So this is home
The world is to my left; anytime I can afford a distraction, I can just turn my head and be reminded that I’m in Shanghai. The stadium takes up half the view, and right now I can hear people racing their RC cars in the parking lot. All the walls in China are hardly sound-proof. They block out as much sound as they do heat, which feels like practically none. The biggest thing I have yet to get used to in Shanghai is that people usually don’t turn on the heater for the whole house… just for the bedrooms. This makes for painfully cold bathrooms in the morning (thank goodness for toilet seat covers!), and after showers, but thankfully there are little space heaters for a good price.
I felt very proud of myself today when a lady on the street stopped me to ask for directions in Shanghainese. I happened to know the road she was looking for (which also helped me understand what she was saying), and I happily pointed the way. Although I only consider myself familiar with small sections of a few of streets in my area, it’s nice feeling like I’m finally starting to know my way around.
On another note, I got a job! Well, right now I’m on a one-month no-pay trial of sorts, but it has definite opportunity to turn into my regular job here. I’m a personal assistant for a fashion photography team from Milan, trying to start their own business here in Shanghai. I can work mostly at home, or on the run, whatever the case may be for the task at hand, like doing research, making calls, or buying materials. I’m really excited about this because it’s more than I expected or hoped for, in terms of career field and exposure to different types of art.
Well, to sum this up, Ricky and I are finally starting to settle into our daily rhythm, but it’s hard since he just recovered from his cold and I’m fighting off mine. We have plans to eat healthy, exercise, and make sure we see and experience as much as we can of what Shanghai– and the rest of China!– has to offer.
I just need to make sure that I don’t eat too many delicious breads from 85 degrees, since it’s on my way home from the metro stop. Good for breakfasts, baaaaaad for late-night munchies.
wow. that is so legit. your Dad is definitely with you. =) and we just wanna applaud his providences. proud of you starting to beee a china chinese person. haha. we miss you over here but this is fun hearing about your good & cold times!