The One-Month Mark...

It's hard to believe that four weeks has passed since we made our move to China.  We have enjoyed some beautiful weather, met lots of wonderful expats, and learned a thing or two about what it's like living in the PRC...

• Western food is available in some restaurants and grocery stores.  It costs a bit more for the comforts of home but it's worth it.  So, no - we are not eating like "locals"...yet.
• A driver who speaks VERY minimal English can still get you where you need to go - IKEA, Subway, and the beach for example.  
• Words cannot describe the driving here...right turns from the left lane, running red lights (honking the horn as you drive through makes this okay apparently), and no matter what crazy move is made you can be sure to see a BUS bearing down on you...
• Having an Ayi (maid) is inexpensive and wonderful...I may have to find someone upon my return that will iron my pajama pants :)
• Smells...so many, many, stomach-turning smells...please take a moment to appreciate the sweet smell of a mall bathroom or the produce section at Fry's and know that you are blessed.
• My Chinese language lessons leave me with a headache and sweaty pits...learning Chinese may turn out to be one of my greatest challenges and hopefully one of my greatest accomplishments.
• In  a matter of a few weeks, Emma and Erin, who used to be able to play for hours alone or with each other must now constantly have a non-familial playmate.  Not sure what will happen when we don't have a neighborhood of open doors and safe streets and playgrounds.

Despite some of the less-appealing China-isms, we feel grateful to be here and know that this is absolutely the opportunity of a lifetime.  If you've ever thought of visiting the far east (or even if you haven't) we would love to have you visit.  We are making plans to begin our travels within China and would enjoy nothing more than showing you around!  

Now I'm off to cram for my Chinese lesson...teachers are always the worst students, aren't they?