An Inch Too Far

Having built up our confidence after a few successful outings surrounding our hotel, we decided to attend the Expat Expo this morning. The easiest way to get around Shanghai is by taxi, but most do not have seat belts or space for car seats so we decided to brave the metro. We walked through the park, past People's Square, alongside the Shanghai Museum (by this time, in the rain) and found the Metro Stop. Unfortunately, this was not the endpoint. The walkway just to buy tickets was long and convoluted, and L-- had no interest in being carried. But with such crowds, and many steps, carrying her is really the only way. Through the turnstiles with our tickets, we had longer walks before we reached the train. Prepared for a packed train and the need to hold onto our children for dear life, we were pleased to find that everyone exited the train and people stood from their seats for parents carrying children. After a rather unpleasant walk, the ride was easy.

Once we reached our destination, we faced another unpleasant walk. This time because L-- wanted to be carried and my shoes kept slipping on the wet ground. I carried my shoes, my newly purchased cheap umbrella, our diaper bag and L--. By the time we found our destination, my back was sore and my patience was thin. This proved not a problem, though, as the Expat Expo was a fine place for L-- to run around (S-- spent the morning pleased to ride on Daddy's back in our fine new backpack). People enjoyed giving her flyers, ballons and balls, as we quickly threw information into our bags and followed her through the exhibition hall. Toward the middle, Gymoboree had set up a room with staff blowing bubbles and children throwing the parachute. L-- stayed with Dave, and I explored the rest of the tables. I found some information on some great organizations, including the American Women's Club of Shanghai which organizes some wonderful sounding walks, workshops and classes - all during the day, with no childcare provided. Nuts.

So far, a success.

Then L-- got hungry and S-- got tired, and things went downhill.

We crossed the street to Shanghai Center, THE address in Shanghai and the home of western shops, grocery and restaurants. We ate at California Pizza Kitchen, where we managed to keep L-- from screaming while she waited for her meal by watching English Motocross - she is quite a fan! But by the time we had finished at the grocery store, both kids were entirely out of steam. And on only our 4th day in Shanghai, we grabbed a taxi home.

We may never do it again.

Not only did the taxi driver not know where he was going, and need to stop to ask for directions only a block away from our building. But our children both screamed the entire way. L-- had no desire to touch anyone else, let alone have one of us attempt to restrain her in an effort to keep her from flying out of the car in a wreck. S-- was exhausted, and screamed every time L-- touched her. During a 10-minute temper tantrum, these touches were frequent.

We reached our room at about 1:45 and promptly put each child to bed. S-- screamed herself to sleep (her new habit - literally screaming for about 5 minutes). L-- just got crying about 10 minutes ago. This is about an hour and a half, 1 diaper change, 2 snacks and 4 stories after being put in bed.

Needless to say, we're still figuring this out.