Where Would You Like This?

We received our sea shipment the other day, 126 boxes to be precise. Needless to say, we have spent the last three days unpacking. It's insane that we shipped so many boxes because the apartment came fully furnished, we're just talking personal items here. What's even crazier, is that 500 additional boxes have been put into storage, so relatively speaking we packed light. You never realize how much stuff you accumulate in your life until you move.

Luckily for us the apartment is big. We have a large storage room that I knew we'd put to good use. I call it the bomb shelter because there are enough supplies to last us through a nuclear war. I think Susan went a little nuts with the supplies. The bright side is that we can always open a convenience store if we ever need additional cash.

Would You Like Kim Chi With That Order?

Ok no bitch session on this entry..... who am I kidding, time to bitch. I just returned from Korea on Wednesday. I've been to Korea twice in the past two months and I think it is a very nice place. So what's the problem? Well gentle reader, my problem is not with the country, but the circumstances that seem to follow me like a fly on a pile of poop. Need more? Let's continue. I was asked to assist Duracell with the qualification of a piece of equipment that was being made by a Korean company. The program involves members of a Chinese battery company that was purchased by Duracell a couple of years ago. The problem is, that my Chinese friends spoke very little English. Coupled with the fact that the Koreans spoke no Chinese and yes, very little English, made for an interesting time.

Wait there's more
Someone, who shall remain nameless, decided that it was a good idea to have my Chinese counterpart, we'll call him BOB, arrange all the travel and hotel details for them and myself. Strike One. Oh, did I mention that BOB was also the main contact person with the Korean's and that I couldn't contact the vendor directly? Strike Two. Weeks go by and I get no information from BOB. I can't call him because I don't have an email, telephone number or FBI Most Wanted Poster. Nothing. Strike Three. A week before the trip to Korea and no information from BOB. I have no choice but to call someone from Duracell to get his number. I call BOB with the assistance of Linda a Chinese co-worker and the conversation goes something like this:

Me: Hi BOB. It's Tony. We're suppose to be meeting in Korea in a

couple of days and I still don't have your itinerary. When and where will

we be meeting the vendor? What hotel will we be staying at and how will we get there?
BOB: Oh, Tony, I... ah... I ah... (changes to Chinese)
Linda: (translating)- He said that he will send you his itinerary today.

He has arranged the transportation and hotel with the Koreans.
Me: (thinking to myslf): Boy, I misjudged BOB, he had things under control afterall.

Three days go by and no email from BOB.
I have no choice so, I book my flight to Korea. I heard a rumor about

their itinerary, so I make the same arrangement. Two days until the flight I call BOB.

Me: It's Tony. I have not heard from you so I booked my flight.

I've sent you my itinerary by email. Is everything correct?
BOB: Tony, oh... ah...oh,
(I ask Linda for help)
Linda: He said that the time is good and that Mr. Byoun will meet

you at the airport and drive you to the factory. Oh and by the way,

they have not yet received their visas yet, so they may not go.
Me: WHAT? (veins pulsating on my forehead)
Linda: He said that they should receive the visa today.

BOB receives his visa and the trip is on so I sent my flight information to Mr. Byuon. Now, there is something you should know about Korea. They have their own mobile frequency, which means that no other mobile phone in the world will work in Korea. So I have no way of contacting Mr. Byoun when I arrive at the airport. But that's not a problem because he has my itinerary, I think.

By the grace of GOD or the fact that I stick out like a sore thumb, we all find each other. The plant is 3 hours away from the airport. This was the quietest ride I've every experienced. I slept most of the way. I hope that I didn't drool or talk in my sleep, not that it would matter because no one spoke English. We check into a Motel. You know the type that you pay by the hour. Now what would people need an hourly hotel for? All I can say is yuck!

Of course I am taking some dramatic license here but, not too much. We ran the trial. BOB would ask my opinion on something and then not understand what I was saying. It was like talking to a mental patient.

