Getting Settled In...

Goodmorning! It is a beautiful Sunday morning in Shanghai! Jack is finally on a normal sleeping schedule and we are slowly getting on a schedule. As this has been our first weekend of feeling somewhat adjusted we have been able to see what life in Shanghai is really going to have in store for us~ and we couldn't be more thrilled! The life around us is constantly changing and every day is a new adventure.

Friday night we were able to go down the way to the Golden Bridge area. It is just about a five minute walk from our apartment complex and is full of little shops, restaurants, coffee bars and a western grocery store. We ate at a place called the Blue Frog (a very popular restaurant among the expats) and just had a great time. Jack ran amongst all of the other kids laughing and dancing and it was so comforting to see him and know that he is really going to just love it here.

One frustrating bit is that I have found that everything you try to do is quite the process (and everyone else will tell you that!). One, it comes from the communication barrier (which causes many problems in and of it self) and two, our standards and customs that we are used to on a daily basis are totally different from their culture. You forget sometimes that you are not in the United States and almost anything can be different. For example, we purchased cell phones last week and they worked great for a few days then all of a sudden mine couldn't call anyone. So, of course, we went to take it back. Isn't that normal? No, not here. They told us that they had been used and the box was open! What!?! 45 minutes of arguing ( myself, Jason and our driver, J.J.) and we still left with our phones. We have to take them to the testing center to see if they really don't work. So, if you plan on buying anything over here, don't plan on returning it. Make sure you like it in the store because most likely you will be stuck with it! I have told Jason that God is only teaching us patience because this is the first among many instances that have arisen like this. One of the joys of learning about the Chinese way of life! All I can do now is laugh! :)

The first picture above is of the NanPu Bridge. It takes you from Pudong (our area and the supposed future of Shanghai) to Puxi (the older area of Shanghai). As you can see it is not very clear and this is because of the terrible pollution problem that they have here in Shanghai. It really is so devestating to such a beautiful city. As I was talking with my driver he explained that there is not alot that the people can really do about it. One of the major causes of the pollution is from foreign factories, which have no mandated laws on keeping their factories clean and from emitting their chemicals and such into the enviornment. The citizens also have NO freedom of speech so their complaints and concerns are not really heard. This is one thing that I sometimes think we as Americans definitely take for granted. Our area is pretty clear but once you drive further into the city and downtown areas you really notice it. On a bad day you cannot even see the JinMao financial building (the tallest building in the world!).

The journey over the NanPu bridge took me into Puxi to the health center. Now let me tell you that for the first time I really felt like I was a member of a herd of cattle. I had to go down there for a physical for my residency visa. I was given a number and herded from room to room for tests. Granted there were normal tests (blood, XRays, vision, etc..) but I did do an ultrasound (even the men do!) and an EKG. Hmm...that was fun. I thoroughly enjoyed Jason and Justin talking about their ultrasounds; what a sight I'm sure! Tests went fine (obviously!) and Jack and I went on Thursday to get our residency papers so we can officially become Chinese residents. I guess we are really here right!?! The second picture is of Fiona, she works at Callidus with Jason. She is in love with Jack (like every other Chinese individual- man and woman- here). Just last night when we were out at dinner, a group of Chinese flocked over to Jack and were laughing and trying to play with him. This happens every where we go. They literally follow him around; he is a little celebrity and doesn't even know it!

The third picture above is in the Xintiandi area in the French Concession. Heidi, Emily, Jack and I went over on Wednesday and had lunch and did a little shopping. We ate at a great French restuarant and then walked around for a bit. It really is a gorgeous area and a great place for people watching. As we were walking down one of the streets I noticed some blue shacks of some sort. Heidi informed me that these were the sleeping bunks of the construction workers. Now I know why (after living here for two weeks) that their buildings go up so quickly. They literally work 12-14 hours a day and then sleep right on sight. They work all the time! However, it is really dispiriting to see how they so easily tear down their old buildings and put up a brand new one. From what I've heard that are not many areas left in Shanghai with old or native buildings; everything is new contstruction. That's why I say, that in Shanghai, it does not really look like a city in China. It's a new city; their futuristic city. To see the old city you have to travel to the outskirts of Shanghai (that I am really looking forward to). Shanghai wants to become more modernized and are very easily shunning their past to be more of a city like in the USA. I hope they do keep some of their pasttimes because it is so beautiful and it is who they are after all. I think though no matter how hard those may try, your past will always be a part of you.

I do have so very much more to write. Daily I have things that happen that are worth telling, but I could definitely be writing all day. It is a beautiful day and we are going to go to Century Park to get and fly a kite! Jack will love this! Maybe I'll write a book of our travels, even if it is just for our records of this wonderful adventure!

Much love to everyone in the United States~ and Beau in Spain!

