Below are some highlights of sights in the Moscow airport. Basically, lots of warnings not to leave your children, at least 3 minyans, lots of people sleeping around the airport and a beautiful sunrise.
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Wednesday, September 23, 2015
Highlights from Moscow
God only knows what time it is right now. We left Shanghai at 1:40 to Moscow arriving at 7:00am and eventually arriving in Israel Thursday afternoon. I have no idea what time it is and whether or not my kids slept "enough" or when they should be napping. But my OCRATP (one child crying at a time policy) can be extended to one child sleeping at a time in airports! It's worked out great that one has been asleep and one awake. MUCH easier to entertain one than two.
Below are some highlights of sights in the Moscow airport. Basically, lots of warnings not to leave your children, at least 3 minyans, lots of people sleeping around the airport and a beautiful sunrise.
- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone
Below are some highlights of sights in the Moscow airport. Basically, lots of warnings not to leave your children, at least 3 minyans, lots of people sleeping around the airport and a beautiful sunrise.
- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone
Monday, September 21, 2015
The Untold Story: The Anniversary
In one short week we will be approaching a special anniversary.
Last October, my husband had traveled to Singapore for work, overlapping with the celebration of holiday of Sukkot. Rather than stay in NYC and celebrate the holiday I decided to get on a plane (with the 2 kids) and spend the holiday with my family in Israel. While I am not adverse to flying with the kids myself, this trip was my first international solo-parenting experience.
With the time difference from Israel to Singapore and 3-day holiday it was a challenge to communicate with my husband. Texting was the best way to communicate. As the holiday was about to start the last text I received from my husband was "Want to move to China?" To which I replied, "yea....no." Then we went into a communication lock-down for the holiday. It would be at least 72 hours before I could follow up and get any indication that moving to China was even a realistic possibility. I figured he was enjoying the Asian culture, traveling. Honestly I thought it was a joke. Over those 72 hours I was talking about China with my brother. He was telling me what he heard about the Jewish community there (which was a must have for us on a relocation plan) and how Shanghai is so urban and progressive (in some ways).
When we came out of the 72 hours of technology lockdown I ran to my phone to see what the follow up text was per my response and to write back, "sure I'm up for a move". Needless to say, the weeks that ensued have now led us onto our current path. In 2 weeks I will be traveling (solo-parenting) back to Israel for Sukkot. This time my husband will be joining us for the end of the holiday and celebration in honor of my nieces' bat mitzvah.
I can't help but think how just a year ago I thought my husband was making a crazy joke to move to China and here I am living in China. Crazy as it is, we are doing it. One foot in front of the other, together. Happy Anniversary to asking one of the craziest questions and I'll say "yes" (most of the time).
Last October, my husband had traveled to Singapore for work, overlapping with the celebration of holiday of Sukkot. Rather than stay in NYC and celebrate the holiday I decided to get on a plane (with the 2 kids) and spend the holiday with my family in Israel. While I am not adverse to flying with the kids myself, this trip was my first international solo-parenting experience.
With the time difference from Israel to Singapore and 3-day holiday it was a challenge to communicate with my husband. Texting was the best way to communicate. As the holiday was about to start the last text I received from my husband was "Want to move to China?" To which I replied, "yea....no." Then we went into a communication lock-down for the holiday. It would be at least 72 hours before I could follow up and get any indication that moving to China was even a realistic possibility. I figured he was enjoying the Asian culture, traveling. Honestly I thought it was a joke. Over those 72 hours I was talking about China with my brother. He was telling me what he heard about the Jewish community there (which was a must have for us on a relocation plan) and how Shanghai is so urban and progressive (in some ways).
When we came out of the 72 hours of technology lockdown I ran to my phone to see what the follow up text was per my response and to write back, "sure I'm up for a move". Needless to say, the weeks that ensued have now led us onto our current path. In 2 weeks I will be traveling (solo-parenting) back to Israel for Sukkot. This time my husband will be joining us for the end of the holiday and celebration in honor of my nieces' bat mitzvah.
