Our kid
Their kids
Our kid
Their kids
Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone
See evidence below.
Our kid
Their kids
Our kid
Their kids
Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone
Tuesday, July 2, 2013
You know you are in China when.....
- You hand your child a drinkable yogurt and his response is, "I really hope this isn' t Yak's milk"
- On your walk home from work your shoes start getting shined against your will. The shiner insists you pay him 100RMB. You are screaming no, stop ,in all the Mandarin you know but he negotiates you down to 5RMB. He takes your 5RMB but lets you know that the "Big Boss" pays 100. You walk away confused but with shiny shoes
- You know what the Big Boss means and it becomes your husbands new nickname whether he likes it or not
- You realize it' s much harder than you think to retrain yourself to put toilet paper in a trash can instead of the toilet. Go ahead, try it, test yourself
- It's 95 degrees out and very humid when you realize you and your family are the only ones sweating. Everyone else seems totally comfortable. Can you say "stinky, sweaty, Americans"
- You realize that food here goes bad much faster than at home, and it makes you wonder.....hmmmmmm
- You get really excited when the grass at the park is not roped off and you get to play on it!
- You pay $8 for pasta sauce and $16 for a Louis Vitton purse
- You do your grocery shopping at a wet market stall called " The Avocado Lady"
- Before going out you check the weather and the air quality index
- You see cats all over here because they are considered good luck and dogs....well......
- You realize there are two prices for everything here. The foreigner ( Tai Tai or Laowai) and the local price. Trust me, you are not getting the better price.
- Seeing a man selling watermelons on the steps of Dolce and Gabanna looks totally normal
Friday, June 28, 2013
2nd date continued
We also found our favorite marriachi band. :). Same grand opening!
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- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone
We had our second date!
2nd date. We stumbled upon a grand opening. Lots of fun.
- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone
- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone
Monday, June 3, 2013
Beijing Etc.
Where to start!! Well we took a trip to Beijing and that was a lot of
fun. Ok well the kids will tell you they had fun and we have great
pictures but it was quite a working vacation! We realized how spoiled we
are here in Shanghai and how many western comforts we have. The water park there was amazing, they transformed the Olympic aqua park into
this fabulously fun water park. Kids loved it and John did some crazy
demon drop slide. He said there was no line to the slide, which in China
is a really rare thing. He climbed into the capsule and the man locked
the door and a loud countdown started before the plank beneath his feet
retracted. He realized why there was no line to this slide and we
laughed as they must have been thinking look at that crazy American
riding the slide everyone knows NOT TO RIDE.
We have all learned
to understand that the green light here to walk across a street does NOT
mean that it is safe to walk. It simply means that there will be less
things that will hit you , it' s really a ratio thing. So walk when it's
green , but still watch out out for scooters, bikes, cars, buses, well
you get the picture.
I have continued to watch our kids adapt as
the other night Gavin slurped down a bowl of noodles with chopsticks
while holding the bowl close to his mouth.
We are learning badminton and
Savannah is taking up Tai Chi all on her own. At the museum the other
day Gavin got pushed out of the way by a grandmother wanting he
grandchild to have a turn at a laser display. He got really mad and said
why is the "Chinese culture so mean". I explained that a lot of things
Americans do are perceived as mean. He got over it and decided to go
back for another turn only this time when he was done he screamed for
his sister with elbows up and full defensive mode waited for her to get
up to his spot before he would let go of the laser! He had figured out
how this thing works! We have learned a lot about tolerance ,
difference, similarities, such great life lessons for all of us!
Gavin had discovered that women can smoke, apparently he was not aware of this until our move but it continues to surprise him.
Savannah
generally enjoys being moderately famous. Gavin avoids it except now
and then when he steps out to make sure he is just as famous as her,
when he wants to be.
Gavin continues to give the same answer
when people ask what they can mail him from home: corn dogs. So if anyone
can figure out how to ship corn dogs half way around the world feel free
to let me know.
John and I are starting to understand that not all white people in China are Americans; which is apparently a new insight for us!
Until our next update! Bye!
Photo of a typical alley
Bugs etc.9
fun. Ok well the kids will tell you they had fun and we have great
pictures but it was quite a working vacation! We realized how spoiled we
are here in Shanghai and how many western comforts we have. The water park there was amazing, they transformed the Olympic aqua park into
this fabulously fun water park. Kids loved it and John did some crazy
demon drop slide. He said there was no line to the slide, which in China
is a really rare thing. He climbed into the capsule and the man locked
the door and a loud countdown started before the plank beneath his feet
retracted. He realized why there was no line to this slide and we
laughed as they must have been thinking look at that crazy American
riding the slide everyone knows NOT TO RIDE.
