 Suzanne S - soooze | All Comments |
Comments | |
| 13th December 2009 Linda | wow indeed - From: last blog of 2009 from Shanghai You're making this look easy, Suzanne. Tea parties, school presentations, magazine articles, shopping, packing...plus time to pose with the Harlem Globetrooters...nice. |
| 12th December 2009 Brian D | Wow - From: last blog of 2009 from Shanghai Lots of last minute stuff going on there. Good thinking on the PPOD order. Look forward to seeing you guys. |
| 3rd December 2009 Linda | Great blog! - From: The British are coming...to Thanksgiving dinner Your food prep stories always make me hungry. We had a wonderful Thanksgiving with friends, pretty much the same menu. No pecan pie though. I heard a funny story...from the "cook". She and I couldn't stop laughing. They had picked up all their food pre-prepared...all they had to do was heat it in the microwave. There were four adults, so each was in charge of one thing...but the guest in charge of the turkey couldn't figure out the thermometer in the turkey and wound up overcooking it...and the other guest spent ten minutes trying to decide how long to microwave the potatoes. |
| 3rd December 2009 Emily | Nice work! - From: The British are coming...to Thanksgiving dinner Props to you for cobbling together a very respectable T-giving dinner while over half-a-world away from the States! We were in Nepal for the holiday, in mid-trek across the Annapurnas. We didn't have much choice, as we were camping out at a remote teahouse for the night, but the owner put together a pretty nice chicken dinner with mashed potatoes and veggies, and Ollie ordered a side of lasagna. A minor smorgasbord after a long day's hike. Hope you're doing well and enjoy your time back home! e |
| 1st December 2009 amy d | turkey - From: The British are coming...to Thanksgiving dinner We went to my in-laws in Kentucky for Thanksgiving. We had ham. Just wasn't the same. Funny to think of all the trouble and expense you went through for turkey, and we didn't even have any. |
| 24th November 2009 Linda | Takk fer maten! - From: with Swedes in tow, we head to the snow (Moganshan take 3) Walks in the snowy woods, cooking in jackets, sleeping with hot water bottles...plus Swedish meatballs and pancakes with lingonberries...your blog brought back so many memories, I had to keep reminding myself that you are writing from Shanghai. Thanks, A Regular Reader |
| 16th November 2009 soooze | thanks Linda (#1 fan) - From: keeping my skills sharp and having fun doing it Thanks for all your comments and continued interest. |
| 16th November 2009 Linda | Keep blogging - From: keeping my skills sharp and having fun doing it Hey Suzanne, what do you mean "the blog has served its purpose"? I love reading your take on ex-pat life in Shanghai. |
| 5th November 2009 Geeze | C and C year 2 - From: customs and costumes in Shanghai (year 2) Hi Suzanne, Let the good times roll..sounds like you are having many Kodak moments! Love you, Aunt Geeze |
| 23rd October 2009 Brian D | Heh heh - From: more small world moments Heh heh. You said "fuxing". |
| 21st October 2009 NatalieB | Zowie - whatta trip! - From: Last days in Vietnam - Hoi An I'm blown away by your amazing travels in Vietnam. As i was reading i just kept thinking how lucky the kids are that they have this rare experience and how they will be forever changed - always more open-minded, forgiving, understanding - because of the expanding world that they are experiencing. the pictures were beautiful - absolutely gorgeous. Thanks for sharing! |
| 17th October 2009 Geeze | final entry,Vietnamn - From: Last days in Vietnam - Hoi An Hi Suzanne! What a great experience/contrast and the pics are fab! You all look great! Hugs, Geeze |
| 14th October 2009 Emily | Fantastic! - From: 3 days on the water in Halong Bay, Vietnam Suzanne! This sounds like you guys had an amazing trip on Ha Long! Just looking at all your great pics makes me wish we could go back. I think we got lucky though, b/c we are hearing stories about pretty bad weather blowing north up to Hanoi. So glad to have met you! I hope you got back to Shanghai safe and sound. Best, Emily Rauch |
| 7th October 2009 Linda | Great blog! - From: good morning, Vietnam Love hearing about the former Hanoi Hilton...plus how Hanoi compares with Shanghai. Look forward to more details about Vietnam. Enjoy your holiday! |
| 5th October 2009 Larry Townsend | Best read yet - From: Quick and dirty pre-Nam blog Hi, Neighbors: Best read in 151 blogs! Hope you don't "get weathered out" in your travels. The remnants of Hurricane Bill prevented our making four port visits in our circumnavigation of the U.K. and Ireland last month. |
| 4th October 2009 Fred | go Tony - From: Quick and dirty pre-Nam blog Tony is a GOD for bringing you Peets. Have a great trip. I hear it's wonderful. At least that's what this guy on a cooking show said. |
| 29th September 2009 PA Leslie | Hi! - From: getting back in the routine I guess you live in Pudong...my son went to SCIS Hongqiao for 3 years. We have now move to Bangkok. Seems there are quite a lot of families living in Shanghai on travelblog. Fun! Hpe to meet you guys one day soon...Peter |
| 28th September 2009 Linda | The blog must go on! - From: made in china Another posting of another blog...Thanks for ignoring the carpals to get this out to us. |
| 28th September 2009 Brian D | Thanks for typing through your pain - From: made in china Glad you're suffering for your art. Will not glad. You get the idea. |
| 16th September 2009 Linda | - From: worst foot massage ever and other suze news Great blog! Loved reading about how you got drafted for a school talk on transportation. What a perfect topic for you...that's what you've been researching for a year...getting around without a driver. Loved Mark's story...and punchline...Live Spam. And loved your foot massage story. Those of us always envious of those long but cheap foot massages you write about...were not this time! Yow. |
| 16th September 2009 NatalieB | The Pain! - From: worst foot massage ever and other suze news Speaking of pain...my sides hurt from laughing at your hilarious description of your agonizing massages. I'm not laughing at you (or your pain) but at the image of Mark hobbling across the floor...all from an overzealous massage! Great blog - super funny and totally YOU. |
| 8th September 2009 The Dad | One of the best - From: iPhone resurrection, spinny rides and tandem bikes Your 150th shows is now on my growing list of favorites. What fun to read about my daughter in Shanghai while using my laptop in a Paris hotel. Yet, I just chatted with the very famous Sooze just a moment ago. Yay! technology. |
| 8th September 2009 Linda | Happy 150th! - From: iPhone resurrection, spinny rides and tandem bikes A respectable New York hot dog in a Shanghai subway station. The world is definitely contracting. How great to have the World Expo in your city next year...and already a contact in your building. Nice work on Mark's iPhone. Open-pod surgery...good one. |
| 2nd September 2009 Arlene | Happy anniversary! - From: celebrating, studying and sharing best practices in Shanghai Ours was yesterday and we spent it doing kid stuff too! Hope the kids enjoy Kung Fu - mine are both doing tae kwon do and they love it. |
| 2nd September 2009 Linda | boxes - From: celebrating, studying and sharing best practices in Shanghai Love the photo of the snack closet. How did you ever do this...bring all these snacks IN THEIR BOXES in your luggage? I'm thinking that the packaging must be part of their allure. Emily's face says it all. Obviously worth it. |
| 27th August 2009 Linda | She's back! - From: feeling better, stories from the week Love your story about finding the store...water stops, direction inquiries and all. Making jokes in Chinese? Nice. |
| 22nd August 2009 Linda | Yeah - From: clogged qi, tropical storms and updates on all things soooze Hey Soooze, so great to have your blog back in my life. You're right...it's the weather AND being back after three weeks of family and friends AND all those annoying things you got un-used to AND doing the Beginner 2 when you've had all those successes in communicating. I'm so THERE. Take a deep breath and do Suzanne in Shanghai Part II. |
| 22nd August 2009 Susan | i never understood chi - From: clogged qi, tropical storms and updates on all things soooze Hi Suzanne! First time back to your blog in awhile. Awesome that you are keeping it up! Bummed to have missed you during your trip back to Chicago and sorry to hear that you are feeling like it's hard to adjust on your return to Shanghai. Hope your spirits lift back up soon! |
| 13th August 2009 Brian D | Good seeing you - From: from one home to our second home--back in Shanghai Great seeing you guys on your visit. Look forward to the next one (see someone does read the blog ;) |
| 13th August 2009 Larry Townsend | Nice to see you - From: from one home to our second home--back in Shanghai Thanks for the tip that by subscribing we can get the latest from you. (I trust that you are working with a book editor with all this.) It was good seeing you ever so briefly on this return home. Larry and Carol |
| 12th August 2009 Linda | Welcome back there! - From: from one home to our second home--back in Shanghai We your loyal readers are glad you're blogging again...but your trip home sounds sweet indeed. |
| 23rd July 2009 soooze | booking the playdates - From: lazy days turn to hectic mayhem I'm already making plans with friends--keeping it all on my google calendar, though when we get home I don't have Internet at our house. I will have to go to my neighbors to get Internet and watch tv! it's bare bones back at the home base. |
| 22nd July 2009 Linda | Evanston, here you come - From: lazy days turn to hectic mayhem Great news that you and the kids are swinging by The House. Enjoy all the fun...and the cooler weather. Do Emily and Nathan have lists of the friends they want to see...and foods they want to eat? Does the sun rise? Right? |
| 22nd July 2009 Uncle Fred | Hi - From: lazy days turn to hectic mayhem Hi Suzanne, Mark Emily and Nathan, (and Matt if you're still there) Nice to hear the updates. Have a great trip home, for some fresh American air (do we have that?) Anyway, love to all. Fred, Toshimi and Melody |
| 17th July 2009 Lee Nichols | Great travel writer - From: Being the exhibit at the Beijing Zoo and the overnight train outta there Your blog is so informative that I am sure China will be much more fun for me because of it. I will arrive in September. Hopefully the weather will be a tad cooler. |
| 15th July 2009 Lorraine | What an adventure! - From: out of sequence but oh so bloggable tale Wow...what an adventure! Glad that you guys made it safe to the train station, and did not get stopped by those police officers. You could have missed the train and ended up facing a lot of hassles... |
| 15th July 2009 Lorraine | Love your travel blog! - From: Welcome Shu Shu! Let's go back to Beijing My husband and I have lived in China for about 2.5 years. We have traveled to some of the places you guys went, but I wish I could have planned them as nice as you did!!! |
| 14th July 2009 Aunt Geeze | July Beijing trip continued. Long Qing Gorge - From: July Beijing trip continued. Long Qing Gorge Suzanne you are making me laugh! Ditto on the faux lotus root. Anything that looks like a noodle is usually quite tasty but tripe? no way! Now please tell me..when are you coming home? Lol Hugs, Geeze |
| 14th July 2009 Linda | pictures - From: July Beijing trip continued. Long Qing Gorge Love the pictures of the post-no-bungee-jumping Nathan and the mid-toboggan-riding Emily. Sounds like Shu Shu's suggestion was a success with the kids. |
| 14th July 2009 Andrew | GREAT - From: July Beijing trip continued. Long Qing Gorge great photography... Thanks for sharing... ___________________ Andrew Entertainment at one stop |
| 13th July 2009 Linda | - From: Welcome Shu Shu! Let's go back to Beijing How terrific to have Uncle Matt with you for summer vacation. The kids must be loving showing him the sights. |
| 13th July 2009 Ari | - From: out of sequence but oh so bloggable tale That's fabulous. I'm glad it turned out to be something that makes a good story, nothing worse. |
| 12th July 2009 Linda | WOW - From: out of sequence but oh so bloggable tale What a memorable birthday...huh, Mark? I see you telling this story at every birthday celebration to come. And speaking of story-telling, I am picturing brother Matt, back at work answering his office mates when they ask, "So what did you do on your vacation?" You Slavens! Thinking of your literary responsibilities while being chased by the police! |
| 12th July 2009 Uncle Fred | Happy Birthday Mark - From: out of sequence but oh so bloggable tale Happy Birthday Mark! Wow, the big Four Oh No! Enjoy. Amazing Chase scene, made me a little sweaty reading this. I think you're all very lucky, and it's a sure sign for you to come home. (hint hint) Fred |
| 12th July 2009 Geeze | Happy Birthday Mark! - From: out of sequence but oh so bloggable tale Intense stuff and glad you are all fine. Love and Big Hugs to all of you. Geeze |
| 6th July 2009 Bird Cages | I love HK! - From: exploring hong kong and kowloon I've been t HK several times. I really love shopping and enjoyed eating in HK. Ohhh..I wanna go again soon. |
| 1st July 2009 Amy D | OMG - From: Phuket - part 3 Phang-Nga Bay Sea kayaking Trip He is so grabbing your butt! Makes me laugh every time I look at it. |
| 30th June 2009 Linda | caves - From: Phuket - part 3 Phang-Nga Bay Sea kayaking Trip Loved your description of kayaking in the caves! What a cool experience. The whole Thai trip sounds and looks beautiful and relaxing. Sunny white beaches, snorkeling, boating...all this and Thai food too! You four Slavens all look great. |