It's Tuesday and we finish the trial. Tomorrow we would have a wrap up meeting and I would take the long trip back to the airport. I find out the BOB has changed his plans and decided to see another vendor and would be returning to China on Friday. Okay, no skin off my nose. I arrange my transportation back to the airport with Mr. Byoun. There is a heavy exchange of rapid fire Korean and then he says:

Mr. Byoun: Okay. We leave for the airport at 1:15 pm.
Me: What about BOB? How is he going to get to the vendor? (Not that I really cared).
Mr. Byoun: We will drive BOB to see his vendor.
Me: And what about me?
Mr. Byoun: You will take the bus.
Me: Huh? Bus? You mean car- different letters and it starts with a C.
Mr. Byoun: No No, they have bus to the airport. Takes 3 1/2 hours.
Me: Wait- Mr. Byoun aren't there two airports in Korea?
Mr. Byoun: Yes.
Me: How would I know I am at the right airport?
Mr. Byoun: No Problem.
Me: Great- No Problem. Here we go again.

So we have a quick lunch at the bus terminal. As in most Asian countries, people don't understand how to wait on line so as soon as the bus doors open there is a mad rush. By the time I get in, the only remaining seat is in the back over the engine. An hour into the ride, I start smelling something cooking, maybe pork, no, wait it's me. As it turns out, the bus does stop at both airports but luckily for me the signs are in English.

The flight home was uneventful. I've had enough Kim Chi to last me a life time. When I arrived home, I ask Susan what she wanted to do for dinner. She tells me that she was thinking about having Korean food ...... everyone's a comedian.

The Three Stooges

Ok, adapting to life in Shanghai has been full of events that you can't plan for. For one, Matthew's school bus didn't show up on the first day of school. Why you ask? Well, because the bus coordinator didn't read my instructions on the form. After completing the form and faxing it in so he could be on the bus schedule, the bus coordinator just read our street address and assumed that we lived in a different apartment building that happens to be on my road. Hmm...let's see, there's quite a few apartment buildings on my road, why did he just assume I would be in that building? Anyway, Matthew was late for the first day of school. Luckily, I was able to have Mr. Wu, the Company driver take Matthew and I to school. I found Henry, the bus coordinator. I was armed with a copy of the marketing brochure for the apartment building, a street map that I highlighted to show where we lived and last, explained to him that the bus driver cannot just drop my kid off on any corner. I wanted Matthew delivered to the front of the building. Let's just say Henry got my point loud and clear. Matthew arrived home safely that afternoon. I think the New Yorker in me got to him.

So, moving right along. We've had sporadic problems with our phone service and internet connection. Sometimes, when I get a call, I would get a very annoying beeping sound much like a fax machine. Sometimes the calls come through but, you get this horrendous sizzling sound and you can't hear the other person because the sound quality is horrible. The piece d'resistance is when you can't dial out. Then comes the internet problems. I am usually unable to get internet connection because it's very slow- not high speed cable- it's ADSL and it's as slow as molasses. I've had the phone company up here at least 15 times since I've arrived in Shanghai and they never seem to be able to solve the problem. I usually get the "it's not my assignment" speech and you'll have to call a computer specialist. Ok, if China Telecom is providing the phone service and the box that allows me to get internet access, I believe that the internet problem is part of the phone company's responsibility. However, the workers don't see it that way and we're back in the vicious cycle again.

Yesterday, after losing both phone and internet service, the phone company sent the Three Stooges to see me. Larry, Curly and Moe walked into the apartment shortly after lunch and I knew I was doomed. They came up with the brillant solution of separating the phone line from the internet line (ok- I've asked them to do that a month ago and they told me it wasn't necessary) so instead of the single line being split for telephone and internet, I have a dedicated line for phone service and a dedicated line for internet. Sounds like a easy fix right? Wrong!!! Three hours go by and Larry, Curly and Moe completely dismantle the wiring behind the wall and left a pile of dust. They then turn to me and say:
The Three Stooges: "Tai Tai, ni dian nao hen hao le. Wo men chu le."
Meaning Lady, your computer works now. We're leaving.
Me: (in my limited Mandarin peppered with Cantonese) You're leaving? What about my phone? I have no dial tone and it still doesn't work.
The Three Stooges: You have to wait until tomorrow for it to be fixed.
Me: Tomorrow? Why?
The Three Stooges: It's not our job to fix the phone. Someone is working on it at the facility. It will be done by tomorrow sometime.