We have all learned
to understand that the green light here to walk across a street does NOT
mean that it is safe to walk. It simply means that there will be less
things that will hit you , it' s really a ratio thing. So walk when it's
green , but still watch out out for scooters, bikes, cars, buses, well
you get the picture.
I have continued to watch our kids adapt as
the other night Gavin slurped down a bowl of noodles with chopsticks
while holding the bowl close to his mouth.
We are learning badminton and
Savannah is taking up Tai Chi all on her own. At the museum the other
day Gavin got pushed out of the way by a grandmother wanting he
grandchild to have a turn at a laser display. He got really mad and said
why is the "Chinese culture so mean". I explained that a lot of things
Americans do are perceived as mean. He got over it and decided to go
back for another turn only this time when he was done he screamed for
his sister with elbows up and full defensive mode waited for her to get
up to his spot before he would let go of the laser! He had figured out
how this thing works! We have learned a lot about tolerance ,
difference, similarities, such great life lessons for all of us!
Gavin had discovered that women can smoke, apparently he was not aware of this until our move but it continues to surprise him.
Savannah
generally enjoys being moderately famous. Gavin avoids it except now
and then when he steps out to make sure he is just as famous as her,
when he wants to be.
Gavin continues to give the same answer
when people ask what they can mail him from home: corn dogs. So if anyone
can figure out how to ship corn dogs half way around the world feel free
to let me know.
John and I are starting to understand that not all white people in China are Americans; which is apparently a new insight for us!
Until our next update! Bye!
Photo of a typical alley
Bugs etc.9
Saturday, June 1, 2013
Love this video
This is a good visual summary of what our days are like here!
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- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone
Thursday, May 16, 2013
Pet and more
We have a pet. A Chinese pet. We think.
Our driver gave our son a grasshopper in a little cage, or we think it' s a grasshopper but we aren't sure since we don' t speak Chinese and of course he doesn't speak English. One friend pointed out that perhaps we are confusing the gift of a pet for the gift of a snack. I did ponder the idea and cannot completely refute it as I have seen many pet like things served around town as dinner. So, I guess we should say we have a pet, a rescued pet.
In other news I can tell you that if a woman is forced to go more than 10 days without a flat iron (or hair styling product of choice), she may have a minor breakdown on day 10 sending her husband out into China traipsing about the streets in hunt of either a flat iron or a converter for her flat iron. If that husband finds the flat iron , the wife will be magically transformed into an agreeable human and he will be mystified but grateful. This is all hypothetical of course, I'm just saying it could happen.
Finding napkins in China has proved to be very difficult. They are difficult to purchase yet very easy to come by in restaurants. We have stooped to becoming much like those ketchup and barbecue sauce hoarders in the states. Mr. Washam has kept our napkin stash quite healthy, although I wander if this behavior might get into hoarding of other items and perhaps not subside upon our return to the states. We shall see.
It's been two weeks since we started this adventure and Sav has now realized she is not in Chicago and wondering when this vacation is going to end! Gavin just keeps telling us what a great opportunity this is. We aren't sure if he really feels that way or if it' s because we have said that over and over to him. Either way we continue to reinforce the idea because it works in our favor.
If you call and hear a really loud screeching in the background don't be alarmed it's our rescued pet/snack.
Goodnight/Goodmorning
Our driver gave our son a grasshopper in a little cage, or we think it' s a grasshopper but we aren't sure since we don' t speak Chinese and of course he doesn't speak English. One friend pointed out that perhaps we are confusing the gift of a pet for the gift of a snack. I did ponder the idea and cannot completely refute it as I have seen many pet like things served around town as dinner. So, I guess we should say we have a pet, a rescued pet.
In other news I can tell you that if a woman is forced to go more than 10 days without a flat iron (or hair styling product of choice), she may have a minor breakdown on day 10 sending her husband out into China traipsing about the streets in hunt of either a flat iron or a converter for her flat iron. If that husband finds the flat iron , the wife will be magically transformed into an agreeable human and he will be mystified but grateful. This is all hypothetical of course, I'm just saying it could happen.
Finding napkins in China has proved to be very difficult. They are difficult to purchase yet very easy to come by in restaurants. We have stooped to becoming much like those ketchup and barbecue sauce hoarders in the states. Mr. Washam has kept our napkin stash quite healthy, although I wander if this behavior might get into hoarding of other items and perhaps not subside upon our return to the states. We shall see.
