Now that we’ve been in Asia for three years, the approach of Chinese New Year is less novel and more familiar. This year the celebrations will begin February 19. Two years ago I schooled you on the animals that help to usher in each new year and I smugly thought I had it all figured… Continue reading The Year of the Goat. Or Sheep. Or Ram.
Category: China
Living as an American expat in Shanghai, China.
Settling In
We've been in Singapore almost 3 weeks. We are out of the hotel and every day I feel more and more certain we picked the right place to live. We have three beds, a couch, TV and Internet, toys and boxes of clothes we will never wear here. There are dishes all over the… Continue reading Settling In
It’s Not You, It’s Me
This very Shanghai-centric post is my last for Shanghai Family. If you've never lived in Shanghai, you may not get some of the references (but maybe they'll entice you enough to come see our adopted home for yourself!). AND as an added bonus, a double feature! I wrote an article for Shanghai Family's print magazine and they've decided to put it… Continue reading It’s Not You, It’s Me
Moving Lessons
We've spent the past few weeks here organizing our lives in Shanghai, in an effort to move our bodies, hearts and minds to Singapore. As with any big change, it's caused me to pause and reflect (or that's just what happens when you're living in a nearly empty apartment). I'm not sure anything below will… Continue reading Moving Lessons
Have Kids Will Travel
As parents, we put our kids first. We go days without showering. We watch the same Peppa Pig episode over and over. And we sweat on the playground in the blazing sun because it makes them happy. We accept it as part of the job. When it comes time to make BIG decisions, we sometimes… Continue reading Have Kids Will Travel
Uniquely China
Some weeks pass and it feels like we could be in Shanghai, Connecticut or anywhere in Europe. I go shopping, to and from school, to the playground, maybe a mall…same things people all over the world do. This week was not such a week. A few things happened that felt so typically Chinese, it was… Continue reading Uniquely China
Chasing Unicorns
Beginning with our guests arrival, coupled with the delightful Spring weather, and the impending move looming, I've been motivated to see more of Shanghai. More of the traditional, original, authentic Shanghai -- back alleyways with unrestored relics, buildings that have not been redone, historic diamonds in skyscrapers. It has not been easy. If you've forgiven me for… Continue reading Chasing Unicorns
Big News and Deep Thoughts
We've known for a while but I guess it's time to make it official…we're moving to Singapore! My feelings on the subject vacillate between being excited to being very excited to panic. There are many things I will not miss: the pollution, worrying about how many chemicals I'm ingesting by eating an apple, the pollution,… Continue reading Big News and Deep Thoughts
Traveling like a Tourist
While busy entertaining our first guests, (thanks for coming Dad and "muncle" Steve!) I've been thinking about the purpose of traveling. Aren't we all a little guilty of being tourists at some points? But maybe more importantly, why should we feel guilty for being tourists anyway? Thus was my inspiration for my Shanghai Family post… Continue reading Traveling like a Tourist
When Viruses Attack
When you first have a baby and your a saggy mess of hormones, nerves, and adrenaline, the uncertainty of what you're actually supposed to do with another human being can be overwhelming. So while well meaning friends and relatives and "been there" strangers will try to assure you there is no guidebook to parenting so… Continue reading When Viruses Attack
Kathleen Siddell 