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
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 the
ir 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 th
e 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!
ir 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 th
e 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!
1 comment:
Hi Emily. I love reading about your experiences. I too will be moving to Shanghai, Pudong in August (from Melbourne, Australia) with my husband Jason and my 3 and 1/2 year old son Lachlan. I'm sure I will be going through similar experiences to yourself!
Post a Comment