| 26th June 2009 soooze | answers - From: Phuket - Part 1 The clubs are a draw for Emily for the arts and crafts. We didn't see many other kids at the first one, but the second one had a lot of 4-7 yr old girls from all over the world playing together. Mark did not participate in the elephant kissing activity. He opted out. The lizard in mouth was just for entertainment--that happened on the girls' elephant so Nathan and Mark were able to see it, but Emily and I were the ones with the good view. My video of it is all screams (mostly mine). The tin mining is from Phuket's past. We haven't heard about any old mines, though there might be some. |
| 25th June 2009 Linda | questions - From: Phuket - Part 1 From the picture the Kidz Club looks cheery but what made it such a draw? Would the Arts and Crafts materials attract all kids (Thai, Chinese, etc) or were they oriented toward Western-world kids? Or is there even a difference? Really curious. Did you visit any tin mines in Phuket? What is there to see? The fact that the hotel picked up the mining theme makes me wonder. Any guesses as to why the guide would pretend to eat a lizard? Probably standard fare for 9-year-old boys, right? Did Nathan like it? (I'm guessing they misjudged him.) So where are Mark's photos of the smooching elephants? |
| 6th June 2009 soooze | impulse buys - From: china time and a school project with scope creep I think that may be true--not sure about the Chinese shoppers but I don't buy en masse like I do at home (no car, have to carry). Although at stores like IKEA I feel much more tempted. But I don't go there much. That's a special trip and usually for a specific purpose -- like 50 picture frames. |
| 5th June 2009 Amy D | - From: china time and a school project with scope creep Would you say there is less impulse spending in China? Since you go to a particular street in search of a specific item, I'd imagine you end up buying less. I can't seem to leave Target without spending at least $100. |
| 4th June 2009 Linda | - From: china time and a school project with scope creep I LOVE China Time!!! And shopping in niches sounds like a fantastic way to get what you want, rather than depending on the buyer's guesses. The Rubber Stamp story had me pinned. Great blog. |
| 4th June 2009 Ari | - From: china time and a school project with scope creep I am incredibly impressed that you ordered custom stamps in Chinese, and glad the frames turned out!! :D |
| 4th June 2009 Carol S | - From: china time and a school project with scope creep Being a rubberstamper I can appreciate your "frame" project! I think it turned out great! Kudos to you for sticking with finding the 2 custom rubber stamps! Have really enjoyed your blog and I appreciate your willingness to do it! |
| 2nd June 2009 Linda | Only yooo - From: girls only camping adventure...with recovery night at resort Soooze, yooo is a hooot! Only you could have those three classic experiences...osing the good bed because someone got there first, wishing for beer when all they're serving is soda, and critiqueing somebody else's s'more-making...all in the same 12-hour period. |
| 1st June 2009 Uncle Fred | the last picture - From: Shanghai in May...one hot town I love that last picture. |
| 21st May 2009 soooze | Chinese breakfast--a hit with some of us - From: Moganshan continued...starting with best breakfast ever Well, we actually did bring cereal along on this trip too! Everyone ate some of our breakfast but the veggies were the biggest hit with me. Emily liked the scallion cakes, the corn, eggs and bacon. Nathan liked the toast and the bacon. |
| 21st May 2009 Linda | breakfast - From: Moganshan continued...starting with best breakfast ever Is it just me or are any of your other American readers noticing the rave reviews that veggie dishes for breakfast are getting now that you're midway in your stay in China? I remember when you were blogging about the joy of bringing along maple syrup and the kids' favorite cereal. |
| 19th May 2009 Linda | wow - From: a 3 day retreat in beautiful Moganshan Sounds and looks like paradise and a fun place to be. Being taken care of by friendly people in a beautiful place...plus great company...my kind of place! |
| 11th May 2009 Linda | nice goin' at the bus stop - From: Shanghai in May...one hot town Your weekend sounds breezy and fun. Odd to see such empty streets. Was relieved as I scrolled to the end to find a picture of the matching pink dresses. |
| 6th May 2009 Linda | the pull of the fabric - From: fabric market frivolity and a new find in Shanghai The fabric market does sound fabulous. We should all have a place where we can take in our favorite-fitting pants and have duplicates made...in this and that fabric. Enjoy your Mums' Day breakast. |
| 3rd May 2009 Linda | - From: Our May 1 National Holiday Staycation in Shanghai Great blog, Suzanne. Laughed out loud at the amusement park ride v. bus ride line. Yay for turning right. Yes on the lizard basking. |
| 3rd May 2009 nathan slaven | - From: Our May 1 National Holiday Staycation in Shanghai Great blog mom! I had a lot of fun in Zhu jia jiaio. |
| 26th April 2009 Julie | Fun! - From: weekend fun in the Shanghai sun Sounds like a great, action-packed weekend! |
| 5th April 2009 Linda | cabs - From: beijing part 2: great wall, duck and deal-making As someone who was immersed in the New York City cab culture for three decades I always find myself nodding in recognition whenever you write about taxis. More than once a cab driver refused to cross two lanes of traffic and I had to get right back out. And a 15-min. wait was par-for-the-course at popular corners and out-of-the-way spots. So many drivers are from foreign countries now, I wonder if they haven't just become interchangeable. Thanks to Mike G. for his fun post...my favorite line: "We were able to cross the streets without guides." Great picture of the Flying Nathan...can't wait for the whole series. |
| 4th April 2009 Mike G | Student Evaluation - From: beijing part 2: great wall, duck and deal-making Yes, students Eileen and Mike did well after their teachers, Mark and Suzanne left us in Beijing. We felt very comfortable wandering all over Beijing. We took a couple of cabs (bigger deal than you think). We crossed the street without out guides. This is easy in Bejing once you realize the motor bikes have no rules what-so-ever - Shanghai is definitely life-threatening until you become familiar with the chaos that is Shanghai traffic. One piece of advice we received in advanace of the trip (from an earlier visitor to Shanghai) was: "Never cross the street!" We understood,but did learn how to do it. - In Bejing, Xian and Shanghai - we loved the way Chinese people enjoy their public parks. They dance, sing and do0 tai chi, play cards, visit and have a good time. We felt welcome at all times. |
| 28th March 2009 soooze | rows - From: Xi'an - fascinating history, hot springs and more Per Nathan's fabulous memory "Yes, those walls were built by the workers who buried the solders. They were built to support the wooden roof that was on top of the walls to protect the soldiers before they were buried. The wood rotted away, everything above fell down and broke many of the soldiers. |
| 28th March 2009 Linda | Xi'an - From: Xi'an - fascinating history, hot springs and more Xi'an looks beautiful and sounds fascinating. Love the pictures. Here's a silly question I've wanted to ask before...were the walls between the rows of soldiers in the first pit also constructed at the same time or left when the site was excavated? Go Nathan on your bargaining. Feel better, Emily. |
| 26th March 2009 Julie | - From: Being Guides in Shanghai Continued Love the red background photo of the kids. And love that you bought a spring green wallet...you know green is truly the new black these days. It's been a color of choice for me lately. |
| 26th March 2009 Linda | Great blog! - From: Being Guides in Shanghai Continued A new take on vicarious living...reading about two of your fellow blog-readers...your dad and Eileen...visiting you in Shanghai. I think I would have wanted that famous foot massage asap too. And all the good food runs. Not to mention hearing you all speak Mandarin. Love the photo of Emily at the Buddha shrine. |
| 20th March 2009 Linda | yay for your reunion - From: welcome Papa and Eileen! Happy to read that you are all together in Shanghai. Enjoy everything with new eyes. |
| 20th March 2009 Uncle Fred | Wowee - From: welcome Papa and Eileen! Wowee, that's cool having your Dad and Eileen visit. Please say hi from all of us. I hope everyone is having a great time and is in good health. Love, Uncle Fred. Toshimi and Melody |
| 18th March 2009 soooze | almost all better - From: voiceless in shanghai I am doing much better, emily is back at school, but now nathan is home with an ear infection. He's doing okay though so I think we are through the worst of it and on the mend in time for next week's travels! |
| 17th March 2009 Angie | all better? - From: voiceless in shanghai Hope you're all better! We can't wait to hear about your next journey (hopefully with a voice!) |
| 14th March 2009 robert | - From: the much anticipated bus trip to Huangshan Love the pic of flying Nathan. |
| 13th March 2009 Unlcle Fred | Get Well NOW - From: voiceless in shanghai Hi Suzanne, Sorry to hear that you've got the crud. Hope you feel better straight away. Love and squeezy hugs from us. Uncle Fred, Toshimi and Melody |
| 12th March 2009 Geeze | no voice - From: voiceless in shanghai Hi Suzanne, I hope you feel tons better soon! Hugs, Aunt Geeze |
| 12th March 2009 maggie | get well wishes sent your way - From: voiceless in shanghai hi Suzanne -- I stumbled on your blog about a month ago. My husband and I are getting ready to relocate to Shanghai from the States, so reading of your adventure has been very enlightening for me. Hope you feel better soon, and regain your voice. |
| 12th March 2009 soooze | mystery message - From: voiceless in shanghai I think my mystery message was from my son, Nathan. his fake email of "nathan@gmail.com" kinda gave it away. how cute is that?! |
| 12th March 2009 manyoo1 | Bless ya - From: voiceless in shanghai Hope you get well soon .... from your English friends! |
| 12th March 2009 ³„?P | I hope you feel better - From: voiceless in shanghai Hi Suze, I hope you get better soon. Sincerely, Annonymous |
| 5th March 2009 Linda | The Slaven Way - From: exploring hong kong and kowloon You Slavens sure know how to do a weekend! Skip the direct flight and experience back-to-back customs and the fun bus rides...pay your wait-in-line dues early so you can skip them at Disneyland...rush through the airport but never through breakfast. PLUS...miss It's a Small, Small World but discover, as you keep running into people you know, that it's a small, small world indeed! Loved reading all 3 HK blogs and seeing the pictures. |
| 25th February 2009 Linda | good to hear - From: self-promotion and quick update Good to hear that new herb drink is working. I wonder when the West will start marketing the Chinese remedies. Enjoy Hong Kong. |
| 22nd February 2009 linda | Happy Birthday, Soooze! - From: forgot to tell you...a recap blog Belated birthday wishes! So good your celebration included flowers, facials, and chocolate. Love getting the news updates...and the great pictures. Sounds like the kids are doing great in school. When are they going to do some blogging? |
| 21st February 2009 Sue | life is what you make of it - From: staying positive--it's a process Very wise and insightful comments, Suzanne. And very relevant for all of us as we enter into a difficult period of time when we need to learn to be happy with what we have and not always complain about what we don't have. |
| 21st February 2009 Sue | the worse it tastes the better it is for you - From: gān bēi! Okay, maybe not but I prefer natural remedies because they have less side effects. I've only tried a handful of brews but even then you can start to understand what some of the repetitive ingredients are supposed to do for you. And I feel better ingesting medicines when I feel like I have some understanding of what I'm putting in my body. |
| 21st February 2009 Sue | Happy Belated! - From: forgot to tell you...a recap blog Sorry for the late birthday wishes. It's been quite a while since I've caught up with your blog. I love that you are trying Chinese herbs. Hope the revised batch works well for you. Still not sure about a date for Shanghai - looking like it will have to be later in the year than we hoped. |
| 21st February 2009 Amy D | HAPPY BIRTHDAY! - From: forgot to tell you...a recap blog happy belated birthday, i should say. what would the world be like without chocolate? scary thought. i loved the facial/spa picture! your expression just makes me laugh. have fun in hong kong! |
| 16th February 2009 soooze | thanks for the tips - From: What's love got to do with it? Valentine's Day in China Thanks Brenda. I will clip and save for next time. Harp--that would have been a good one for me. I like Harp! |
| 16th February 2009 Brenda | - From: What's love got to do with it? Valentine's Day in China I spent some time in Ireland in college, some tips from me to you: You can never go wrong ordering "a pint of Harp" (which is a lager). In Ireland you have to say "pint" if you're a woman because they might assume you want a "glass" (being a girl) because a "glass" is half a pint and women are girly drinkers, right? Smithwick's is also good, they just started importing that to the U.S. a few years ago. Pronounce it "smith-icks" and they'll think you're Irish. Pronounce it with the "w" and they'll know you've never had it before. Smithwick's is an ale (orangish). If you're in the mood for cider, order it in a glass instead of a pint. Besides a pint being just way too much of a sweet thing, a pint of cider might brand you as an amateur, a college student or an alcoholic :) Plus, cider *is* a girly drink, so a girly glass is best. Of course... the best bet to impress the bartender and patrons--and the lowest in calories, if you can believe it--is Guinness. Correctly poured halfway, allowed to sit a few minutes (so it takes longer to get one), topped off with a strong head of foam (there should always be good foam) and not very cold (although getting it cold in countries other than Ireland is not a bad thing, it sometimes tastes better that way after being imported). And... Guinness is good for you! Really. When I was in Ireland (mid-to-late 80s) the Irish who weren't drinking Guinness were drinking Heineken. No idea why. But if an Irishman was drinking out of a bottle in a pub, it was Heineken. So if none of the Irish options appeal to you... try ordering Heineken and see what happens :) |
