The Reality of Our New Lives!

Well, yes, it does seem that our little "vacation" has somewhat passed and we are living in our new world; reality has come to us in an unimaginable way! The last few weeks have been, as an understatement, quite busy (thus my reason for no blogging!). Upon first arriving, I read a book stating all the emotions and feelings one will go through. Basically, the first month is the honeymoon phase; busy getting settled in, viewing the city, meeting new people~ all wonderful! Then, you come to the realization that you are far far away from all of your loved ones and that this new "home" is much different than any place you could have ever imagined! Not to say that we don't like it here, we do and are very excited for our next few years here, however, with every good thing in life there are sure to be the downsides.

One thing that Jason and I have both realized is that upon returning to the United States, we are going to be living an EASY life. Everything back at home seems so simple; well that's because it is! The smallest tasks here in Shanghai are quite dutiful and sometimes can be an all day ordeal. There is also never a time when things are slow or uncrowded. Yesterday we were at IKEA shopping and I told Jason just to stay in the "zone". You really just have to pretend like you are the only one there (and this is hard standing amongst hundreds of other foreigners and Chinese). I have to describe most stores like this as the people (us) being one of the balls in the pin ball machines just being batted back and forth; this is kind of what it feels like. Then (and this is Jason's favorite I know) when you try getting in an elevator~ don't be surprised if you are positive that not one more person can squeeze in, yet the door opens and you find 6 to 7 more Chinese cram themselves in. Luckily an elevator ride is not very long, otherwise you would find a Chinese crammed in your chest (obviously because of the height factor) for too long! These are moments when I truly can't wait for some people to visit and experience this first hand!

Speaking on a much more realistic note is for me, of course, to mention the earthquake that hit Wenchuan. Two weeks ago, on Monday, May 12th, was Jason and I's Anniversary. Jason was planning on taking off early but as it would have happened the plans were slighted just a bit. I had been out running errands when I came home and received a phone call from Jason telling me that they had to evacuate their building! Of course my mind was thinking of all sorts of reasons for this, but I never imagined it would have been because of an earthquake. Even though the earthquake was over 900 miles away (in the Sichuan province) there were still areas in Shanghai that felt it. Jason's building is in downtown and he is on the 22nd floor. He was in the middle of a meeting when all of a sudden he felt really nauseous and then could feel the building sway. Thus you can imagine the mass histeria as tens of thousands evacuated in the downtown area not knowing what was going on. As Jason could only feel a slight rift from the earthquake you have to think of how the others felt (and are still feeling) the impact of the earthquake. Now the toll has reached over 60,000 people which is truly a world catastrophe. I know that there are many here in Shanghai that have family members in the Sichuan province and are still trying to figure out what is going on. Many in China leave the smaller provinces for a better life in the bigger cities (Shanghai, Beijing, etc..) and often leave their parents and children behind, only sending money when they can. This is definitely a time when we must thank God for how blessed we are in the United States that we have the opportunities and lives that we have.

Jason and I did go ahead and go to dinner, celebrating our 2nd Anniversary over in China! I did have to write that I never IMAGINED we would be celebrating it in Shanghai, but that's what you have to love about this world and it's every changing surprises! We had dinner at the JinMao tower in downtown Pudong at Cucina on the 56th floor. Let me just tell you that the view alone was worth it all, even though it was some of the best Italian food I have ever had! Our view was of most of Shanghai (downtown Pudong, the river, all the way over into Puxi) and it was truly magnificent. I must say that all of our anniversary celebrations should be that memorable! Thank you Shanghai!