Ok. I'm being held hostage by the Three Stooges. I speak to the building engineer, Mr. Huang, who is well aware of this problem and he is the one left cleaning up the mess that Larry, Curly and Moe left behind. He was kind enough to tell me that he will follow up with the phone company on the status of my phone.

I am happy to report, that the phone situation has been resolved. I can actually receive phone calls now. Though, sometimes the phone does have that annoying beeping sound but at least the sizzling sound has gone away. You learn to accept things are they are here in Shanghai.

Hong Kong

Matthew and I just returned from our quick getaway to Hong Kong. I picked up my passport after "presenting" myself (now really, who would really want to be me?) and picked up Matthew's passport and ran over to the China Eastern Air ticket office to pick up our plane tickets. We ran home and packed a quick bag and Matthew and I were off running for the airport to catch a 4 pm flight to Hong Kong. Landed, picked up a Hong Kong SIM card and called my cousin from the airport and said "WE'RE HERE!!!". Needless to say, it was a wonderful reunion for me to see my family after many years (too many years) and a wonderful experience for Matthew.

Most of my family never met Matthew in person and have seen him in pictures over the years. My Godmother met Matthew when he was 4 months old with a few whisps for hair and no teeth. She was amazed to see him in person and we were all amazed at how time quickly passes. My cousin Cheung Yau and his wife, Gloria were planning to visit us in Shanghai since I couldn't leave China without the residence visa. So needless to say, when I called to say we arrived in Hong Kong he was absolutely thrilled. Of course, immediately after my arrival, I arranged for Matthew's return visitor's visa into China otherwise, he would be stuck in Hong Kong and can't attend school (I'm sure if I told him he couldn't attend school, he would be thrilled).

We had a reunion with May and the kids and spent Thursday wandering around Hong Kong Island and the New Territories. We took the kids on a tour and we visited a very old village and showed the kids what life is really like to other families. Needless to say, they were quite shocked to see people living in a home that is less than 200 square feet that comprised of a kitchen, living room and bedroom and no bathroom in the home. These residents had to use the bathrooms in the outhouses. Jocelyn and Matthew were shocked and quite appreciative of what they have at home.

May and I left the kids with Auntie Momo that evening and went shopping at the Ladies Market in Mong Kok. The Ladies Market is like a flea market where vendors set up their "stalls" and everything and anything is available. All you have to do is roam around and see what you're looking for and start bargaining. Needless to say, I was very happy to be able to "speak" to the vendors in Cantonese and have them understand me and utilize my bargaining skills. May was happy to have me there to translate for her and we had a great time just the two of us wandering the streets without the kids. Our fantasy lasted about two hours and we had to return to reality.

Tony was on business in Shenzen, China and was scheduled to return to Shanghai on Friday evening but, decided to take the Turbojet Hydrofoil from Shenzen and arrived in Hong Kong on Friday evening and spent the weekend with us. Of course, there was fabulous food in Hong Kong and lots of shopping. We wandered back to Mong Kok on Saturday morning to what is known as Electronic Alley with May and they each picked up new cell phones. Of course, I had to bargain for them and had to be subjected to being yelled at by the sales person since Tony didn't believe the prices quoted for the phones were absolutely low until he left the store and started to see what other stores were quoting for the same phones. After realizing the mistake, I had to go back and "eat crow" and of course, "accept the blame" for the sale being botched in the morning. Since I had the upper hand and could speak Cantonese, I told the sales person that both Tony and May were difficult to deal with and it was no joy for me to have to work with them as well. Ok, I had to put some blame somewhere.

We had a farewell dinner with May, Auntie Momo and the kids last night. They left Hong Kong last night to go onto Cyprus to see her cousin Jo who has been expatriated there for an assignment. Needless to say, it was a tearful farewell. May's Grandmother was pretty teary eyed, her Aunt and Uncle as well but, they promised to come visit us in Shanghai soon.