| 15th February 2009 soooze | the beer debate - From: What's love got to do with it? Valentine's Day in China Bass was hilarious to this Englishman because according to him Bass is a) English and b) no longer good. It's quite possible they had miller light and corona bottles but nobody was drinking them that I could see and and I wanted to blend in by ordering a pint of somethin'. Except I didn't quite blend. No big deal. I rarely do. :) |
| 15th February 2009 Linda | beer - From: What's love got to do with it? Valentine's Day in China Good piece on Valentine's Day in Shanghai...pictures too...I think we can all agree about the Neon Poodle, but would someone please explain the (to me) reason why Corona with lime would be goofy in an Irish pub, Bass is hilarious but Carlsberg is not. What am I missing here? |
| 14th February 2009 Joanna | - From: cheap massage with too much chatter Only in China!! |
| 13th February 2009 robert | - From: cheap massage with too much chatter Next time, you should just be blunt and tell her not to talk. After all, it's a tit-for-tat scenario. |
| 13th February 2009 soooze | pictures? yeah right! - From: cheap massage with too much chatter I think I created quite a picture with my description--not a very flattering one either :) |
| 12th February 2009 Amy D | - From: cheap massage with too much chatter What? No photos with this post? :) |
| 12th February 2009 Linda | great flow...in your blog, that is - From: cheap massage with too much chatter The massage would make a funny scene in some weird i heart huckabees kind of movie take on wacko massage therapists. Glad you survived it. |
| 9th February 2009 Uncle Fred | blech - From: gān bēi! I hope you are scooping the remains and diluting them so you can take all your yummy medicine. Sounds like the good stuff is at the bottom of the glass. Kanpai! Keep us posted. I am sure TCM will have a positive effect. Not sure about their baby formulae however. |
| 9th February 2009 soooze | not thick enough - From: gān bēi! Nope. I think it's just herbs. There's a gritty residue at the bottom of the glass that is clearly a powdery non-meat substance. |
| 9th February 2009 Cathy | - From: gān bēi! i appreciate your sense of adventure but the herbs sound decidedly blechy. are you sure it's just herbs and not herbs with a side of tripe? |
| 7th February 2009 Shan | - From: staying positive--it's a process I really like your blog and your sense of humor. Chinese educated level isn't as high as many developed countries. But every Chinese has a goal that is to live better. This better life is just a good house and good meals. They would be really happy and appreciate, if they have these. There isn't a good welfare system in China. So everyone wants to save money as much as they could, for they are old or sick. This isn't the problem for ppl from developed countries. That is many westerners questioned why Chinese love money so much. There is a problem that some ppl from developed country, they don't appreciate life. I've heard many young ppl complained they never feel happy. The happiness for some young ppl are getting drunk and taking drugs. When I see these ppl, i really want to take them to China. --an oversea Chinese student |
| 5th February 2009 jim | excellent post - From: staying positive--it's a process Dear Suzanne, I would like to congratulate you on an excellent piece which I found both interesting and inspiring. Your positive attitude, humility and sense of respect and adventure really shines through. China really is a different world when compared to Western countries, and of course the country does have many flaws and areas for improvement as it catches up to the West. However, as a Chinese Australian, I really appreciate your humility and warm acceptance of the Chinese culture and its ppl. Look forward to reading your future posts. |
| 5th February 2009 Charlie | Great blogs - From: staying positive--it's a process What can i say? You and your family showed true spirit of Americans! I was reading your old blogs. What a journey you have made! China is not just a foreign country, it's a different world. ppl there have been doing their traditions for thousands of yrs. They are genuinely nice and their staring means no harm. We go there to live and experience a different culture, not complain. I am sure China has many positive sides that westerners can enjoy. |
| 5th February 2009 soooze | love the comments - From: staying positive--it's a process I'm glad my post was well received and I very much appreciate the feedback and follow-up questions. I think the questions about the kids would be good for a future post. Stay tuned! |
| 5th February 2009 Sue | swim in another kind of water - From: staying positive--it's a process culture is like the water a fish swims in. the fish takes the water for granted because it so totally surrounds the fish that it really can not imagine another environment. the same is true for us. our culture is so much a part of who we are and what the world is like for us that we do not notice it. we take it for granted. DEAR SUZANNE, I LIKE YOUR ARTICLE, cause you know you are swim in a different kind of water which cooler or warmer, and you are going to accept it; you are the kind of person who can really understand what happen around you, and that is wonderful. We welcome this kind of people, it is none of nationality's business. and wishes you have wonderful life! i know you will! |
| 5th February 2009 Lee | kids into the mix - From: staying positive--it's a process Every Western expat experiences this, but not every expat experiences this with kids in tow. I wonder if it make sit easier to deal with the niggling annoyances when you have two kids to deflect the situation? For that matter, how do the kids deal with the annoyances? Do they experience the same annoyances as you do or do they have a whole different set of China maladies? |
| 5th February 2009 Robert | Ni xiguan le - From: staying positive--it's a process Sounds like you've reached the China level. Cheers! Btw, I find that most people continue to stare at me when I notice it. It's almost as if they've felt that I've detected them staring at me and that I'm aware of it, and as long as they can feel I am aware of it, they will continue to stare at me--if that makes any sense. But if I just focus on what I'm doing, whether it be putting on my coat or simply paying attention to what's in front of me as I'm walking, they tend to stop staring. It's weird, but it's what I've learned. |
| 3rd February 2009 Natalie | Yay You! - From: our rainy day getaway and our sunny return Props to you for spearheading this adventure on your own. As stressful as it may have been then, the kids will only remember the fun stuff and what a great mom you are for taking them on a great adventure - when you could have opted for the easy route and stayed home. It sounded like a fun trip! |
| 2nd February 2009 Lee | Sheshan - From: our rainy day getaway and our sunny return Feel your pain, Suzanne. I went to Le Meridien last year and was not impressed by how far it was from everything. Furthermore they actively discouraged me from just hiking up the mountain from the back. On the plus side, the room I stayed in was truly great, one of the best I've ever stayed in. |
| 28th January 2009 Cathy | ha ha - From: no guts...no story I laughed out loud at this. Food writing as a subgenre of travel writing is of particular interest, and as a vegetarian I grimaced as I guffawed. I look forward to more food stories! |
| 27th January 2009 Linda | Nathan is right! - From: xin nian kuai le! (happy new year) You ARE cool parents. Reminds me of my scaredy self getting out fast when we once visited Chinatown in Manhattan during Chinese New Year. Nathan and Emily not only get to see Chinese New Year IN CHINA but their parents get them fireworks and light the fuses!! |
| 26th January 2009 Linda | no guts? - From: no guts...no story Silly me, assuming your title only referred to courage. Great title, great post. |
| 23rd January 2009 Jules | What a trip(e)! - From: no guts...no story All I can say is...OMG! (And if I could use bold and 16-pt font for the "OMG," I would.) I would have been fooled too...the picture makes it look like my trusty "chow fun" from Big Bowl! ;-) |
| 23rd January 2009 Uncle Fred | I feel your pain - From: no guts...no story Yes, I was served the same cow part at a Chinese banquet, it was gobbled up quite quickly, but not by myself. My father was also notorius for bringing home the cow parts. I have spent many a year trying to forget my scrambled eggs and brainy experience. But tongue on rye with mustard was uh, tasty. |
| 19th January 2009 Ari | - From: high school reunion and a burlesque show Okay, I'm having exactly the same reaction as Brenda... that's so cool! A celebrity comes to Shanghai... :D |
| 19th January 2009 soooze | crazy - From: high school reunion and a burlesque show That's awesome. I love that small world stuff!! |
| 19th January 2009 Brenda | - From: high school reunion and a burlesque show You went to school with Indigo Blue?!? She's one of my favorite burlesque performers. I just saw her in Chicago recently, there was a Nutcracker-themed variety show in town (which was great, btw). Wow, small world! |
| 19th January 2009 Natalie | culture club! - From: Yakity Yak, don't talk back wow - this goes down as one of my fave blogs - i love when you share these facinating bits of Chinese culture. What a fun and interesting experience. So Mark had "beautiful dance moves" - hmmm...i'd love to see that!! |
| 18th January 2009 Linda | Fun times - From: Yakity Yak, don't talk back Really interesting reading about the red envelopes and the Tibetan restaurant. Yak almost sounded tasty. Can't wait for the next installment. |
| 17th January 2009 Stranger | funky blanket - From: violin shopping (again) and a snuggly blanket read your blog and loved the blanket. Is it possible to bring a couple of them back and eBay them? ;) I is gonna be a good seller, i m sure. |
| 14th January 2009 Linda | Great blog! - From: violin shopping (again) and a snuggly blanket You sound "back", Suzanne.Loved reading about the trip to find the "same cheap violin",plus your encounter on the street with an American. Reminded me of a similar moment and how personal one can be with a stranger in a foreign land when you're both from the US. The blanket story is priceless! |
| 12th January 2009 Natalie | Namaste! - From: first yoga class. of course there's a story Not exactly the relaxing yoga experience - but an experience none the less (as always)! I love this pic of the sleeping kids - but it's your caption that made me totally crack up. The fork shot looks like someone was trying to feed a sleeping Emily...then gave up. |
| 7th January 2009 soooze | James Fallow - From: 100th post. Round 2 in Shanghai Mark and I are fans. We get the Atlantic on Kindle...I will see if I can find the book. Not sure it's widely available here, but you never know! |
| 7th January 2009 Liz | James Fallows - From: 100th post. Round 2 in Shanghai Definitely pick up James Fallows's book. I have read all his China articles in The Atlantic and they are fabulous. And glad you got back safely! |
| 7th January 2009 Papa | 100th post - From: 100th post. Round 2 in Shanghai Hey! Century girl. I was just listening to James Fallow being interviewed on fresh air. He is blogging from Beijing (he writes for the Atlantic). He says they turn off the heat in his apt. at midnight. He said he could see his breath. - Suzanne, see if you can find his blog. He has a new book, "Postcards from Future Square" or something like that... His articles from China put into a book. |
| 7th January 2009 soooze | it's cold..but not that cold :) - From: 100th post. Round 2 in Shanghai Nathan's words. |
| 7th January 2009 Jules | congrats on 100! - From: 100th post. Round 2 in Shanghai what a milestone.... glad you are back safe and sound. hope you get adjusted soon. and how cold is the apartment? like the slaven house in ohio? (just kidding, M&D) :-) |
| 4th January 2009 Geeze | Round two... - From: on the road again Safe journey and let the good times roll! Love, Aunt Geeze |
| 4th January 2009 Brian D | Good seeing you - From: on the road again Good seeing you guys again. Not sure we'll make it out there, but Amy is pushing so there's a chance :) |
| 4th January 2009 Uncle Fred | Have a nice flight - From: on the road again Hope you have a great trip back. Sorry we coudn't see you this time. Toshimi is still a bit sick but getting better I think. Keep well. Love to all, Fred |
| 17th December 2008 Geeze | Welcome Home! - From: our bloggable return to the USA So happy to know that you are all safe and tucked in. Best Holiday wishes to you.. Love, aunt Geeze et al |
| 17th December 2008 Natalie | You're HOME!! - From: our bloggable return to the USA We are so happy that you're finally here. As you could tell by Bella's wriggling and jumping around, we could not contain our joy! We were thrilled get a late nite visit from you when I'm sure you were all exhausted - but I'm not sure the girls would have been able to sleep knowing the Slaven's were across the street and they couldn't see them!! WELCOME HOME, SLAVEN'S!!!! |
| 17th December 2008 Uncle Fred | There's No Place Like Home - From: our bloggable return to the USA Glad you're all home safe and sound, even if you don't have a Guv'na. |
| 17th December 2008 Brian D | Great Story - From: our bloggable return to the USA Great story, Suzanne. Can't wait to get the boys together. Too bad about your Chinese ;) |
| 15th December 2008 Linda | What's Chinese for Bon Voyage? - From: you can go home again...right? Terrific blog! Expect to see Evanston with new eyes, but you'll adapt "back" quickly (so jot down those first impressions for future reference), and then when you return to Shanghai, expect to see it with new eyes too. Re all those things you'll have in your life again: how 'bout this one...no ayi? Enjoy your trip home, Suzanne! I look forward to the next 90,000 words. |