Big weekend for us it was because the day before was Mother's Day and it was wonderful as well! We took a journey (yes everything is a journey here!) out to the Shanghai Wild Animal Park in Pudong! So the reason I know about these places is of course, because I'm constantly reading about everything to do with Shanghai! Thus, once we go to these places we end up seeing that it's not like we really imagined. We get out to this remote area (45 minutes from our apartment) to find that the park is 2300 acres and includes more than 10,000 animals! We were there for 3 hours and didn't see all of the zoo. Also noting that when I read about this, my book had mentioned that there had been 3 tiger attacks since 1999. Well, I wasn't nervous about it until we went up to the "Animal Baby Farm" and I could see probably why they did have attacks. First of all, there are not really any zoo representatives anywhere. Second of all, it doesn't seem that they have the best security/restraints for their animals. Lastly, when we went to see the baby Cheetahs (they weren't so baby) and their container wall was just as tall as my chest. So really not so tall. Jason and I quickly assessed that the cheetahs could very much fly "cat daddy" over the walls if they wanted to and with very little ease! We had a quick look then scampered away! Like I mentioned, everything in Shanghai is an adventure! The rest of the zoo was fabulous though; Jack loved it! We saw every kind of animal; zebras, kangaroos, elephants, bears, lions, tigers, a liger!, apes, monkey, etc.. imaginable and even enjoyed some "local" Chinese food (were just hoping it wasn't any of the zoo animals!). They even have a tiny amusement park area with a carousel, bumper cars, ferris wheel. The zoo had everything! We are definitely going back again...and bringing the video camera (yes my fault I forgot it the first time!).

One last funny tid bit that I have to add is how many arguments and fights I've seen since I've been here. It is truly hilarious! Now, these are amongst everyone; we've seen old, young, men, women~ pretty much anyone. Granted some of these are just arguments, but when the Chinese get in arguments they scream at one another in the middle of whereever they are. It does make it a little more funny because we have no clue what they're saying. Then, there are the numerous "fist fights" per say, that I've seen. I say "fist fights" because the men that I've seen get in literal fights is more than hysterical. I really hate to say it but sometimes its worse than seeing teenage girls in fights; actually the videos of girls fights we see on the news is much worse. Their fights are very femine and somewhat gentle (aside from the yelling). I've seen them in the children's market, the grocery store, on the side of the street, at a restaurant...everywhere! Now that I've seen these, I know for certain that Jason will never get bullied or rattled by any Chinese!

Memorial Day Weekend it is and we are not celebrating; we are so thinking of those back home and how weird it is not to be there! We do so hope that it is beautiful weather wherever our loved ones may be. We send all of our love and hopefully I'll not miss so many weeks before writing again!

Love to all from Shanghai!!! XOXO

Chinese May Day!

Happy Chinese Labor Day! May 1st was the official Labor Day for the Chinese! It has been a super busy weekend~ massive crowds everywhere but such a gorgeous weekend! The weather was perfect~ sunny and mostly clear skies (no smog!) so we were able to enjoy the wonderful time off! However, because of the time off on Thursday and Friday, everyone was back to work on Sunday for a 6 day work week. If you fall under the age of 28 though, then you only had to work a half day today; odd as it seems, that is their custom, so there you go!

I must say that I am certainly pleased that I chose not to blog on any experiences of mine as for the earlier part of the week. As with any big move, I was going through a bit of a rough patch in dealing with the major changes and frustrations, but have pulled through. I'm sure there will be many more days but it's nice to know they come and go. What's great about being a foreigner, is that you know that you are not alone. I have already met some wonderful women through the American Women's Shanghai group and joined their Happy Hour on Tuesday night. Women of all ages just getting to know one another; share in their experiences (good and bad) and definitely do some reassuring that it does get better! It was so nice to have them there, thus re-affirming how great it is to just have a support group (of any kind!).

Thursday (official Labor Day) Jack, Jason and I headed out to the "Xiangyang" Market in Pudong. This market is actually underground by the subway system and is quite the experience. One must definitely join in on this roller coaster of a ride as you shoot along stalls filled with every type of clothing, shoes, accessories and trinkets imaginable! As you walk along the stalls your head can only spin ( for those that are not used to such a sight) as Chinese are asking you "Lady, you want a watch, DVD, purse, shoes!?!" Every 5 steps you reach a different stall with the same question. Some even follow you down the aisles, especially if you give then any sort of inclination that you might buy something from them! I can only imagine what it will be like to watch certain family members venture through these paths of utter chaos! It has become quite fun though and I must say Jason is quite the bargainer! Jack of course, was oblivious (this being his first time) and simply wanted to dance in the middle of the aisles as he heard music. What a treat for all the Chinese, and of course for Jack, who loved the attention! Needless to say after a few hours of shopping we were exhausted and ready to leave. We exited out the entrance that leads to the bottom plaza area of the Shanghai Science and Technology Museum. The last picture (above) is of the plaza, with a fantastic dragon statue and the Museum (the big glass ball) in the background. If Jack wasn't tired and ready for lunch, we would have gone in to look, but Jack's tummy lead us away. Off to the Thumb Plaza where we ate at the Moon River Diner for some yummy American food! It's so wonderful to have "home" food if and when we want it!