Long trip to Shanghai

Ni Hao from Shanghai!
This is now to be our 5th full day starting here in Shanghai, China! What an experience already! Each day that I venture out I see more and more things that amaze me or that is just so much different from our everyday life that we were accustomed to in Oklahoma. Yet, when you see the Chinese here, you know that they look at us and have to think the same things. Now I believe I truly know what it likes to feel like a foreigner. It's not just a matter or living over here, but it's about truly noticing the differences of our cultures and learning to adapt (in some way or another). First off, you have to understand that the Chinese have no

problem staring, nor do they think it's rude to bump into you and not say "Excuse me". These are two things that I understand now but still am trying to get used to. There are many other things, but these I know will all come in time and it's just about knowing that you are in a totally different world, but learning to love what you have at hand. I, for one, think it is truly remarkable seeing how they live each day and how accepting they are of us "foreigners" that have come to live in their city. Those that have had experience with foreigners are very accepting and very kind. They seem to welcome our new ways of life and are quite eager to learn them, all the while here I am trying to learn some of their ways of life. I know the time that I am over here I will learn to appreciate the ways in which they live life; as will they from us and then we will from then!
Well, our trip over here was definitely uneventful and we made it safely which is all I can really ask for. However, I will add that I feel it wise never to take China Eastern Airlines. I don't really want to complain but it was just awful. The seats, the service, the food (horrible!) the selection of movies, etc.. I would definitely not recommend it! The seats felt as if they had maybe a half an inch of layer over a steal bar, so a 14 hour plane flight on a seat like that was quite painful. Jack did as well as could be expected although at times it was tough trying to keep him constrained between Jason and I. Never fear, we made it safe and sound to Shanghai! Heidi Cales and Emily Forth (two wonderful girls that are living here; Heidi has been living here for almost 3 years and Emily just moved here in March) met us at the airport to help with Jack and our luggage. They were complete life savers; I don't know how we would have managed with our 6 huge suitcases, Jack & his stroller and carseat and our carry ons. We must have looked like quite the crew!
The last few days we have been quite busy trying to get situated into our apartment. Basically just unpacking, making countless trips to the Carrefour (kind of like a Wal-Mart), the grocery store, even the Toys R' Us (Jack & Jason had a blast!) and trying ever so hard to get used to the time change. It's not really Jason and I that are having trouble but Jack. He is just still thinking he's in Tulsa, as per why he woke up at 3:30 this morning thinking that his nap was over and it was time to play. It's been like that every night since we arrived, so I'm hoping that this will somewhat change! ...and soon! :)
I think Jack has been quite hilarious the past few days. He obviously has no idea where we are, but he knows that something is a little off. One of the many things I love about Shanghai is how kid-friendly pretty much every place is. They are so eager to see American babies and love on them or say hello or entertain them. We have been to two different restaurants now where they have their own kiddie size dishware and even bring out toys (and big ones at that!) for Jack to play with. They almost sit and watch as well, to see when they might get the chance to play with him. As for anyone that knows Jack, you know that he is just loving all of this attention. He gets in his fits of dances or laughing like he knows what people are talking about and this really gets them going. It is quite a sight but Jason and I love watching it. I know that this new home of ours is going to be quite wonderful!
Speaking of wonderful and for anyone that knows me~the shopping is unreal! This is just from what I've been able to see...either walking by or from a distance. We went to the Toys R'Us the other day in the SuperBrand Mall. Yes, this mall has 11 floors of shopping; everything you can ever imagine. One whole floor is designated to restaurants alone. I obviously cannot wait to go back there~ and Jason obviously can! :)
Life is coming together slowly. We have set up our driver. His name is J.J. and he is so nice and I know that I am going to really enjoy getting to know him. I discovered yesterday that he loves Micheal Jackson and Mariah Carey so I've got to get him some CD's. We are going to have some fun! We have a silver Buick minivan (yes a minivan!) that we are sharing with Emily and her husband, Justin. It's going to be odd not driving but I don't think I'm ready (nor ever ready) to drive in Shanghai. Their driving is beyond anything I've ever seen. They do not really obide by the standard rules of the road; it's just whatever they think needs to happen. But you know, it seems to work for them, so why not!?!
Oh...another funny piece of information...I went to the Carrefour yesterday to get some hangers and more supplies for our house. I go to pay and hand the lady my money. She then proceeds to tell me that one of my 20 RMB is fake! I couldn't believe it. So apparently someone (probably in the market!) had given us fake money. I had to have J.J. then explain to me the difference between real and fake money. Now we'll see if I let them fool me again!
Well, it looks as if the day for me is ready to start. Lots to do today. Jack and I are going to have lunch with Heidi and Emily, then we are off to find some items for our apartment. Should be a long and another adventurous day! I will try and post every couple of days now that I have this started; one for those to read who want to keep updated on our journey in Shanghai, and another just for myself! :)
Our Vonage (918 number) will hopefully be set up this evening, as well as our China mobiles. Pictures will be coming soon as well! :)
Love to all from Shanghai!