04/02/10

We made it to Shanghai a few days ago and have had a jammed packed few days. We think we have found where we want to live and are in the process of negotiating all the details. It is not on the same side as Jeff parents place (in Pudong), but directly across from the river from them which would allow Jeff to walk to work in about 20 minutes. It has definitely been an experience so far. First of all, there appears to controlled chaos when driving, but it seems to work. Pedestrians do not have the right of way so crossing the street can be a little like playing a game of frogger. Jeff loves how people drive since they do whatever they want but we all know Jeff has always driven like a jerk! I am also not quite the amazon people thought I would be. Some Chinese people are actually quite tall. There are also a plethora of western stores. It feels like home when you see Sephora and H&M here, however some things are much more expensive probably due to the import taxes. Our slingbox has worked great so far (thanks Bill!) and most websites that we use work with the exception of facebook which we may be able to use once we have a way around that. We will not have our phone set up until we move in to our new place but feel free to call us at Celeste and Denny's place. The best time to call is between 7:30pm-10:30pm your time which is our morning (there is exactly 12 hour time difference EST right now). Jeff and I made about a 10 mile walk today which included taking the ferry across the river from his parents place to the place we would like to live. We then decided to take the subway to People Square (similar to Times Square) and attempted to find Jeff's work with our crappy map. We made it there with little trouble and walked back to through a few markets back the same route we came. We are going to have to get used to walking and discovering where to buy everything (along with the art of negotiating). I think that is all for now . . . we are definitely looking forward to those of you that venture over to see us!