| 14th December 2008 Cara | You have come a long way baby! - From: you can go home again...right? Can't wait to see you guys on Thurs!!!!! So jealous of your new simple life. It is a good reminder to us all especially during this holiday season. Safe travels and looking forward to some face to face time! |
| 10th December 2008 Linda | Christmas in Shanghai - From: tourists in Shanghai I'm surprised and yet somehow not surprised by the colored lights in the photo. That's a good way to put it...commercial purpose only...but I still wonder how Christmas themes show up in Shanghai. Loved reading about the school holiday programs, especially the music teacher's approach. What an amazing experience for Nathan, to be part of a full-string orchestra! |
| 7th December 2008 soooze | getting colder..but warming up this week - From: spontaneous daytrip to Hangzhou mark gets the photo creds. Most of the really good pictures are his (not all, but most). Weather here has been pretty great considering it's winter. I hear it will get worse and worse, but this week we will see some 60-degree weather again. Nuts! |
| 7th December 2008 Natalie | Gorgeous pics - From: spontaneous daytrip to Hangzhou The pictures are gorgeous - i especially love the one of Nathan looking less than thrilled. What a fun trip. Is it getting holiday festive in Shanghai? the weather looks very comfortable - not the subzeros that we're already having in Chicago. |
| 5th December 2008 fromNYC | I just LOVE your blog - From: spontaneous daytrip to Hangzhou Love it! |
| 3rd December 2008 Amy D | Wow - From: bargains...at what price? I'm amazed at the lengths you will go to get blog material. No way, no how, would you see me within a city block of that place. Sounds worse than being trampled at Walmart. You deserve a trip to the spa! |
| 3rd December 2008 Linda | the bead story - From: bargains...at what price? I think you were lucky to get out of there with new crocs and the other 5 yuan. Your description of the bead booth interaction is great. |
| 2nd December 2008 Linda | What if... - From: spontaneous daytrip to Hangzhou What if that first taxi driver hadn't refused to take you to the train station? No crazy wild ride for Nathan and Emily...and no crazy wild ride footage for us to love! What if you had decided not to take a chance on getting return tickets? What if you had given in to that not so perky place when you got up? Your Sunday blog is a paean to spontaneity. |
| 30th November 2008 Linda | Great Thanksgiving story! - From: thankful even without turkey Loved reading how you were tempted, in a turkey-less town, to skip doing your favorite holiday but rallied because of the kids...and then created it, crunchies and all, out of found ingredients...and Emily declared it the best turkey of all! What a fantastic reminder: "to try to create something familiar no matter where you are." |
| 24th November 2008 Natalie | Where's the Beef? I'm standing on it! - From: Sunday grumblings with tummies rumbling Ha! Or should I say...ewwww. How fashionable are "meat boots" - hmmm, maybe a new trend? I absolutely laughed out loud at the question that you posed to Nathan..."are you proud or embarrassed by me?" and his honest response was the best. Ahhh motherhood. |
| 24th November 2008 soooze | where's the beef - From: Sunday grumblings with tummies rumbling Yeah. I can only say that the meat being hacked up was that kind of meat I don't buy or eat. Big bone-in hunks. Not sure what it's even for. Still wish they'd just do that business in the "back". |
| 23rd November 2008 Linda | No cutting...you go! - From: Sunday grumblings with tummies rumbling Great blog!!! Keep it up, Suzanne, and there will come a day (when he's 25?) when Nathan will say, "I was ALWAYS proud of you, Mom!" And also, loved the description of the meat hacker in boots on table on meat. You are making a vegan out of me. |
| 19th November 2008 Natalie | Cool Hogs! - From: late for dinner in Shanghai? hop on a motorcyle You could not look cooler zipper thru the streets of Shanghai on your bikes! I love your pan to yourself and your big grin! Plus, I enjoyed the other video in your selection...the song that's zooming up the charts..."I Got Hit By A Bike" by emily slaven. Whatta catchy tune. |
| 17th November 2008 Elaine Warick | Motorcycle - From: late for dinner in Shanghai? hop on a motorcyle I can't tell you how much I enjoy your blog. The pictures are great. Especially your self portrait. I loved Emily's princess dress. Elaine |
| 17th November 2008 NYCharlie | Very nice story - From: late for dinner in Shanghai? hop on a motorcyle I had similar bike taxi experience in China. Very interesting. These bikers are not allowed to carry passengers for a profit (friends and family are fine though). Thats why they had to kick you off when they saw a police. It is also amazing that Chinese cities, big or small, are so safe though they might seem chaotic during the day. I can never imagine myself riding a stranger's bike/car in a dark street of NYC or Chicago. |
| 16th November 2008 Linda | ho-hum...yeah, right, Suzanne - From: late for dinner in Shanghai? hop on a motorcyle The video you took while on the motorcycle is TOO COOL...that guy you were trying to pick up? That's Mark, right? I don't know about your other loyal readers but I for one wanted moremoremore about this little adventure. Getting off the bike to avoid a cop...what's THAT all about? As for the rest of your blog, how (ahem) "ho-hum" (HA-HA) can you get? Drinks at a Bund bar? Connections with the owner at Maya and with a painter at an art gallery? Your kids making friends with Chinese kids IN CHINESE? Love the photos...Shanghai's version of the Mary Poppins-ish chimney sweep's sidewalk art...plus the eels...Food not only "priced to move", but REALLY MOVES? |
| 12th November 2008 Natalie | Age old tale... - From: a secret market and a culture filled sunday I don't like this practice of counting your age from the day you were born...did you tell your Ayi that American women often stay the same age for years? I've been celebrating 35 for a few years now! |
| 10th November 2008 Linda | Matchmaking - From: a secret market and a culture filled sunday Loved your description and pictures of the matchmaking going on in the park. Fascinates me too. At first I thought that the park venue was the newest aspect of this old tradition, but I checked briefly online and found out that the newest aspect is the Internet. (Sound familiar?) Apparently, a matchmaking website held an event at a park in Beijing and more than 2,000 people attended, a third of them parents of singles trying to find the right match for their children. "Parents even register on the website to find online potential partners for their children. " The 21st century meets feudalism! |
| 7th November 2008 soooze | thanks! - From: halloween in china...who knew? I loved them. They seem to be related to the lychee...maybe they are distant cousins? :) |
| 7th November 2008 Simon | - From: halloween in china...who knew? Hi Simon here.... the red hairy fruit is called "rambutan". It is a tropical fruit from South East Asia .... Singapore,Malaysia,...etc. |
| 5th November 2008 Linda | yes we can - From: yes we can! "All eyes" around the world were focused on the faces in Grant Park in YOUR home state...I want to say, last night...but reading your great blog this morning reminds me that some of those eyes belonged to Mid-Westerners, including Evanstonians, having lunch in Shanghai. The story about the little girl and her basket is so sweet! |
| 3rd November 2008 soooze | Halloween - From: halloween in china...who knew? I think it's just as you said--an easily exported holiday. No religion, kid-focused. UN Day was a big event where we shared facts and stories from our home countries. I'm not sure what other holidays will be celebrated. I know the Chinese holidays are observed, as they are national holidays, and I hope we all learn about them as they happen. From what I've read, there are some very interesting ones. |
| 3rd November 2008 Linda | questions - From: halloween in china...who knew? I'm like you, Suzanne...I'm surprised that Halloween is celebrated in China, even in the international school. Does this mean that other countries' holidays will have their days as well...at the school? Or is Halloween such a perfect kids' event that it just exports well? It's great that you and Mark could help with the festivities. I bet Nathan and Emily weren't sighing about how much they missed Halloween at home. |
| 30th October 2008 soooze | cuisine - From: and then there were 3 fish The Strawberry-less place had the most Chinese people...the Mexican place was mostly expats, and the rest are a mix. Mostly depends on the location of the place. There are pockets of expat-ish restaurants in different parts of Shanghai. |
| 29th October 2008 soooze | bargaining - From: a field trip and tech support in China I'm sure there are books written on bargaining in Shanghai. Mark is far better than I am, but he has no time to go shopping! So my skills will continue to improve out of necessity. It's stressful, but it's absolutely expected with almost all transactions. It's often hard to keep perspective though, and I have walked away from a negotiation over some very small amounts. The whole thing makes my heart race, but makes for many a good story. |
| 29th October 2008 Malia | Yummm -- dumplings! - From: homemade dumplings...does it get any better? The dumplings sound -- and look -- yummy! Maybe you can open a chinese cooking school when you come back! I miss you... but love reading the blog... I can almost hear your voice! Speaking of.... let's skype this week! Friday morning or night my time? |
| 29th October 2008 Linda | Cupcake pj's?? - From: a field trip and tech support in China It was so fun to read this blog. Love the bus ride and the authentic back streets. Are all expats as likely to bargain as you? Are the vendors starting to spread your legend? How do you say in Chinese "woman in cupcake pajamas"? |
| 27th October 2008 Natalie | You like tea and I like tea....so???!!! - From: talking to strangers... Ha! You know you have "arrived" when a Chinese taxi driver tries to pick you up. I side with Emily....it's a bit romantic especially his parting words to you. What a great story! |
| 26th October 2008 Linda | Does it get any better? - From: homemade dumplings...does it get any better? Homemade Chinese dumplings...nice! Watching Ayi mix the filling with chopsticks...even nicer! Being served samples before going out...priceless! |
| 26th October 2008 Geeze | Talking to strangers.. - From: talking to strangers... Suzanne you are cracking me up! I am so glad that you are now able to speak well enough so you can deal with the price gouging. Hang in there cuz after they meet and speak with you, they will be the ones doing the blogging, LOL ! Love ya's, Aunt Geeze |
| 22nd October 2008 amy d | best entry yet - From: talking to strangers... This is your best entry yet. It made me laugh out loud. Thanks! |
| 21st October 2008 Linda | Taxi stories cont. - From: talking to strangers... Gesturing and using that computer translator to tell the taxi driver where you're going...to...coping in Chinese with being hit on by the taxi driver... This steep learning curve you're on is making me dizzy. GREAT BLOG!! |
| 21st October 2008 Natalie | Lucky AND Savvy! - From: future as tour guide unlikely I completely agree with Linda - I have continued to marvel at the successes of you and and the kids and wonder to myself - how does she do it all?! So while I love hearing how you tackle every obstacle with typical Suzanne charm and savvy - it's also refreshing when you share the hard stuff too. I know I don't need to tell you to give yourself some credit for everything you do - you already know it...lucky duck. |
| 20th October 2008 Linda | Dear Lucky Duck, - From: future as tour guide unlikely First, ya-hoo to you for sharing the hard stuff. Those of us who read your blog "as a treat" everyday, ESPECIALLY like hearing about the hard stuff. Second, there is a subtext to this particular blog that cheers us fans: you are "more comfortable", "less nervous", "more confident heading out on a mission". Bottom line: you are taking risks. Like listening to Eckhart Tolle while dodging bikes and taxis on the streets of Shanghai. Bottom bottom line: you are racking up successes. Like executing the Exchange at the sports store with the No Returns policy...in Chinese. Don't blame it all on Emily...I know there was a little Sooze charm in that transaction. Nice going! |
| 19th October 2008 Linda | Next time - From: and then there were 3 fish I'm impressed with the number of non-Chinese cuisine options in Shanghai: French for breakfast, Vietnamese for lunch, N.Y. pizza for dinner...plus the Chilean wine bar, the Mexican restaurant where you know the owner, and that enticingly-named Strawberry [Fields] Forever. Do you see Chinese patrons at these places, or is the ex-pat market burgeoning? |
| 16th October 2008 Linda | Spitting - From: mid-October in Shanghai Growing up, I remember seeing men spit while walking (California, early 40s-50s), then later reading about men-only clubs in London with their spittoons. I know I've seen occasional persons in movies spit to demonstrate their disgust. This is the first time I've heard of men AND women doing it on city streets with sound effects. Bodily function? Rich man's pasttime? Political statement? Socially accepted norm? It almost makes you want to read a history of spitting. Not. Thanks for reminding us that life in Shanghai is not all foot massages and chocolate soup. |
| 15th October 2008 Malia | So beautiful! - From: More adventures in Huangshan Hi Suzanne and all Slavens! I am catching up on you LIFE in China! I love these photos -- they are really, really good. And the food looks so yummy. It seems like you really are having a great adventure. I want to catch up though... more in realtime! I will look for you on Skype!! xoxox and thinking of you!! Malia |