Friday Jason and I were able to sneak away for a bit! Our ayi ("auntie" or nanny) was there for the day and able to babysit Jack. A few days before I had picked up a book, " Shanghai for Kids" and read about a great Textile market so we headed out there. Well apparently we were taken out to the one in the Putuo District (which was a good hour cab ride away). Thus, upon arrival we notice that there are no English signs, no one spoke a lick of English and we were the only non-Asians. It was quite a weird feeling, as if we were aliens from outer space. We did walk around the market for a bit; it was a 3 story factory of sort that ranged a good mile including every kind of fabric you could ever imagine. They had a whole floor dedicated to curtains, the second floor of nothing but bedding, then the third floor was clothing items. It was unreal the amount of obvious "textiles" that they had available. Now, this is definitely a place I will return, but with someone that can translate for me (or until I've learned!).

Once we realized that we were not going to get anything accomplished, we took another taxi ride into Puxi to the fabulous Portman Ritz Carlton area. This is such a beautiful area. They have really done a great job in their landscaping and keeping the area up. Although, once again, you wouldn't know that you were in Shanghai. Most of the buildings are more European inspired and other than the few Chinese restaurants around, there were mainly American or European cuisines. Then of course you did have your fantastic Gucci and Marc Jacobs shops that the fashion hungry love! We had lunch outside because it was another stunning day then walked around for a bit and enjoyed the scenery. The picture (above) in the middle was a little garden just about a half a block before the Ritz -Carlton hotel, with business buildings in the background. Definitely an area to further explore and to return.

After our lunch and mid-afternoon stroll, we took another taxi back over by the Xiangyang market. We went over on the other side, by Century Park, to enjoy the many others that were doing the same thing. There were people of all sorts enjoying the beautiful day; taking pictures, flying kites, enjoying picnics and just walking around. Jason did go to buy a kite (from the many kite sellers on their bikes) and all of a sudden the kite salesman is being scurried away by a police officer close by. The salesman from there takes his bike not 20 feet over to an area and motions for Jason to come over. Apparently that 20 feet made all the difference and that was perfectly fine for him to sell to Jason then. Funny, but another one of those things that you just shrug, shake your head then go on your merry way!

Yesterday (Saturday), we did take a trip to the ever-so-crowded Lotus SuperMarket. I swear that I have just got to start telling myself that I am going to continue to be shocked and overwhelemed by every little thing that I do here. This supermarket was (and their markets are always) like the malls in America on Christmas Day! I don't believe there is ever a time when things slow down here, so I guess I'll just have to get used to life in the fast lane! No more slow leisurely days of Tulsa! :) Upon visiting such a place (as any here) I have come to the realization that the Chinese here (or most of them) are really quite oblivious to the world around them. You walk through the grocery store watching them and I really am beginning to think that they might possibly think they are the only ones in the store. It's all I can come up with as to why they swing their carts around or buzz through like maniacs, when obviously that's not possible because the stores are so packed that you hit someone every five seconds! They are totally unaware of their surroundings; driving, cycling, walking, whatever it may be. Of course, I have started to get quite snippy with them and let them know that I will not have them try and shuffle me through the grocery aisles; even if they have no clue what I just barked at them, I know they are at least getting my drift and until my Mandarin is in full swing this is as good as it gets! Right..."As Good as it Gets", and that's all I need right now; just the simple satisfaction of knowing that I am making head way in trying to live in this crazy (but still so wonderful) world!

This world is just too fun...for those of you that have the ability~ come visit! It's such a trip! More later...enjoy the rest of this first weekend in May...wherever you may be! XOXO

~ Emily Renoir~