kids into the mix 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?
Ni xiguan le 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.
Yay You! 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!
Sheshan 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.
ha ha 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!
Nathan is right! 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!!
What a trip(e)! 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! ;-)
I feel your pain 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.
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!
culture club! 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!!
Fun times Really interesting reading about the red envelopes and the Tibetan restaurant. Yak almost sounded tasty. Can't wait for the next installment.
funky 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.
Great blog! 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!
Namaste! 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.
James Fallow 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!
James Fallows 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!
100th post 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.
Have a nice flight 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
I am an American woman with a husband and 2 kids, about to relocate with my family to Shanghai.
The back story: We are moving because my husband is going to be working in Shanghai.
July 6, 2008: We are a bit less than a month away from the move and current postings chronicle the prep to get there, the logistics to be allowed to go there, and the coordination of all these things we have to do before we can go! Oh, and Mark is in China for about a month (the last month we are in the states and getting ready)...so I'm very busy.
July 28, 2008....2 days til the big move.
August 4, 200... full info
Lee
non-member comment
kids into the mix
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?