| 13th October 2008 Dad | Dear Fishey - From: foods from around the world and a fish tale When I had a fish in Phoenix (in a bowl) as a kid. It would occasionalyi get into a near death sort of situation. My mother claimed that if she gave it a shot of whisky it would perk right up. I know that it did perk up (however it may have died shortly thereafter when I was not looking). But there is nothing like a floating goldfish reborn and swimming after getting a little shot!! |
| 12th October 2008 Ari | - From: foods from around the world and a fish tale On fish, it's really best not to take them out of the tank if you can avoid it. Replacing half the water once a week is MUCH better than replacing 100% of the water once a week, because the fish get used to the algae/microbe/chemical balance and they tend to die when they have to readjust constantly. And that would be sad. Not sure about the coral/rocks stuff. So excited to hear about your home coming together out there! |
| 12th October 2008 Linda | The Fish Story - From: foods from around the world and a fish tale 150 v. 105 coins...2-3 days v. 2-3 hours...Besides loading up on fish to address the pet question, Suzanne, you are gathering up great material! Love how you tell the fish and flower market story. I definitely want to hear updates. Feel better!! |
| 12th October 2008 Natalie | From one fish tale to another - From: foods from around the world and a fish tale First off, my girls are honored to have "real life" Chinese fish named after them (their words). But of course they are dying to know what their namesake fish look like! Bella of course thinks hers must be absolutely beautiful! Second, speaking of fish - Lily and I cleaned Buddy's tank today - trust he is in good hands, but I'm sure he misses Nathan...I know that we do! |
| 12th October 2008 Uncle Fred | hope you're feeling better - From: foods from around the world and a fish tale Sorry you had to get the Shanghai Flu....yuck. Chicken soup and sleep. Hope you're feeling better! Love, Fred, Toshimi and Melody. ps cool slimy turtle! |
| 10th October 2008 soooze | global warming - From: back into the routine Yeah, the weather has been unusually warm. We had about a week of cooler fall-ish weather but it's warmer again. 70s. It won't last though...we will have winter (and even snow!) here too. Just like home. |
| 9th October 2008 Natalie | Ahhh....foot massages! - From: back into the routine What a fun Saturday you had - yummy breakfast treats, foot massages, wine and dancing! What a life in Shanghai. OK - and how warm is it there? I'm seeing a lot of shorts and tanks - totally jealous. |
| 8th October 2008 Linda | Any shui... - From: back into the routine Mark's Chinglish and your description really capture the moment. Love this new phrase! Nathan's Lego creation looks like a great ride. Wish I could get on board! Tootsie massages!? Language Lab was never that much fun. Any shui...glad Team Slaven is back in its routine. |
| 8th October 2008 Elaine Warick | Nathan's lego - From: back into the routine Nathan, your lego masterpiece is awesome! It looks like it is a lot of fun. Love, Aunt Elaine |
| 8th October 2008 Tamar | Wow! - From: More adventures in Huangshan How awesome and exotic!! I love reading about your adventures! |
| 5th October 2008 soooze | ambience - From: last day and a half in Huangshan It was party city everywhere we went. This was a big deal--a week-long national holiday (3 days officially but most people had 5 days by working the previous weekend). So the whole country was on vacation. Balloons, fireworks, street festivals all over the place. It's still pretty festive back in Shanghai this weekend too. |
| 4th October 2008 Linda | The Syrup Burns the Platoon - From: last day and a half in Huangshan How cool...love the google versions of menu dishes. They sound like titles. Great footage of your bike taxi ride. The street fair ambience is because of the holiday, right? Glad you all made it home safe and sound...and are feeling "Home Sweet (2 month old) Home)! |
| 3rd October 2008 NYC | organic - From: More adventures in Huangshan wow, the eggs and vegetables look so fresh. These must be the organic food country ppl grow themselves... |
| 3rd October 2008 Linda | - From: More adventures in Huangshan Your kids are amazing me...bargaining in the street, reminding the cook in Chinese about the rice. Well, actually, I'm not amazed...they are consistently living up to their intentions made in Evanston to be adventurous in China. |
| 2nd October 2008 Linda | beautiful views - From: Mt. Huangshan...7 hours of hiking with kids The hiking sounds arduous for a 6...but given the beautiful senery, worth getting away into the mountains. The pictures are great. Love the cable car and the misty trails. Bet dinner tasted especially good to you and Mark, if not the kids, after all that walking. Interesting detail: everything being carried up the mountain, including, I assume, those coke botles. |
| 2nd October 2008 Linda | Great blog! - From: the much anticipated bus trip to Huangshan Love hearing that you are enjoying your holiday in Huangshan. The fact that you're the only Westerners at times and nobody pays attention speaks volumes about Team Slaven. Kudos to Emily and Nathan for being so open to new things. Look forward to your next blog! |
| 30th September 2008 Elaine Warick | Food - From: breakfast with Barack and lots of outdoor fun I love hearing about all the different foods. I can't get over a Merxican restaurant in Shanghai. Tonight I'm having a mojito! Love, Aunt Elaine |
| 28th September 2008 Linda | Ten Thousand Delights - From: breakfast with Barack and lots of outdoor fun Suzanne, you take the (moon)cake for creative excuses for getting a pedicure: practicing Chinese. And your date night was not only blog-worthy for you but conversation-worthy for me: my friend in Shanghai and her husband had 90-minute massages plus other spa-ish indulgences followed by mojitos and dinner at a new Mexican restaurant where they know the owner. Also, taxi drivers are not admitting they speak English until after you've arrived! And on top of everything, you're a Democrat! Does it get any better than this? |
| 27th September 2008 Natalie | Sounds like the D Train to Brooklyn - From: trains, planes, and buses? Oh boy - i certainly hope that Mark is right and your low expectations will be exceeded on your long bus ride. I'm cringing at the thought of a crowded bus. Brings back memories of the D train after it stopped in Chinatown in NYC - crushes of people, weird food smells and lots of elbows in my back! But I'm hoping for the best for you. How great is it that you're taking this adventure as a family and doing as the Chinese do - taking a holiday during your holiday! |
| 24th September 2008 Dad | Go Suzanne B.! - From: good morning, Shanghai! I love the story. That is so Suzanne! I bet he had story at the end of the day. |
| 23rd September 2008 Linda | The Mean Taxi Driver - From: good morning, Shanghai! Wow Suzanne...I like your style. All I can think to say is BRAVO! Wish I could say it...I mean, write it... in Mandarin. |
| 23rd September 2008 Natalie | No screams for ice cream - From: pretty quiet 3 day weekend Sad! I feel your pain on the closing of the gelato store. Especially when you found a place you love in a new city and you feel at home there - and bam! closed. Maybe something equally as yummy and friendly will open there soon! |
| 22nd September 2008 soooze | long time no see indeed! - From: geography 101 I had to Google that...haven't learned that phrase yet. I did learn ma ma hu hu yesterday...which cracked me up. For my non-Chinese speaking audience, it's how you say I'm so-so when asked how are you? I already knew hen hao and bu hao (good/bad) but you really need that "eh" response and now I have it...just need to work on not giggling. Literally it means "horse, horse, tiger, tiger" so that makes it easy to remember(???!) |
| 22nd September 2008 soooze | language - From: language lessons for everyone Yes, I am already asking Nathan to help me with MY homework. He quizzes me and says "good job!" and "oh no! try again" when I am practicing. I spent much of last night studying Emily's homework with her and now I can talk ALL about the girl whose mom gave her a kitty and then the girl hugged the kitty. That will certainly come in handy for me ;) |
| 22nd September 2008 Sue | love the video - From: language lessons for everyone Wow - I am so impressed with Emily and Nathan!! I could understand most of what Emily was saying, but Nathan really blew me away - his pronounciation is spot on! You've got some really talented kids there! :-) |
| 22nd September 2008 Sue | hao jio bu jian - From: geography 101 I never learned pinyin - hope that's close? Finally catching up on your blog while I'm waiting for Outlook to compact. Love that you are taking Mandarin classes - countries and cities are not really in my vocabulary so I'm counting on you to be my laoshi on those! Good to hear that the family has settled in well and even running into familiar faces around town! |
| 22nd September 2008 Linda | Beautiful scenery, fresh air, and... - From: pretty quiet 3 day weekend I laughed out loud when I came to the sentence, "The prospect of an overnight train ride has huge blog potential." Your readers thank you!!! |
| 19th September 2008 soooze | trust me...I know about using the wrong words - From: language lessons for everyone Having struggled for 2 weeks now to form the simplest sentences in Chinese, I didn't think anything of it! Thanks for your nice comments. |
| 19th September 2008 anonymous | TYPO--SORRY - From: language lessons for everyone I m so sorry. I didn't mean to use 'suppressed' , it was a typo. the word 'surprised' is what I wanted to use......sorry about that. |
| 19th September 2008 ChineseUSTraveler | the food - From: the other plastic brick and explosive growth your pictures really remind me of the food my mom cooked back in China. As I remembered , our meals were always balanced with meat and vegetables. And she makes exactly the same meat ball soup....I am glad you have an Ayi who is cooking with her heart. Good luck! |
| 18th September 2008 Natalie | Yummy food - From: the other plastic brick and explosive growth It's lunchtime here in the ole U.S. of A - and i have to say...I'm cravin' Chinese food. Your ayi is some chef! All of that food really looks scrumptious. Especially the one where Emily is looking hungrily at her fave dish! |
| 18th September 2008 Natalie | Paparrazzi! - From: three days in Nanjing Funny! I love the picture of all the Chinese tourists gathering around the kids - they look like celebs! What a trip. I applaud you for trying all the interesting/scary food. And not feeling great either. Hope you're feeling better! |
| 17th September 2008 Linda | index cards - From: the other plastic brick and explosive growth Suzanne, I've used outdated business cards for flash cards...tape a word on the printed side, write on the other. |
| 17th September 2008 Ari | - From: the other plastic brick and explosive growth I really respect your attitude towards language learning and cultural respect (in re: not sending Ayi to English classes.) I wish more Americans understood that without needing the concept explained to them. |
| 17th September 2008 Geeze | Time in a sink.. - From: the other plastic brick and explosive growth Yay for being zippy! Love you, Aunt Geeze |
| 14th September 2008 soooze | pajamas - From: random babble with a side of soup Older people do wear the more traditional pj-type clothes, but we don't see it too much. Mostly in the parks on Sundays when people are practicing Tai Chi or exercising. I'll keep an eye out now that you asked. |
| 13th September 2008 Malia Zoghlin | Catching up! - From: random babble with a side of soup Hi Suzanne-- I'm catching up on all of your blog posts! How is your back doing??? Did you have the MRI or? I love your stories and photos -- sounds like you're getting along with your ayi and the food sounds delicious :-) BTW -- the long pinky fingernail might be a status thing -- to signify that they don't do manual labor or just that they're not poor. Or that they are rich and smart. Or that they want to be. It also helps to clean out the nostrils and ears... (but, isn't that manual labor?!?) haha... I could be wrong... ask your Chinese teacher!! Or NOT! |
| 13th September 2008 Lucy Ann | No pajamas? - From: random babble with a side of soup I love re-experiencing China through your eyes. Have you seen any pajamas? When I was there they were worn out and about. I heard during the Olympics this was discouraged so it wouldn't be regarded as weird. Actually, they were fancy pj's and comfortable, I would imagine. Lucy Ann |
| 12th September 2008 soooze | open door policy - From: random babble with a side of soup I think they leave things open to have both easy access and also for drying??? I don't really know. When I know more Chinese, I can find out the real story there. |
| 12th September 2008 Geeze | side of soup.. - From: random babble with a side of soup Interesting observations, I guess what it all boils down to is that we humans are all wanting and needing the same things. I agree the peeing on the street is wierd to see in public, but men rule over there.. Hugs, Aunt Geeze ps- feel better soon! |
| 12th September 2008 Linda | booty shot, etc. - From: random babble with a side of soup Love your descriptions and pictures of the cultural differences you're encountering. Is the point of the unsnapped onesy to eliminate wasting time getting to a facility? Or is it part of potty training itself? Feel better!!!! |
| 12th September 2008 Todd | Great story - From: a typhoon on the first day of school...China is not boring Suzanne, it seems like you're difficulties are our gain. You had a crazy difficult day, but we got to read a great story about it. Just think of all these great adventures and stories your kids are going to have great memories of. |
| 10th September 2008 soooze | no cards - From: getting lost...it's what I do I did not find the index cards. I forgot I was even looking for them after awhile. I'll try again another day! |
