Having domestic help in Asia is the norm. Unlike the US, where domestic help is the stuff of sit-coms poking fun at the rich or tabloid fodder for how out of touch celebrities are with their help, in Asia, helpers can be found in any middle class home. It is part of the culture. Some… Continue reading The Help
Tag: Shanghai
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
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
Why Expat Moms are the Best
To find out, you'll have to go here. Don't worry, it's not spam. (My second article for Shanghai Family is up.) Happy Spring!
The Mom Who Cried Wolf
There is an indoor play place here in Shanghai where my kids love to go. Nicknamed, the "slide with the balls" (astutely, as there is slide that dumps into a shallow pool of balls), its is almost always the first place named when asked, "what do you want to do today?" I imagine it's like… Continue reading The Mom Who Cried Wolf
I’ve been published!
That's right, an actual, legitmate website (that is not my own or someone I'm related to) is going to start publishing some of my writing. Right now, I'll be writing online articles every other week for Shanghai Family magazine. As you might have guessed, it is geared toward expat families living in Shanghai. I'm hoping maybe I… Continue reading I’ve been published!
Feeling at home (but maybe not really) in Shanghai
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
Say What?
I was in the bedroom. From the other room I heard a soft crash, then, "Fuck!" Ayi Jiang doesn't speak English and Hunter was at school. There was only one other person in the house…my mischievous, two year old birthday boy. I walked out and he was picking up one of his cars. "What did… Continue reading Say What?
Kathleen Siddell 