It's been two weeks since we started this adventure and Sav has now realized she is not in Chicago and wondering when this vacation is going to end! Gavin just keeps telling us what a great opportunity this is. We aren't sure if he really feels that way or if it' s because we have said that over and over to him. Either way we continue to reinforce the idea because it works in our favor.
If you call and hear a really loud screeching in the background don't be alarmed it's our rescued pet/snack.
Goodnight/Goodmorning
Saturday, May 11, 2013
Date
This was our first date in Shanghai! Totally normal.
Random date photo
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Random date photo
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Friday, May 10, 2013
Undercover
Please enjoy this under cover video by Savannah.
Apparently she's putting together a documentary.
- Posted using BlogPress from my iPad
Apparently she's putting together a documentary.
- Posted using BlogPress from my iPad
Park
We found a really
fun park today. Lots of turtles, fish , and a playground which is rare here! Pics are Sav "scaring" a fish, a turtle house, and new friends.
Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone
fun park today. Lots of turtles, fish , and a playground which is rare here! Pics are Sav "scaring" a fish, a turtle house, and new friends.
Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone
Tuesday, May 7, 2013
Observations, Updates, Etc.
So I haven't been writing much, mostly pictures for two reasons:
1) I am super tired and when the kids finally sit down, I am half asleep!
2) When you log on in China it changes all of your buttons to Chinese. So, I had no idea how to log in , and will just hope that the button I click on actually posts this! Better make a copy before I start clicking just in case.
About Living in China:
*Chinese Hospital
-You have to get a residency medical exam from the Chinese government
- When you ask what they are looking for (to those that speak English) you will only get an " I have no idea".
*Your daughter will be convinced that your driver is in the Newspaper and also the President of China.
*You will realize you are grossly overpaying for kid shoes
*You will be amused that most grass is not be walked on and if it is, you are NOT to fly a kite
*You and kids can spend hours watching the police blow their whistles and chase off lawbreaking kite flyer's
*You love having a maid , that didn't take flying around the world to figure out
*When you are looking for directions to a mom's coffee, this will be what is given to you:
After entering lane 550, walk about 50 meters down the lane and past
the streetside veggie market and the lady with the fish in the
styrofoam box until you see a black gate and an alley with cafes,
restaurants, and boutiques. Say "g'morn" to the talking black bird on
the left and come into the bright airy cafe on the right under the sign
'Melange Oasis'
*You will think seriously about writing a letter to the president of Papa Johns and profusely thanking him for bringing his pizza to China and making it taste the same
*Cheetos do not taste like Cheetos, rather chili, or that' s my best description
* A bag of chocolate chips costs 10$, luckily I brought a few. Oh and sunblock is 27$.
* You will miss Netflix, alot
*Not having Netflix or TV really will cause a lot of family time
*You will find yourself watching really old C movies in English , and being thankful
*You will realize that Americans keep their kids very close to them. Example: Today I watched a fellow expat mom get up and use the restroom in a crowded restaurant. She simply got up and left her approximate two year old with the waitress, who proceeded to parade the cute western child around the restaurant to show her off.
*You will ponder the idea of learning how to make your own cliff bars, perhaps selling them and making millions. Ok at least a few bucks. I just read that the delivery western cupcake baker has her Harvard MBA, she's gotta be smart right!
*You will decide your bedtime is at 5:30. Goodnight.
1) I am super tired and when the kids finally sit down, I am half asleep!
2) When you log on in China it changes all of your buttons to Chinese. So, I had no idea how to log in , and will just hope that the button I click on actually posts this! Better make a copy before I start clicking just in case.
About Living in China:
*Chinese Hospital
-You have to get a residency medical exam from the Chinese government
- When you ask what they are looking for (to those that speak English) you will only get an " I have no idea".
*Your daughter will be convinced that your driver is in the Newspaper and also the President of China.
*You will realize you are grossly overpaying for kid shoes
*You will be amused that most grass is not be walked on and if it is, you are NOT to fly a kite
*You and kids can spend hours watching the police blow their whistles and chase off lawbreaking kite flyer's
*You love having a maid , that didn't take flying around the world to figure out
*When you are looking for directions to a mom's coffee, this will be what is given to you:
After entering lane 550, walk about 50 meters down the lane and past
the streetside veggie market and the lady with the fish in the
styrofoam box until you see a black gate and an alley with cafes,
restaurants, and boutiques. Say "g'morn" to the talking black bird on
the left and come into the bright airy cafe on the right under the sign
'Melange Oasis'
*You will think seriously about writing a letter to the president of Papa Johns and profusely thanking him for bringing his pizza to China and making it taste the same
*Cheetos do not taste like Cheetos, rather chili, or that' s my best description
* A bag of chocolate chips costs 10$, luckily I brought a few. Oh and sunblock is 27$.
