I've recently been feeling simultaneously more and less Chinese. Which means I'm feeling more and less at home. Confusing, right? I've been drinking hot lemon water. I know it doesn't sound that refreshing, but do yourself a favor and try it. It's very Chinese. Your friends will think you are very Sino-chic. My Chinese friend… Continue reading Feeling at home (but maybe not really) in Shanghai
Category: China
Living as an American expat in Shanghai, China.
Less is More (Or Less)
When I opened my 3 year old's backpack after school the other day, I found a folded piece of paper and two paper plates that had been glued together and decorated with colored paper and glitter. I could feel my heart rate pick up a bit and for a moment I was paralyzed. Again. I'm… Continue reading Less is More (Or Less)
Men in Fur Coats and Other Fun Things to See in Shanghai
I hate when people ask, "so what's it like living in Shanghai?" I suppose it's a fair question but I feel like I don't know how to answer it. If you've ever asked (or wondered) and I've given you some equally vague response. Today is your lucky day. I'm transporting you through space and… Continue reading Men in Fur Coats and Other Fun Things to See in Shanghai
Out with the Snake and in with the Horse
As you wind down from a busy holiday season, my Chinese brethren and I are just starting to gear up to celebrate the Year of the Horse. Bright red and gold lanterns are dangling from every perch available. Little orange trees decorated with red envelops are replacing the bling-ed out Christmas trees around town and… Continue reading Out with the Snake and in with the Horse
To New Places
I'm a little ashamed to admit this, but last week marks the first time I've taken the Shanghai metro. It's not that I have anything against subways, but I'm using my tired excuse of "but with kids, you know, it just harder." Taxis are cheap and so convenient. And, if I really think about it,… Continue reading To New Places
The ramblings of an uptight, politically correct mom.
Over the weekend, I happened to catch the CCTV news. I was half watching but they were running a story about the growing Chinese protests of Jimmy Kimmel - calling him racist and holding up signs that said, "genocide is not a joke." Intrigued, I did a little more research and found out that back… Continue reading The ramblings of an uptight, politically correct mom.
How to Act
I can't believe I forgot the funniest part of the whole, potty-training-when-the-world-is-your-toilet story...in most of these buildings, the guards who do not look at all intimidating, walk with dogs who look even less intimidating. Part of the reason, is that they (the dogs) look like old, retired farm dogs and the other reason is...wait for… Continue reading How to Act