We're back to the land of hazy sunshine and skyscrapers. I'm told we have missed the oppressive heat but we've been back for 3 days now and the thermometer has vacillated between 78 and 93. Thank goodness for cooler weather. When we were home, it didn't really phase me that I knew exactly what was… Continue reading Living in a Haze
Tag: expatriate
Where You Been?
Thank you for noticing it's been a while since the last post and for your concern. We've been busy showing up at our families' houses yelling "surprise!" I love surprises. They're like little reminders that anything is possible. Of course, "I just colored an entire wall with my crayons," surprises aren't that fun but a… Continue reading Where You Been?
If a picture is worth 1000 words, what are 1000 pictures worth?
Can we all agree that what we really want to see on Facebook are pictures? You know, they tell a story without having to do all that tedious reading - like on a blog. I mean, it's fine if you just want to write some cryptic message about how you're "feeling really bummed… :(" but… Continue reading If a picture is worth 1000 words, what are 1000 pictures worth?
Play Dating
There are lots of things that change when you become a parent. There are all the obvious cliches - the new meaning of late nights, the new understanding of endless worry, the glamour of diapers and boogers - but there is something else. Something no one seems to talk about even though (I think) it… Continue reading Play Dating
Not From Around Here
There are lots of things that happen in any given week when I think, "Really? This is normal?" And then I stop and realize I'm judging and remember this is why I like living here. The "challenge" of living in an unfamiliar place is exactly what makes it fun. But the following are observations that… Continue reading Not From Around Here
The Fake China
One thing about living in Shanghai that has been a surprise to me, is how expensive it can be. Certain things are cheap - vegetables, taxis - but almost everything else is more expensive than it would be in the US. They are probably feverishly making iPads 100 miles from here and yet they are… Continue reading The Fake China
The Real China
When you live abroad, you want to be able to tell people what your adopted home is like…what it's really like. You want to be able to speak with authority and authenticity. You want to make the most of the time you have in your adopted home because you know your time is finite but,… Continue reading The Real China
Kathleen Siddell 