A storm that came in while I was teaching. This is the view from my window at work.


Good times..

My diet, My school, My washer (GOOD thing my AYI washes clothes), and a raining TUK TUK ride..We flipped over that day.. Didn't get hurt, we jumped out..

Authentic Chinese food

Saw this on one of my bike rides. BMW and a deliver driver on his bike. This is the view from my apartment.

I was in heaven when I had Mcdonald's..never would've thought. And my bed with my new bedding! I was so happy. The gym, and my family room.

Locals playing craps

Wheels

I love blowing things up. 220 volts. The guards also love me coming and asking for them to reset my electricty:)
My bike after getting groceries..and my beautiful kitchen table! lol.

Culture

Just getting ready to watch Nip Tuck and thought I would write a bit more tonight. There is no TV here, so we make frequent trips to the DVD store. I have purchased Nip Tuck, United Nations of Tara (LOVE IT), Sex and the City, and about 20 movies. They offer TV here, but there are only 3 or 5 English channels, so why bother. Some of you have asked about Face book, and yes, it is banned here. We are able to access it through a VPN that we pay monthly for, so it looks like we are in the states. Not sure why China's government does that, and I don't agree with a few of their ways but most of them I do. They run a pretty good system over here. Everything is super clean, and the Asians are very friendly. They don't offer welfare or social security, so everyone works. The landscaping is all done by the older ladies. You might think that is odd, but they seem to really enjoy themselves. In the mornings 8-10 of them are out there picking and pruning, just chatting away. It is their social time. I have noticed a few other brilliant systems that I admire. Trash for instance is scarce here. Each apt building that houses over 200-300 people only has ONE, yes ONE trash can out front. You know the kind we have back home that is over filled by the time they pick it up? They keep the trash down by selling very little paper products, paper plates, plastic etc. Also, since there are so many people nobody has ovens or dryers. Cuts down on electricity. They also don't believe in credit here..You even have pay for your gas before you use it. You literally put money on your card, then slide your card into your meter. Cell phones are pay as you go etc.. That fact that you can't charge anything makes people work a little harder.

I am enjoying getting to know the culture. We choose a new spot to visit on the weekends, and in a year I don't think we will get to all in Shanghai. I am also trying to figure out what sport to do on my own. If I wanted I could play something every night. They have ultimate Frisbee, dragon boating, volleyball, rugby and more. I was thinking of taking up bar hopping. That seems the healthiest:) I am working on posting pics as we speak...

I miss Marley like crazy:( Hopefully we can bring him back with us next year. Jordan and I at the airport..and SVC of course.

Recent Pictures

My first month in China..

I made it through my first month in Shanghai! I am enjoying every day..The teachers I work with are great, and they truly go out of their way to make sure we all feel at home. My arrival here was easy, way easier then I thought. Thank goodness I paid the extra $150 for 5inches of EXTRA leg room. That section of the plane was pretty empty, I watched 6 or 7 movies and read. My asst. principal and a driver picked me up, then drove me the short distance to my apt. I walked in with the expectations of a tiny room, but it was bigger then the ones back home. I have included some pics. I live in a suburb, Pudong, which is 30 minutes away from Puxi. Puxi is the big city, and I am glad I don't live there. Yes, the nightlife and culture is astonishing, but just a short cab ride away for me to enjoy.

My first week of work was filled with getting to know the others, the city, grocery trips, Ikea trips, and taking us out on the SCHOOL dollar. I couldn't believe when the head master took us all out one night and paid the tab..That would never happen back home. They actually have an entertainment budget just for the teachers. That is the perks when the students tuition is 25Grand a year! We are now starting out 3rd week, and I actually look forward to each day. Getting to know the kids and learning about their culture is interesting. In one on my history classes I only have 5 students. It doesn't feel like a class, more like a discussion group. These students are very well traveled, respectful, intelligent, but in a way sheltered. I am teaching them not only the curriculum but about life. We started Maniac Magee last week, I was shocked when they didn't know what American football was! They also don't see color, which is awesome, so I explained why it was a big deal when Maniac was on the other side of the tracks:)

As I have mentioned before, life is so much easier here. Of course I miss everyone back home, but I feel a sense of relief. Not worrying about any bills is unreal. Not to mention everyone here has an AYI, aka maid, that does everything and anything you ask. Don't worry, we don't take advantage..They get paid pretty well, but to us it is dirt cheap. I pay very little and she does my washing, ironing, cooking if I want, shopping, pays my bills and more. Pretty spoiled hu?

What else...I am finally getting used to my bike. My pelvic bones where sore as all hell for a while. I am still not a fan of riding to work or to get groceries. I will get used to it..I miss getting in my car and going to Costco. I miss being able to read labels and the food the most. The food isn't bad here, just takes some adjusting. In Puxi you can get any type of food, we had Greek yesterday. In Pudong our selections are a bit more limited. I had ramen for my first two weeks, and I AM NOT kidding. They have so many types and it is not bad, but not good for you. I have moved on to making hot and sour soup for now:)

I have made some good friends, and the girl that is in most of my pics is Kelsey. She is from Vegas, and we get along great. She lives in the same community as me. I have enjoyed meeting the teachers and as the time goes on, I am getting to know more and more of them. Everyone stays pretty busy. If I wanted to I could go do something every night. Someone is always hosting something, taco night etc.

I am going to sign off for now. I will leave you with a laugh..I live in apt 1101, same as my condo back home, and wasn't paying attention the other night coming home from work. Get in the elevator, hit #11 and head up.. get to my door and was excited my maid left me a new mat. Put my key in, didn't work. Tried, stressed, tried, said, "THIS IS SO CHINA" and tried again..then I looked up, it was #701...I hit the stairs pretty quick!

Until next time...

I am including pictures and will be blogging often. Enjoy!