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!