| 10th September 2008 Linda | Great blog! - From: getting lost...it's what I do Really interesting to read about your Walking, mapless and alone, in Shanghai. I appreciated how focused you must have been, "shadowing" the professional street crossers...and how alert and vigilant you must have felt as you navigated the "real Chinese streets", interacting with shopkeepers and the homeless. Your blog is a good example of how a search for something mundane--index cards--can turn into something exciting and profound. By the way, did you find them? |
| 9th September 2008 USChineseTraveler | Great Experience!! - From: language lessons for everyone Came across your blog.....You will be suppressed by how fast kids can pick up a new language. As expat parents, you have given your kids a great gift -- being able to speak and read one of the most difficult languages in the world + a great experience they will never forget! btw, letting your kids communicate with Ayi can be very helpful. You can also let them watch some Chinese shows for kids (they have a kid channel, some shows are really good). In a couple of months, they would be able to help you get around the country...again, you will be suppressed by how fast kids can pick up a new language. Good Luck! |
| 8th September 2008 Amy D | is it safe? - From: weekend in review Is it safe to use an underground walkway when its raining? When its raining ALOT? |
| 7th September 2008 soooze | translations - From: a quiet day with very limited verbal communication Yes...I am saving them all. They are hilarious even in final form. My choppy sentences to ask such basic things. I think she's keeping them too--probably to show her friends and family! Our apartment could probably fit in the front half of your condo. Plus, you have those fun features like a dishwasher, oven and dryer that our pad is lacking :) |
| 7th September 2008 soooze | bare feet - From: chicken soup...hold the feet We have ordered chicken feet in restaurants and they come covered in a dark sauce...these bare feet were much too authentic for any of us...I'm still have flashbacks. That said, I did eat leftover soup tonight and it was really good. The feet were discarded on Friday along with many other chicken parts :) |
| 7th September 2008 Linda | - From: weekend in review Couldn't help thinking as I read your description of your busy fun-filled last several days how far you've all come in just FIVE WEEKS! Could it be only that long? Bargaining for slippers...giving directions in Chinese...a big BBQ...yoga classes...violin lessons...anticipating life getting busier.... I love it!! |
| 5th September 2008 Ari | - From: chicken soup...hold the feet I have only once tried chicken feet... decided they were impossible to hold with chopsticks, and not worth gnawing the tiny amount of meat off. Can't blame you for passing them up. :) I am very jealous of her cooking abilities, though, from the photos you posted of the egg soup. |
| 5th September 2008 Linda | kites, taxis - From: chicken soup...hold the feet Your description of the kites inspired me to do a brief search on the Internet, found out that the best days for flying kites in Shanghai are in Sept. and Oct, so you can expect more. Did see a fantastic kite made to look like a dramatic owl...can appreciate suddenly what you saw. Your description of the taxis took me back to Manhattan. Drivers not wanting to turn around ? I remember a few. |
| 4th September 2008 Nicole | Happy Anniversary! - From: I'm back...pun intended I don't know why, but I was thinking about your wedding just a few days ago!! It seems like just yesterday and also ages ago. I hope that you're feeling better soon. |
| 4th September 2008 Linda | glad you're back... - From: I'm back...pun intended Glad you are feeling a little better. Take care of yourself, Suzanne...we blog-readers aren't going away. Also happy to hear you and Mark enjoyed your date night. Happy Anniversary. Really fascinated here by how Mandarin is taught. Didn't know until now about the 3-tiered approach. Emily and Nathan are so lucky...their own private tutorial support! |
| 3rd September 2008 Elaine Warick | Bad Back - From: exploring the health care world of Shanghai Sometimes an ice pack helps relieve my back pain. In any case, I hope you're better very soon. Aunt Elaine |
| 3rd September 2008 Amy D | ditto - From: exploring the health care world of Shanghai :( Hope you are better soon! |
| 3rd September 2008 Jen Thomas | Oh no! - From: exploring the health care world of Shanghai So sorry to hear you are in pain! I hope they figure it out quickly and can get you some relief. |
| 3rd September 2008 Jen Thomas | Google translations - From: a quiet day with very limited verbal communication Hey Suz - you should keep all the notes that you write for her. Once you get comfortable with the language, it would be so fun to go back and read what you actually wrote! I know that google can create some wacky stuff just between English and Spanish. I imagine that the difference in characters adds a whole knew element. And I am incredibly jealous - your house looks amazing! |
| 3rd September 2008 Linda | Ditto, ditto - From: exploring the health care world of Shanghai Hope you get some relief soon, Suzanne. |
| 3rd September 2008 soooze | went to the doctor - From: exploring the health care world of Shanghai I'm back home now. Trying to figure out if should pursue getting an MRI/x-ray and all that as was recommended or if I should see if it gets better, as these things often do. The doc seemed fine, he gave me a "treatment" which was a lot of pushing and stretching and also a topical cream to help with the pain...sadly, no big ticket drugs. Apparently, that's not how it's done here, unlike the US. They appear try to determine the cause before the big meds are dosed. Ah well. So now I will wait til tonight, when it's daytime in the states to call my insurance and haggle about all of this. By then I might feel better...who knows? |
| 3rd September 2008 Geeze | sorry you're not feeling well.. - From: exploring the health care world of Shanghai "Ditto" and please keep us posted. Hugs, Aunt Geeze |
| 3rd September 2008 Uncle Fred | ouch - From: exploring the health care world of Shanghai Gosh, hope your ok, Suzanne. Is there an acupuncturist on the block? Hope you feel better soon. Love, Uncle Fred, Toshimi and Melody |
| 3rd September 2008 Julie | Get well soon - From: exploring the health care world of Shanghai Hope you feel better soon, Suze! |
| 1st September 2008 Linda | Fond thoughts - From: a quiet day with very limited verbal communication Go Suzanne! So happy to hear you now have help with the cleaning, laundry, cooking and shopping. It's a win-win. She gets a pay check and a nice family to work for. That soup looked good. |
| 31st August 2008 Elaine Warick | Haircut - From: the second half to a great weekend Nathan, you look very handsome in your new haircut. Aunt Elaine |
| 31st August 2008 Linda | - From: the second half to a great weekend Love your multiple possible interpretations of your getting your own chef at dinner. It could be any of those, or one you haven't thought of. Also love the photo shoot showing the charmingly narrow street, the flower bike, and the before and after shots of Nathan's haircut. But my recent all-time favorite is one from two blogs ago of Emily in your mom's hat! |
| 30th August 2008 Dad | Video - From: dancing in the park on a saturday night The video in the night was great because of the good sound. It was fun to get the feeling of dancing in the park at night. You described it so well, but to listen a bit was excellent. I love this thing. Your readership grows. Last night I met a woman who could not wait to read your blog, so I sent her the link. |
| 30th August 2008 Michelle Kendall | greetings from another trailing spouse - From: met some moms and got tons of info Hi Suzanne, my name is Michelle. I am a friend of Laura's and she sent me your blog so I have been reading about your adventures. I usually live in Santa Barbara but have just moved to Brisbane Australia with my husband while he has a year sabbatical at University of Queensland. What jolted me to write today was that I too just learned today about the phrase "Trailing Spouse." What synchronicity! It felt good to have a name for my "symptoms." I don't have kids and China is obviously much more of a challenge culturally than OZ but I have enjoyed reading about your cultural triumphs and you inspire me to get out and tackle this expat living. Good luck. Michelle |
| 29th August 2008 Elaine Warick | Great Blog - From: met some moms and got tons of info Suzanne, I want to tell you how great your pictures are. Emily and Nathan look very happy on their new adventure. Aunt Elaine |
| 26th August 2008 Linda | loose ends - From: and school begins--take 2 Oh so happy here to read today's blog, Suzanne. There were a lot of loose ends which were so satisfyingly tied up. ...the kids like their new school and both made friends. Nathan's homework assignment sounds fun. The kids will be learning some Mandarin. The school bus has its act together with that wake-up service. the flooding seems to be gone. Those 600 drainage workers I read about in the news did a good job. you got to have some alone time, wandering in the park, checking out the spa, pampering yourself...yay. And...the puzzle was finished! |
| 26th August 2008 soooze | French Concession - From: Sunday exploring...and summer break officially ends It's an area that was once the French District and still has a lot of that history. We saw a lot of pretty gardens, there are some famous churches and building in the area and the rest is all just fun streets with shops/restaurants but less junk shops. We saw art galleries and wandered through one. Art is supposedly cheaper here (like real paintings and such). There's tons more for us to see, so I'm sure we'll spend another Sunday or 4 in the area wandering around. |
| 25th August 2008 Linda | the first day of school - From: a typhoon on the first day of school...China is not boring Wow, Suzanne, what a great story indeed. You did SO WELL. I kept thinking as I read, nothing can come between a mom and her kids. I'm so glad you're all safe and dry. The second day of school should be a piece of cake. |
| 25th August 2008 Liz | - From: Sunday exploring...and summer break officially ends Good luck to Nathan and Emily on the first day of school! Do they seem nervous? I'm sure their sleep schedules will adjust by the end of week 1. : ) |
| 24th August 2008 Linda | Sunday's tour? - From: Sunday exploring...and summer break officially ends Good idea to tour a different neighborhood each Sunday. What is the French Concession? What were some of the sights? Everytime I read your blog, my "picture" of Shanghai (still really murky) gets a little clearer. |
| 24th August 2008 Linda | "I didn't know it could get better than that" - From: a whole lotta expats Flawlessly getting to a new place on your own, meeting friends for breakfast and talking through lunch, a store with great produce, a veggie burger for dinner, and the prospect of art classes for Emily and Lego robotics for Nathan...can it get better than that? |
| 23rd August 2008 soooze | pandas - From: lions, and tigers and panda bears...oh my! at some point we are going to visit Sichuan Province known for having giant pandas and I think they are true reserves where the pandas live more happily. We'll see when we go there! |
| 22nd August 2008 Amy D | zoo - From: lions, and tigers and panda bears...oh my! You are too funny! Perhaps Squatting Tiger is leaving Hidden Surprises? |
| 22nd August 2008 Papa | Nathan's blog - From: school open house and Nathan shops on the street Great job Nathan! You should be a guest writer more often. We love to hear what is happening in your own words. You write very well, just like your mom. |
| 22nd August 2008 Linda | open house - From: school open house and Nathan shops on the street Glad the kids like their teachers. Good news about the other bus riders in your building...and neighborhood. It sounds like the school is multi-national, but is it an English-speaking one? Nathan: Great description of a Chinese street moment! |
| 22nd August 2008 Linda | pandas - From: lions, and tigers and panda bears...oh my! well, there's a myth amiss...I thought China must have the cutest pandas. Sad... But your three Kung Fu pandas qualify! |
| 22nd August 2008 soooze | the lost tooth club - From: English speaking friends--from England! Emily is 6 going on 17. |
| 21st August 2008 Erin Cizina | Mario lost the same tooth! - From: English speaking friends--from England! How old is Emily? Mario lost the same tooth just a week or so ago. You're kids sure are cute. |
| 21st August 2008 Erin Cizina | Feel like I've known you for ages - From: a very blog-worthy day with much time spent at police station Hey Suzanne ~~~ By reading this blog and looking at pic and videos, I feel like we've known each other for ages. It's amazing to think that it was just 4 days 2 years ago. Your daughter is a natural broadcaster. Maybe NBC news should keep her name in mind. |
| 20th August 2008 Linda | woo hoo indeed - From: august showers make us wet I'm in for the puzzle and Indian takeout. Thanks for reminding us what a big deal all that stuff is, laughing in the rain, ordering on the phone in English, having adult company, making new friends. |
| 20th August 2008 Elaine Warick | Food - From: august showers make us wet I can't tell you how interesting your blog is, Suzzane. It's really the highlight of my day. I love your details about the foods your eating in China. I think we are going to order Chinese food tonight. Aunt Elaine |
| 20th August 2008 Linda | Back-to-School in Shanghai - From: first school visit for kids and another busy day Emily: Nice going with the commentary. Love the shoes! |
