Inch By Inch

So far, life in Shanghai seems pretty simple. Our hotel is comfortable and well appointed, and the location is fantastic. We're only a few buildings from Dave's office, so his check-ins haven't eaten into family time much at all.

My approach to expatriate life has been simple. I'm taking it inch by inch. I'm finding the places that I'm comfortable, and then working out from there. It provides me more of an expat experience than a China experience, but I figure I've got 2+ years to explore China and there's no need to rush into anything.

We were picked up at the airport by Jack, who rode back to the hotel and checked us in. Smooth.

Our room is comfortable and room service, although overpriced, provides good food - both Western and Asian - with English descriptions.

We've ventured out only a few times so far. Dave's walked to the office twice. We've explored the park across the street - there are ducks and fish, which kept L-- amused for quite a while. There are malls on each of our corners, each full of restaurants. Luckily, we thought ahead to ask our contacts for restaurant recommendations. For our first meal out, we sought out Wagas. Being told it was on the same corner as Hong Kong Plaza (our hotel), we only needed to search through 3 malls to find it. Luckily, it was in mall #2. The atmosphere was hip and bright, noisy enough to be kid-friendly, and the pasta was tasty, plentiful and cheap (28RMB = apr. $3). At these prices, eating out is definitely more affordable than the grocery shopping we did at City Shop, the import grocery store.

From not speaking to anyone in Chinese on Wednesday, to not leaving the hotel on Thursday, circling our block and exploring the surrounding malls felt quite adventurous today. But still quite comfortable.

Our world will grow quickly. Just one inch at a time.