I can't help but think how just a year ago I thought my husband was making a crazy joke to move to China and here I am living in China. Crazy as it is, we are doing it. One foot in front of the other, together. Happy Anniversary to asking one of the craziest questions and I'll say "yes" (most of the time).
The Emmys Were On??
The Emmy's where on? The Mets are in 1st place? Things I have completed missed in US TV news. I am aware the Pope is coming to DC, NY and Philly.
Who knows what else I'm missing from Pop Culture??
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Who knows what else I'm missing from Pop Culture??
- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone
Sunday, September 20, 2015
Squeezing into Your Favorite Jeans
I will say that readjusting back to China has been much like fitting into my favorite pair of jeans. Perhaps you can relate to this (and if not, well lucky you). I have had a pair of jeans for about 2 years (a newer favorite). I bought them right before I was pregnant with my daughter. Now when I put them on it requires to some stretching and squatting but it's worth it because they actually feel good (the first wear post wash is always snug) and are comfortable.
Being back in China seems to be harder readjusting then the actual adjusting when we moved here in March. Perhaps I have been doing photo posts because (1) it's fun and (2) I have been having a hard time finding the words to our readjustment, until now. We are back and yes it is familiar like that pair of jeans. I like looking at them in my closet much like I enjoy experiencing Shanghai has to offer. Getting in to the jeans requires some work but in the end the pay off is worth it. It is a different kind of hard coming to Shanghai this time. We started looking at International Schools for our son. Socially not much has changed. No new families seemed to have moved in our neighborhood or joined our sons class and with the Jewish holidays we aren't getting quiet into a groove yet.
So all I can do is stretch and squat and know that it will feel good and comfortable again....
Being back in China seems to be harder readjusting then the actual adjusting when we moved here in March. Perhaps I have been doing photo posts because (1) it's fun and (2) I have been having a hard time finding the words to our readjustment, until now. We are back and yes it is familiar like that pair of jeans. I like looking at them in my closet much like I enjoy experiencing Shanghai has to offer. Getting in to the jeans requires some work but in the end the pay off is worth it. It is a different kind of hard coming to Shanghai this time. We started looking at International Schools for our son. Socially not much has changed. No new families seemed to have moved in our neighborhood or joined our sons class and with the Jewish holidays we aren't getting quiet into a groove yet.
So all I can do is stretch and squat and know that it will feel good and comfortable again....
Wednesday, September 16, 2015
New Fruit, New Year
In the spirit of the Rosh Hashana, the Jewish New Year, my new fruit was the surprisingly delicious and sweet lotus fruit. The lotus fruit was sugary sweet with a chewy texture. I have no idea how to cut it or prepare it but it was delicious almost like a jelly bean.
In past years I've gone with the pomegranate as my new fruit but after a few years I think it loses its meaning. As you can imagine it is very easy to try "new" fruits and vegetables here. I like to think I am have an adventurous palette while in Shanghai but I have fallen into my routine of menu ideas, or as we call it in my family the laminated menu. We eat a lot of steamed rice, fried rice, chicken with broccoli, steamed vegetable dumplings, and noodles. In my efforts to motivate and keep exploring this week I will venture to make steamed bread roles, a Chinese delicacy (which I think would translate into Challah for Jewish but I'll let you know).
I can say with certainty that I did not think I would be celebrating the beginning of 5776 in China if you had asked me at the start of 5775. Just goes to show what a difference a year makes.
In past years I've gone with the pomegranate as my new fruit but after a few years I think it loses its meaning. As you can imagine it is very easy to try "new" fruits and vegetables here. I like to think I am have an adventurous palette while in Shanghai but I have fallen into my routine of menu ideas, or as we call it in my family the laminated menu. We eat a lot of steamed rice, fried rice, chicken with broccoli, steamed vegetable dumplings, and noodles. In my efforts to motivate and keep exploring this week I will venture to make steamed bread roles, a Chinese delicacy (which I think would translate into Challah for Jewish but I'll let you know).
I can say with certainty that I did not think I would be celebrating the beginning of 5776 in China if you had asked me at the start of 5775. Just goes to show what a difference a year makes.