| 19th August 2008 Erin Cizina | This is one of the most special places that I know - From: sun, psychics and serenity I agree that Sedona is special. Some say that it has a special magnetic field or that it has a unique energy. I don't know but the surroundings do make you want to be introspective. I have also been to the church that you mention and it was a powerful experience. I think that it is a very fitting place to commune with your mom. I am going up there at the end of September for a few days alone and look forward to taking some wonderful hikes. |
| 18th August 2008 Linda | Smoothies and Exit 6 - From: decent day, bad salad, good rice Emily's "lukewarm concoction" was obviously made by someone following remembered directions which included pressing the blue valve. Nathan's confidence in navigating in Shanghai strikes me as remarkable since he IS nine and has only been there two weeks. The People's Park and the Museum of Contemporary Art were two good finds! |
| 17th August 2008 Amy D | Emily the star - From: it's all about the blog I love Emily's celebrity sunglasses! |
| 17th August 2008 soooze | paparazzi - From: it's all about the blog Nathan wants to find an income opp with the pictures, while Emily just LOVES to pose and so she has no problem doing photo after photo after photo... |
| 17th August 2008 Cara | People - From: it's all about the blog hey, can't wait to see you in next week's issue of People- oops, i mean Nathan & Emily! You are so techno with your phone & navigating& Google! Brilliant! |
| 16th August 2008 Linda | mines in the water - From: it's all about the blog I'm with Emily...I'd want out of the boat too. Bravo, Suzanne...I mean Brilliant!...for leading 4 Brits and 3 Americans to Yuyuan Gardens!! |
| 16th August 2008 Amy DaRosa Krause | Chicken Feet?! - From: the amazing race goes to Shanghai... Charlie, Haley, Andrew and I just watched the video with Nathan trying the chicken feet. What a brave kid! Just getting caught up with your blog. We miss you in class, Suzanne. Sounds like you're having such an adventure. I'm going to get caught up with your more recent blogs. Take care! |
| 15th August 2008 Geeze | The Powa.. - From: it was a dark and stormy night... OMG that video is awsome! I think you and Spielberg might have something going! Great special effects and sound. Mother's "medicinal" just might be helpful. You are doing great and everything will be okay. We are all here for you. Love, Geeze |
| 14th August 2008 Cara | The Power of Wine - From: it was a dark and stormy night... Yes, i agree 3 bottles of wine should suffice while Mark is gone and kids are almost asleep! great video coverage of your nighttime scene/view-very cool! You will do great this next week and you are already thinking so brave about doing Ikea alone! I don't think I would have come home without those mattress pads the first time. You are much tougher than me! Don't forget Advil works great on the back. Good luck! Just remember school starts soon with new Mom's to meet -Hurray! |
| 14th August 2008 Linda | High fives - From: wow, there are a lot of people in China I wonder how many of us breathed a sigh of relief when, reading rapidly in the first paragraph, we got to your call to your dr. in Evanston?....Go Emily!....I laughed out loud when I pictured you and the kids high fiving on the subway platform. |
| 14th August 2008 Dad | when Mark is gone - From: wow, there are a lot of people in China 1. Watch all of the Mad Men episodes that you bought I wish I hadn't already seen that set. It was so much fun. You'll enjoy it. -- Also, don't set the bar too high for yourself. You've only been there a very short time and have accomplished amazing things. |
| 12th August 2008 Natalie | Oh! The Places You Go! - From: The kids share a bit and we see more of the city You Slavens never stop! I feel like i've been to all of these fun, cool places with you - great photos. I love Nathan's story about the lady sitting in his lap...he had different "priorities" - love it! It's great that the kids have already formed some good friendships. I'm sure they'll have more when school starts. |
| 12th August 2008 Uncle Fred | bottled water, NOT - From: 1 fish, 2 fish...and more fish for dinner Well, I had the same experience at an Italian restaurant, I finally had to go up the bar and get the bottled water myself. I guess bad service is universal. Glad you're having fun. |
| 12th August 2008 Linda | Priorities and Plans - From: The kids share a bit and we see more of the city Nathan, Your story about the woman who sat on you was hilarious. It made me laugh out loud. Emily, What a great idea...to write a book about the friends you're missing! |
| 11th August 2008 tamar | Great Pix! - From: a day of repeats and many train rides I wish I didn't have to work - I could spend all the time reading your blog! |
| 11th August 2008 Tamar | Amazing! - From: A mocha for a 9 year old... Even your food descriptions are fantastic! We miss you already Suzanne! The Fogels. |
| 11th August 2008 Linda | oops - From: 1 fish, 2 fish...and more fish for dinner First, thanks for telling us right off that Emily was not hurt. How clever of her to choose jeans and a tee-shirt on a day when she would get caught in the rain and be knocked down in the dirt by a bike. Second, I'm wondering if the rider who showed no concern for Emily wasn't dealing with fear...fear of being somewhere she shouldn't or doing something she shouldn't have done. I know there were a lot of rules issued in Beijing about how not to behave in front of Westerners. And there you were...8 Westerners! |
| 11th August 2008 soooze | hmmmn... - From: a day of repeats and many train rides I'll have to ask my source to check his facts :) |
| 11th August 2008 Ophir | Tallest building - From: a day of repeats and many train rides FYI, the tallest building in the world is "Burj Dubai", Shanghai is #6 world wide... sorry |
| 10th August 2008 Linda | matching missings - From: English speaking friends--from England! Love the pictures, especially the one of Emily and Sophie. What a perfect way to celebrate your first ten days in Shanghai...friends, fun, and food! |
| 10th August 2008 sue | beer! - From: English speaking friends--from England! we would like 2 peaches and a beer from the fruit stand! how awesome is that! |
| 10th August 2008 sue | your view - From: 08-08-08 in China! I totally agree with Linda! No commercial interruptions would have been so great! It still was amazing! |
| 9th August 2008 Linda | your view versus our view - From: 08-08-08 in China! As we watched the Opening Ceremonies last night, we wanted what you had: No commercial interruptions! And Jiyi's explanations would have been welcome too! |
| 8th August 2008 Linda | Because of the Olympics... - From: a day of repeats and many train rides I was wondering what impact the Games were having in Shanghai, and it sounds like some of the new rules have made it there. Was the toilet demo part of that? |
| 8th August 2008 Amy D | love it - From: a day of repeats and many train rides love the potty shot! too funny. |
| 7th August 2008 Linda | Chicken feet and chopsticks - From: the amazing race goes to Shanghai... Life in Shanghai is giving Nathan and Emily such a great education! |
| 7th August 2008 Natalie | Tastes like feet! - From: the amazing race goes to Shanghai... Ha! Great comment, Nathan! OK - how quickly did the kids learn to use chopsticks? Did they master it before the China trip? I can't believe that you've been there a week - it feels like a month from this end. |
| 7th August 2008 dad | better and better - From: the amazing race goes to Shanghai... I love these. ! |
| 6th August 2008 Linda | The Adventurous Slavens - From: my first meal out without Mark but WITH the kids Love hearing the details of ordering, shopping, getting around...halfway around the world. Moving is never easy HERE. |
| 6th August 2008 Natalie | You Did It! - From: my first meal out without Mark but WITH the kids New adventure on your own (with kids) and you survived! I'm so impressed with the kids willingness to try new things -they are true adventurers. I love your videos - keep 'em coming! MISS YOU!! |
| 6th August 2008 Uncle Fred | Stout Hearted Slaven's - From: my first meal out without Mark but WITH the kids You guys are very stout hearted to adapt to a new culture with a foreign language no less. Heck, I could bareley understand Londoners when I was in the UK. And Thank Goodness for IKEA!!! Hope you enjoy day by day, love to all. Uncle Fred, Toshimi and Melody |
| 5th August 2008 soooze | hard bed... - From: had my health exam (ick) and did more shopping We slept better last night but we are going to search for a foam (or synthetic filled) mattress topper. That and a cart to haul groceries are at the top of my must buy list. |
| 5th August 2008 Malia | Wow -- what an adventure! - From: had my health exam (ick) and did more shopping Hi Slavens! I am finally catching up on all of your escapades... what an adventure it has been, so far! Suzanne the blog is so great -- really makes me feel like I know what's going on with you guys! And, love the pictures, too! Congrats to Emily on losing her first tooth! Did the tooth fairy find her in China?? And, do you still have that really hard mattress? Missing you!!! -- Malia |
| 4th August 2008 Natalie | Well...your family IS quite good looking... - From: It's like I slept on the ground... Your endless excercises in trying to keep Nathan awake during day are super funny! Although, from the looks of these cute pics, the kids (and you & Mark) look like you're having a blast. I'm not sure I would handle the cheek-pinching and poking at my children all that well - but I love Nathan's comment about them wanting a souvenir chunk! I bet you'll all get accustomed to your life sooner than you think - and you'll look back on these early days so fondly (and amusingly). Your writing is so you - makes me miss you even more...sniff, sniff! |
| 4th August 2008 Natalie | Welcome to China! - From: Nathan's first thoughts from Shanghai Wow Nathan! what great observations. Ever the pet-lover, I like that the first thing you noticed was a big dog that was in a cage too small. You're such a trooper. Lily and I read this blog together and she wanted me to tell you that she's taking really good care of Buddy and his tail is getting bigger. He misses you! |
| 2nd August 2008 Linda | Great blog - From: a very blog-worthy day with much time spent at police station I was riveted to every word...you're all really there, you're doing it. Terrific tour, Emily! Nice headline, Suzanne! |
| 2nd August 2008 Dad | Your new reporters - From: a very blog-worthy day with much time spent at police station Now you have two fine assistants to do color commentary for you. The videos are great. |
| 2nd August 2008 Geeze | Police station.. - From: a very blog-worthy day with much time spent at police station Okaay, so I am hooked! I just came home from work. Skipped all my emails (including my work shedule for next week) to read your blog first! Love it! Good night sleepy heads. Love, Aunt Geeze |
| 1st August 2008 Aunt Elaine | Nathan's Blog - From: Nathan's first thoughts from Shanghai Nathan, that was a wonderful blog that you wrote. I hope you tell us more and more about your great adventure in China. Love, Aunt Elaine |
| 1st August 2008 Linda | Go Nathan! - From: Nathan's first thoughts from Shanghai Good observations on the lack of cars on the streets! I think that is temporary to cut down on car polutuion during the Olympics. Let us know when it changes. Congratulations on your first passport stamp. Exciting indeed! Love Dunkin' Dumplings! |
| 1st August 2008 Uncle Fred | Happy Landings - From: Nathan's first thoughts from Shanghai Glad everyone is safe and sound. Have fun! Love Fred, Toshimi (still in Japan) and Melody. |
| 1st August 2008 aunt Geeze | Day 1.. - From: Nathan's first thoughts from Shanghai Nathan I am so excited for you and Emily. Ask your Mom and Dad if they can to take you to a Mc Donald's or KFC. You will feel right at home in no time. Hugs, Aunt Geeze |
| 1st August 2008 Griffin | Hi - From: Nathan's first thoughts from Shanghai What do you see from your balcony? |
| 31st July 2008 Ari | - From: Nathan's first thoughts from Shanghai Wow... I can only imagine having lost your first tooth on your first day in a new country! Congratulations Emily! I told my friend Rachel, and she wondered if the tooth fairy visits China.. |
| 31st July 2008 Angie | I miss you guys! - From: Nathan's first thoughts from Shanghai I like hearing the experience from different people! Can't wait to hear what Emily has to say! I'm glad you all got there safe! |
| 31st July 2008 Amy D | Congratulations! - From: the whole family in Shanghai And now the adventure truly begins... |
| 31st July 2008 Laura | Wow! What a Journey! - From: the whole family in Shanghai Very exciting reading your blog. I felt like I was on the journey with you! Too funny about the weights, I have done the same thing myself. This will be the adventure of a lifetime. I am so proud of you and I am sure mom is too! love, your sis |
| 30th July 2008 Malia | Wow - what a last day! - From: 1 day left...next post will be from Shanghai Sounds productive, stressful, emotional all rolled into one! Looking forward to seeing you con Skype, though!!! xox |
| 29th July 2008 Amy D | Yowza! - From: 1 day left...next post will be from Shanghai I'm stressed just reading this entry. Phew! Deep breaths... |
| 29th July 2008 soooze | thanks Ophir! - From: more goodbyes and sweet home Ohio Thanks for the good wishes. I still hope to visit you in Israel someday. |
| 29th July 2008 Ophir | Goodbuy for me as well - From: more goodbyes and sweet home Ohio well since i can say that in person... (different continent), I just want to say goodbye and to wish you a very exciting journey, hope you will have as much fun as you can or want. |
| 23rd July 2008 Linda | Nice goin' - From: visas are in hand... Good move, staying calm and taking care of business. Go Team Slaven! |
| 23rd July 2008 Warick | Bon Voyage - From: visas are in hand... Suzanne, your blog is so interesting I look forward to reading it everyday. It's like a novel. It sounds like you're almost ready to go to China. Love, Aunt Elaine |
| 23rd July 2008 Dad | Countdown - From: visas are in hand... Wow. Just a few days to go. I feel like you are all boarding the Mayflower for the New World. Kind of sort of . |