I had "farewells" with my family as well but, since we will be returning to spend the Christmas holiday with them, it wasn't as painful. Tony left this afternoon to return to Shenzen for business on the Turbojet Hydrofoil and Matthew and I left to return to Shanghai to prepare for school orientation on Wednesday.

Matthew loves Hong Kong and he's pretty excited that we'll be spending Christmas in Hong Kong with my family. May and the kids are planning to return to Shanghai next summer and we'll probably plan a trip to Beijing, Xian and Guilin with the kids.

Whirlwind

May, Auntie Momo and the kids arrived in Shanghai after much anticipation on Thursday, August 3rd. We had a wonderful meal that evening to welcome them to Shanghai at Shintori, an upscale Japanese restaurant in the heart of the French Concession area. We walked around the French Concession area that evening and the area reminded me alot of the Soho area in New York that I miss very much.

We started off our marathon sightseeing on Friday with a trip to Jing An Temple and then proceeded to walk about 5 miles on Nanjing Road with the kids in the blazing sun and humidity to the Shanghai Museum. The kids had a great time at the Museum and were fascinated with the ceramics, chops, calligraphy, jade and other artifacts. We then headed downtown to the Xintiandi area and had a wonderful meal at Zen that evening where May's Grandmother was visiting family members in Shanghai as well. We had a mini-reunion with Grandma since we last saw her in the States for Thanksgiving at May's house.

Saturday, we took the kids over to the Pudong side of Shanghai and visited the Shanghai Science Museum. They had a great time there and then we went over to Century Park where the kids were feeding the fish in the lake. We headed over to a Korean Barbeque restaurant for dinner that night and experienced our first charcoal cooked barbeque. We topped the evening off with a visit to Jin Miao Tower to view the skyline of Shanghai and it was really beautiful to see the city all lit up.

Sunday, we met with one of May's friends- Dave who is here on business in Shanghai and he took us over to Yu Yuan and we proceeded to shop (quite a bit) and the kids were getting a bit unruly. We headed over to the Marriott Hongqiao and had a wonderful buffet luncheon and the kids each picked up some animals made from palm leaves. Dave took us over for dinner that night to a Sichuan retaurant (extremely hot!) that had a Chinese Mask Fan Show that was absolutely fascinating! The kids really enjoyed the show. The dancer would dance with fans and then wave the fan over his face and his mask would change. We were pretty up close to him and we still can't figure out how he did it. Though Matthew is really trying to figure out how it's done.

Monday, May and I took the kids for a cruise on the Huangpu River and then headed over to the Nanjing Road Pedestrian Mall. We headed over to People's Park and had dinner at this fantastic restaurant- South Beauty 881.

Tuesday, May's last day in Shanghai . We headed back to Yu Yuan to shop for last minute gifts for May to bring back. The kids were much better behaved this time and we returned home to help May pack. May and the kids left this evening to return to Hong Kong and Matthew and I are hoping to be able to go to Hong Kong tomorrow evening.

Matthew has a slight problem in getting his residence visa issued. We received a call last week asking for proof that Matthew is our child. Normally, I do have a copy of Matthew's birth certificate with me. However, with the move, everything got put onto the container that was supposed to arrive in Shanghai on August 6th but has been delayed due to the typhoons that are causing problems in the Hong Kong area. We are not sure when the container will arrive and May is the only person who can help me get a copy of his birth certificate and she's been here with me and will not be returing to the States until the end of the month. Therefore, until the container arrives or until May sends a copy of his birth certificate, Matthew's residence visa is on hold. This causes a slight problem if I want to travel with Matthew to Hong Kong since he entered China on a single entry visa. He can leave China but, he can't return. Unless I can take him to Hong Kong and apply for another single entry visa in order to get him back into the country in time to start school. If that's possible, that would be great.

So.....I am supposed to go back to the Residence Visa office tomorrow and "present" myself in order to pick up my passport. I am hoping that my little quick fix solution will work. If my solution is possible, Matthew and I will be running for a plane tomorrow night to Hong Kong. If we can't, Matthew and I will have to remain in China until we can get the residence visa situation resolved.