Similarities and Differences.....

If I am sitting in my room, with the windows open on cool fall day, I could be in China or Michigan. They both feel the same. If the kids are playing in the park and I sit on a bench watching, it is also the same. Sitting in Starbucks, reading a book, is no different. There are times that China feels just like Michigan. When it's hard to notice the differences. But we have luxuries that we would not have at home. Yuan-Yuan comes for the day to clean and cook, and Mr Tao pulls up in a silver Buick minivan, to cart us all over the city. These things are very different. It feels strange to have someone else taking care of my home. I miss driving. I miss having a car to jump into when ever I want to go somewhere.

There are many wonderful things about this experience, many adventures to be had, but there are also wonderful things that we have left behind. We are seeing parts of the world which many will never see. We are learning a new language, and a new culture, but instead of learning in a class, we are living it. We are strengthening our minds, and our spirits. It is a growing experience which I believe is very important for our children, especially in today's world. Stepping out of one's comfort zone is a hard, but a rewarding thing to do. I am proud of us for taking such a bold step. I am proud of my children, for even though they may not have had much of a choice, they have handled it well.

We have left our home, friends and family, to move to the other side of the Earth. That was very hard. As we all know, our home is a soft place to fall, and when things get tough that is where you want to be. I look forward to the first time I sleep in my bed at home again, lying my head down on that soft pillow, and being a car ride away from those I love. We are doing great here, but we look forward to our visit. 

There are so many differences in our surroundings here, compared to home. When a guest arrives, you bring them a cup of warm water. This is better for the body. They will take off their shoes at your door, even if you tell them they do not need to. You must offer them a pair of slippers. If you ask your AYI or driver if they are able to do something, the answer will always be "yes." They will not tell you they do not know how do so something, or where something is. That would be like "losing face."

There is not a fourth floor in most buildings, as the word for the number "four" sounds too much like the word for "death" (I'm sure Yuan-Yuan is not happy that Carleigh has drawn a three foot tall "44" on the wall by the study. She has to pass that forbidden Chinese number 20 times a day!) You can't drink out of the tap, but must order water for the water cooler. Most bathroom STINK.  Here, you learn the places that have western style bathrooms, and avoid the ones that do not. Tissue is always carried with you, as bathrooms do not always have toilet paper, or soap, making hand sanitizer a must. Surprisingly, after the last statement, there are always workers cleaning, everywhere you go. On the streets, and in the buildings, you will not have trouble finding someone to clean something up. Service in restaurants is better than in the US, and no tip is required. You must ask for your bill, or it will never come. 

You will never see more bikes than you see in Shanghai, you will probably never see as many cars, either. You would be amazed at what can be fit on a bike. Don't ever think you can't move a refrigerator, just because you don't have a car. Nothing is too dressy to wear while riding a bike. Heels are almost a must; good for any occasion. Ankle length nylons are fine with capris, or anything else for that matter. Getting there first does not mean it's your turn, getting noticed first does. If this means pushing to the front of the line, so be it. Sleeping can be done anywhere, and is.

We enjoy living in China. It's differences are intriguing. It's similarities, when found, are little gifts. 

Tomorrow, we are going to a film studio. We will be extras in a Japanese movie. Another adventure, within our adventure.

Blessings to all.