* You will miss Netflix, alot
*Not having Netflix or TV really will cause a lot of family time
*You will find yourself watching really old C movies in English , and being thankful
*You will realize that Americans keep their kids very close to them. Example: Today I watched a fellow expat mom get up and use the restroom in a crowded restaurant. She simply got up and left her approximate two year old with the waitress, who proceeded to parade the cute western child around the restaurant to show her off.
*You will ponder the idea of learning how to make your own cliff bars, perhaps selling them and making millions. Ok at least a few bucks. I just read that the delivery western cupcake baker has her Harvard MBA, she's gotta be smart right!
*You will decide your bedtime is at 5:30. Goodnight.
Monday, May 6, 2013
Apartment
Please excuse our mess but I thought Iwould show you our place!
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- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone
Saturday, May 4, 2013
Thursday, May 2, 2013
We made it!!
This photo is evidence, cant believe it but both kids went to bed on the plane!!! Amazing for my kids who barely sleep at home. 14 hour plane ride was no problem.
All 12 bags made it, car was there to pick us up as we were told, our apartment is great, we just got the kids to bed and ordered pizza! Sure tomorrow something is coming our way cause today was way too easy!!
I am super jet lagged but wanted to say hi! Oh and Sav is just sure we are living in Chicago. Why correct her, we are just going with it. Wonder how long she will believe us?
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All 12 bags made it, car was there to pick us up as we were told, our apartment is great, we just got the kids to bed and ordered pizza! Sure tomorrow something is coming our way cause today was way too easy!!
I am super jet lagged but wanted to say hi! Oh and Sav is just sure we are living in Chicago. Why correct her, we are just going with it. Wonder how long she will believe us?
- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone
Wednesday, May 1, 2013
Checked in
Got our 12 bags/boxes all checked in!! Took a bus to get us to the airport and three employees to check it all in.
Just eating a breakfast of Annies pretzels and waiting on our flight to Chicago.
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Just eating a breakfast of Annies pretzels and waiting on our flight to Chicago.
- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone
Tuesday, April 30, 2013
Hey guys! Many of you have asked for our address so I thought I would post it out here! We are doing our last minute packing , car gets here at 5 AM tomorrow!! Excited for the journey but also realizing what great people we are surrounded with in our "real" life. Love you all!
Kim
Kim
Address:
Lanson Place,
Building 3, Unit 604
Lane 168 Xing Ye
Rd
Lu Wan District,
Shanghai, 200020, PRC
Sunday, April 21, 2013
Drive
I think my driving is the real reason john is moving us to china. It was the only way to take my car away.
- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone
- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone
Funny people
One of the very unexpected surprises of this whole thing has been all the goodbyes. Letters, gifts, inside jokes, goodbye hugs, coffee dates,etc. Its kind of like attending your own funeral. People say all sorts of nice things about you, although maybe that's because they think it really will be the last time they see us. If so, forget all the niceties, just give us cash and we'll be sure to donate it to our favorite charity for you :)
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- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone
Saturday, April 13, 2013
Two Weeks To Go!
I have never blogged before and can't promise to be great at it but I will at least start this blog and see how it goes!! I'm sure that opening has you holding onto your seat!!
Well, we leave for China, Shanghai in two weeks! Can' t believe it' s finally that close. Our life is a whole lot of last coffee dates and play dates, packing, and constantly hammering away at our to do list.
I am excited about this adventure and of course a bit nervous. The kids are very excited,mostly cause they have NO IDEA what they are getting themselves into. As adults we don't quite have that luxury. My goals on this adventure are to first and foremost stay healthy and safe. Learn a lot about China and it's culture, and learn even more about myself! I am sure it will be fun and maddening all at once. I figure if we can laugh more that we cry they we are doing pretty good! I am ready to see how it changes and challenges all of us!
Well, we leave for China, Shanghai in two weeks! Can' t believe it' s finally that close. Our life is a whole lot of last coffee dates and play dates, packing, and constantly hammering away at our to do list.
I am excited about this adventure and of course a bit nervous. The kids are very excited,mostly cause they have NO IDEA what they are getting themselves into. As adults we don't quite have that luxury. My goals on this adventure are to first and foremost stay healthy and safe. Learn a lot about China and it's culture, and learn even more about myself! I am sure it will be fun and maddening all at once. I figure if we can laugh more that we cry they we are doing pretty good! I am ready to see how it changes and challenges all of us!
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