| 20th July 2008 Linda | house repairs - From: Mark is back in the US, kids are in Ohio, the countdown begins! That IS the silver lining of life's hassles...the fun of writing about them. Love your blog, Suzanne. |
| 20th July 2008 Dad | Handy Suzanna - From: Mark is back in the US, kids are in Ohio, the countdown begins! Suzanne is a very determined plumber. She went through the first home plumbing class: "Make every mistake until it works" class. She absolutely would not give-up as we tried every way to install this thing. We did find many ways NOT to do it.It seems men mostly go to these classes. Now my Suzanne has been there. She picked right up on the cement work. That must have been from her prior pottery experience! I'm sure the house will appreciate all her efforts when it begins to miss the sounds of the Slaven family. Suzanne's focus on getting things done will help her on her adventure. I can't wait to read about it. - |
| 20th July 2008 Fred, Toshimi, and Melody | The Man and the Stork - From: mark's first post from Shanghai Mark, Well told, so no need to be nervous about your writing! I had a blood test a couple of years ago and my doctor accidently checked the pregnancy test. The lab assistant looked at it, looked at me, and proceeded. Talk about dumb....it took me 6 months to get them to take that portion off my bill, but I succeeded. I know how challenging it is to be in a foreign country, but it must me even tougher when the native language is not Engrish. Hope you enjoy your time there. Looking foward to more of your reports! Love from all of us, Fred, Toshimi, and Melody |
| 20th July 2008 Geeze | countdown! - From: Mark is back in the US, kids are in Ohio, the countdown begins! Thanks for the update and photos Suzanne. Everything will be fine and you will be in Shanghai before you know it! Exhausted of course, but so exciting Wow! Love you tons, Geeze |
| 15th July 2008 Linda | ultrasound - From: mark's first post from Shanghai Thanks for details, Mark...fascinating. Despite your opening disclaimer, I laughed. |
| 15th July 2008 ChinaTraveler | Best Wishes - From: mark's first post from Shanghai I came across your blogs and thought they are very interesting. You guys are really open-minded and friendly. I am sure you will make a lot of friends and have a great experience in Shanghai! Best Wishes !! |
| 15th July 2008 Mike G | good - From: mark's first post from Shanghai Keep it up Mark. We are all incredibly interested. |
| 15th July 2008 Geeze Lacenski | Prego? - From: mark's first post from Shanghai OMG Mark!!! What an experience. OY Vey! Hugs, Jim and Geeze |
| 15th July 2008 Jules | Great post! - From: mark's first post from Shanghai Nice to hear about your China adventures, Mark. Very entertaining read. But don't forget - there was a pregnant man on Oprah recently! ;-) |
| 14th July 2008 Malia | Countdown....!!! - From: Happy Birthday to Mark! Hey Guys -- I'm so glad you are doing this Blog Suzanne as I feel very out of touch with you... but that is no reflection of how much I think of you! Here's to hoping we can get together this week! And, of course, HAPPY BIRTHDAY, Mark! --Malia |
| 12th July 2008 Linda | 4am - From: Happy Birthday to Mark! Happy Birthday, Mark!! And congratulations on the cinematic birthday message, Suzanne! Now, in the months to come, when I wake up at 4am, and turn over to catch a few more hours of sleep, I will think of you all sitting down to dinner. |
| 10th July 2008 Sue | i hear ya on the stess-distraction bit - From: who moved my soy sauce? The other morning, I rinsed off my shampoo and put some conditioner in my hand. Next thing I knew, I was applying the conditioner to my cheeks! Good luck with the last few weeks!! |
| 9th July 2008 Linda | Operation Frog Release - From: freedom for the frogs Wow, Suzanne, I'm really impressed. When I reached "less drama with less frog release team members", I knew I was hearing from an expert at this. Nice goin', right up to the cheeseburger! |
| 9th July 2008 soooze | it was a guinea pig... - From: freedom for the frogs It was my guinea pig in fact! Still can't believe I had a pet by choice...but I know I was always trying to be just like my big sister...pierced ears, sure! Pets, sure! |
| 9th July 2008 Dad | Back to the wild - From: freedom for the frogs I'm reminded of a similar problem when Suzanne and Laura were a bit older than Nathan and Emily. This problem involved a pet bunny and a pet something (gerbil or hamster). They had been living together in a backyard cage eating this and that. We decided it was time to free them. However, I was not nearly as thoughtful as Suzanne. I just took them out to a woodsy area and said: BYE BYE!! My thought at the time was they might make a tasty fox/wolf-treat? Not exactly the Free Willy concept,huh. |
| 9th July 2008 soooze | worries - From: busy bees Yes, there are so many I really should write them down. They are often very funny. Emily's focus tends to be around food. "Do they have forks? I'm going to pack my own silverware because I can't use chopsticks very well!" Nathan's top concern is whether he can continue to procure Legos while in China. I said I'd seen Legos there, but I couldn't produce photographic evidence, so he's not 100% convinced. I will keep you posted on more of their thoughts and comments as we go. Thanks for the comments. I LOVE hearing back from people who are reading. Makes me feel less like an over-sharer :) |
| 9th July 2008 Linda | Now she is six - From: busy bees Love the pictures, especially the one of Emily at the nail place. It would be interesting to read about those "worries" of Nathan and Emily about moving to China. Surely there are the usual ones: will I like my new school? will I make friends? but what about the ones of the "Will there be peanut butter?" variety? |
| 30th June 2008 Suzanne's dad | The urge to purge - From: less is more I have been through "the great sorting" task that Suzanne is doing. Since we moved a great deal, I did it more than once. My last big purge was when Sarah was ill, so I did it by myself. I was not as thoughtful as Suzanne. I couldn't keep up with the volume of trash, so I just committed the floor of the garage and begin throwing things from the house to the floor. A giant volcanoe/mountain of stuff grew and grew. I wish I had taken a picture. |
| 30th June 2008 Linda | Sorting - From: less is more Tossing, sorting, packing, giving away...all of this sounds uncomfortably familiar...except for the Take To China part. The boys nextdoor love their Legos, so I'll share Nathan's plight. Looking forward to hearing from your guest blogger! |
| 11th June 2008 Linda | How fun! - From: August 1st is "the date" How fun it is to read about Nathan's party and see photos of the kids! A reminder that your blog is going to be full of news about THEM...Nathan's in-lieu-of-gifts gift idea is truly wonderful. You may have had a "failed craft project", as you put it, but you had a wildly successful gift giving. Great "once a year in a beautiful place" idea too. Your mom would love your Chinese adventure...and your blog. |
| 9th June 2008 Linda | Silly me! - From: solo trip and journey home What was I thinking when I pictured you having nothing to do for the next two months but eat vegetarian and pack?? Good luck on completing your To Do List. |
| 8th June 2008 Linda | Foot massage - From: one more story An incredible bargain/experience, I would say. |
| 7th June 2008 Linda | - From: update Love the charity-themed party idea. In fact, love the whole riff on kids' parties. Linda |
| 6th June 2008 Julie | WFMI - From: update A Whole Foods party is the perfect idea for the little chef! I love it! |
| 4th June 2008 Arlene | Sounds like everything's going well! - From: solo trip and journey home I'm glad to hear your trip was successful and you're feeling comfortable with the city and your move. Good luck getting everything done before you leave! If you have some spare time before you go (ha!) I'd love to have lunch. |
| 3rd June 2008 hihi | Hihi - From: one more story very interesting blog. keep it up! :) |
| 1st June 2008 Linda | - From: last full day...for now Enjoyed the description of the haggling process with the calculator. I'm with you..."instant gratification" and all. Will you continue blogging while you're home, getting ready? And when do you FOUR take off? Love to all of you...what an adventure!! Linda |
| 1st June 2008 Linda | grocery store - From: apartments day 2 - better than day 1 Thanks for all the pictures, especially the videos. Your pan of the grocery store fascinated me, probably becsause of the scale and the cleanliness. Is the background noise as loud and conversational as it sounds? I was also struck by the loud music in the (Tai chi) park previously. Linda |
| 1st June 2008 Linda | - From: apartment search - day 1 Suzanne, I really love how you write about the decision-process that you and Mark are going through. Another post mentioned the the joy of living your experience vicariously. Ditto. Linda |
| 1st June 2008 Linda | accidents - From: more schools, I venture out alone, and some random thoughts I am struck by the democracy in the streets. Great blogging!! Linda |
| 1st June 2008 Linda | schools - From: the school vists have begun... Really interested in the schools...it sounds like the kids may have the opportunity to learn Chinese, both speaking and writing. How terrific! I look forward to hearing about Nathan and Emily's classroom experiences. Linda |
| 1st June 2008 Linda | - From: Day 2...better food, more fun Love hearing your insights about Chinese culture and about your interactions with "strangers". I am getting a feel-good feeling about your future home town. Linda |
| 1st June 2008 Linda | - From: 3rd time's a charm Suzanne...I am already in awe of you. I started with your 5/30 blog and read all your entries backward and quickly discovered that you didn't arrive feeling as comfortable as you sounded five days later. I am now one of your riveted readers! Thanks for sending me the link. Linda |
| 1st June 2008 soooze | thanks for the tip - From: apartments, motorcycles, and massages, oh my! Yes, we have heard this too. We've asked for a few additional items for each place, and also are trying to bargain on prices. We'll see what happens! |
| 31st May 2008 Bruno | Apt. tip - From: apartments, motorcycles, and massages, oh my! I've heard you can negotiate with the brokers/owners of the apt/ complex. For example, you can ask to have a bigger TV/ bed. This is just what I've heard, haven't actually tested it, but I read it from a few sources. Just thought I'd drop the tip, can't hurt to try right? |
| 29th May 2008 soooze | hi nathan! - From: apartment search - day 1 Nathan, thanks for sending me your nice comment. Daddy and I miss you and love you too! It's just a few more days and we'll be together again. We can't wait to see you and Emily soon. |
| 29th May 2008 nathan | blogging - From: apartment search - day 1 mom i miss you i cant wait to see you again i love you and i hope your having fun. |
| 29th May 2008 Jen Thomas | Love your blog - From: apartment search - day 1 Hey Suze, Love your blog! Just sat down today to read it all and was bummed when I finished the last entry. Talk about culture shock! I am impressed that such an urban area has so much green space and playgrounds - very family friendly. Can't wait to hear more! Jen |
| 29th May 2008 soooze | toilets - From: apartment search - day 1 Indeed I have. Just today in fact. Will be a story in upcoming post about this! Stay tuned! |
| 29th May 2008 Sue | household appliances - From: apartment search - day 1 Awesome blog-work, Suzanne! My parents' apartment had that dish sterilizer, too - and I was very confused. Have you come across any squat toilets yet?!? |
| 28th May 2008 judy | Wow!! - From: more schools, I venture out alone, and some random thoughts Hey Suzanne, Sounds like an awsome adventure! I love adventures! I know they teeter on a fine line between fear and excitement. The schools sound good especially the first two. Hope the rest of your stay goes well and enjoy your cab ride ;) Judy |
| 27th May 2008 soooze | hi amy! - From: the school vists have begun... Not that I know of. I think it was more me being paranoid/feeling uncomfortable than anything else. It's a big adjustment being so foreign in a country of so many people. However, it's a good life lesson, since I've had 38 years of being in my comfort zone, right? Thanks for the nice comments! Suzanne |
| 27th May 2008 Amy D | Nice job on the blog!! - From: the school vists have begun... I've enjoyed reading your blog-especially all the food details. I'm guessing they don't have Peapod. I liked your entry about the Tai Chi/ballroom dancing park. Are there many areas westerners aren't allowed to visit? Keep up the blogging! Amy D |
| 27th May 2008 soooze | thanks, Malia! - From: the school vists have begun... Yes, although the school today is a contender. I'll post more on that one later. We have 1 more school to visit today and then it's decision time! |
| 27th May 2008 Malia | School #1 looks good! - From: the school vists have begun... Loved all the details of your school visits! School #1 looks really good. Are you leaning toward thats? Do you have other schools to visit? Loved the photos -- very modern facilities! xoxox - Malia |
| 25th May 2008 Amy | - From: 3rd time's a charm Suzanne, I was so happy to get your blog. Yours is the first blog I've ever read ... I know I'm seriously behind the times, but I'm glad I waited for such an interesting one. So far, your trip sounds thrilling .... I mean what an incredible experience! I love hearing the details of your trip so I can live vicariously through you. Tell Mark I said way to go with the Business class seats. He got some serious points for that, I'm sure. I hope you continue to have an amazing journey, and look forward to hearing more stories. We had a gorgeous day in Chicago with plenty of sunshine. Charlie, Haley and I started working on first-ever vegetable garden. Wish us luck. Hope to hear from you again soon! ~Amy |