Wednesday, September 9, 2015
Because I Can't Make This Up: photo post
We've been having some internet issues, hence the major delay in postings. More photos to share of my daily encounters as you just can't make this up.
A new form of caddying?
Three generations
Because you need a raincoat when you play in the sprinklers...in your bathing suit?!?!?!
Not sure what to make of this one....I come from the philosophy
that they won't crawl down the aisle...
Another example of the gawking...full on
Yes that is a very patriotic dog with the flag of China in its head
Just got out of a traffic jam, seriously, a kiddy traffic jam.
This is how China babies roll.
A Bicycle, not built for 2 but rides for 2.
Couldn't resist a beautiful sunset. Makes the hard days a little more beautiful.
A meeting of the minds at Zoo Coffee.
Sunday, September 6, 2015
Just Another Monday: photo post
Ran some errands and these are what I came across:
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- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone
Saturday, September 5, 2015
Bento Box
This post as nothing to do with a Bento Box* but I can't help but call the box that was delivered to me a Bento Box. I am trying to streamline my grocery shopping. This website that I order from,
Kate and Kimi, caters to ex-pats and has a huge variety of products. There is an option to select an
"easy box". Based on the number of people you are feeding you can basically get a surprise box of whatever is in season. Friday we had our first "easy box" delivered. I am so excited to report for 155 RMB ($23) we got a ton, A TON of amazing produce. From lettuce, kale and raddishes, to okra, maitake mushrooms and mint. I was so excited for the value and the product to start cooking. Granted it probably all tastes similarly as I am stir-frying it all but it is fresh and easy and loving my bento box.
*definition source dictionary.com: a partitioned lacquered or decorated box made of wood or other materialin which a meal consisting of various types of Asian food (bento) is served;also called obento
Kate and Kimi, caters to ex-pats and has a huge variety of products. There is an option to select an
"easy box". Based on the number of people you are feeding you can basically get a surprise box of whatever is in season. Friday we had our first "easy box" delivered. I am so excited to report for 155 RMB ($23) we got a ton, A TON of amazing produce. From lettuce, kale and raddishes, to okra, maitake mushrooms and mint. I was so excited for the value and the product to start cooking. Granted it probably all tastes similarly as I am stir-frying it all but it is fresh and easy and loving my bento box.
*definition source dictionary.com: a partitioned lacquered or decorated box made of wood or other materialin which a meal consisting of various types of Asian food (bento) is served;also called obento
Thursday, September 3, 2015
Victory for Us
We spent the better part of Victory Day at the Shanghai Sculpture Park. It was about a 35 minute drive within Shanghai. It was listed something like 82 out of 1200 "must sees" while in Shanghai. Now we check that off our list. There was a lake, beach, pools, sprinklers, a tree house, trampolines, playgrounds and much much more we didn't even have time to explore. Enjoy the photo's below from our day.
Thumbs up in the cool water
Our local gawker, resting.
Trains!
"My head hurts, I need a rest"
Shanghai's version of Chicago's "The Bean"
The treehouse
Wednesday, September 2, 2015
Victory Day
Tomorrow is a holiday in China, Victory Day. This holiday marks the 70th anniversary of China’s ‘contribution and sacrifice’ in the fight against fascism in the second world war. Schools and banks are closed. We are very much looking forward to having the day together, less jet-lagged and more functioning.
The holidays here come with a catch. As noted in this Wall Street Journal blog, if you are off on Thursday for Victory Day, you have to go into work either on Saturday or Sunday that weekend to make up the day. It does not seem so much that this is a "holiday" in my eyes. No school Sunday and looking for entertainment for my kids.
I will consider Victory Day a victory on Sunday night if I am both my kids remain overall happy, entertained and don't cry at the same time.
The holidays here come with a catch. As noted in this Wall Street Journal blog, if you are off on Thursday for Victory Day, you have to go into work either on Saturday or Sunday that weekend to make up the day. It does not seem so much that this is a "holiday" in my eyes. No school Sunday and looking for entertainment for my kids.
I will consider Victory Day a victory on Sunday night if I am both my kids remain overall happy, entertained and don't cry at the same time.
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