T-1: 13:30

Day 3 of a silent house with nothing but the hum of the air conditioning to distract me. No more VPN issues, kids are at school and we've solved the device issues...finally I can sit down and catch up. I feel as if I am decompressing VERY slowly. So much has happened, I am at a loss with where to start!

In a nod to my triathlete Ironman sisters, whom I am missing terribly, I have come to think of this latest aspect of our Asia adventure in terms of a triathlon, a three stage, physically grueling, emotionally draining test of endurance, with two high-stress transition phases in between (T-1 and T-2).

Stage one: preparations to leave Shanghai.
Moving house is quite simply one of the most loathsome tasks I have ever had to face, no matter how excited one may be about the new destination. International moving heightens that loathing exponentially. International moving with 2 small children, who are not yet in school, constantly under foot? Shoot me now....

There was no avoiding it, however: the movers arrived on the 28th, ready or not. It is amazing how they come in like a swarm of bees and make such short work of your house that just hours before was cozy and orderly. And that constant sound of the ripping of the strapping tape is truly enough to put me over the edge. When they left on day one, Conrad and Vivienne quickly made use of the boxes for one of their favorite activities: making a "höhle", or cave. (The other day at a friends' house the kids were invited to build a fort. They had no idea what their friends meant. My multi-cultural kids only know the German word for it!)

Xiu, our wonderful ayi, was with us in the house right up until the end, spending time with Vivienne, especially. It was very hard to say goodbye to her.

But eventually the time comes when they finish packing and load all the boxes, leaving just the shell of a former life.

So off we were to the hotel for 6 days. Between the schedules on our Thai Visas and the China Custom's requirement to retain our passports for a few days while our goods are processed out of Shanghai, our stay in temporary housing in the city was a bit longer than typical. It was very interesting though because we stayed in the same hotel, in the same suite layout, with the same view as during our look-see visit over 2 and a half years ago. Talk about dejavu! My friend Karin said "How 'Ground Hog Day'! Are you sure the last 2 and a 1/2 years in between haven't just been a bad dream?" I'll go more into the hotel stay itself later, have a few ideas I want to record about it, but for now suffice to say that with the wonderful people we have met along the way I could never refer to our life in Shanghai as a bad dream.

I was dreading the hotel stay. The stress of moving, tight quarters, living out of suitcases with 2 small children to entertain is a recipe for some really long days! Lucky for us it was around QingMing, or Tomb Sweeping holiday in China and most of the schools take their week long spring break then. So in the end we had a lovely week.

We spent a day having a picnic at the park with some good friends, some of the first friends we had made in Shanghai. Thank you Lisa, Shabi and Sarah for a lovely morning and afternoon!

 

What do you get when you put an Aussie, 2 Brits, a German, a Malay, a Kiwi and an American in one room? An awesome send off. Thank you again, beautiful Sarah, Lisa, Sylvia, Meeta, Shabi, and Hilary for a lovely evening, taking my mind off of the stresses surrounding me. Hugs to you all!

We said good bye to Liujiazui with some others.

Thank you Karin and Jada for being our tour guides!

Thank you to the Zachems for being such great neighbors! Conrad misses his buddies!

 

And finally made it to the Shanghai Wild Animal Park with a few more, some of the last friends we've met in Shanghai. Thank you to the Purdy's for an amazing day at the park!

We've been so fortunate to have met so many awesome people and made so many wonderful friends in Shanghai that, as difficult as life there sometimes was, and for all the reasons that we could not stay, in the end it was very hard to say good-bye. But, like everything else that cannot be avoided, the morning of the 4th arrived bright and early (okay, not so bright but very early) and off we were into the first transition phase: the trip into Thailand.

T-1: the getaway; 13 and a half hours, door to door (T-1: 13:30)

Without too much fuss I managed to get everything into the suitcases, although space really wasn't the problem, weight was. Traveling on Thai Airways our baggage allowance was slightly less than half of what one usually expects with international travel: 20kg per person instead of 50 pounds per bag. I agonized about it for days: for how much extra weight would we be charged? Would they charge per bag, or as a function of the cumulative weight? The good news on my end though was that at least we were heading to a place with warm weather (lighter clothing and less of it!) and there were no major holidays to accomodate. When we left Indianapolis for Shanghai, Christmas and Conrad's birthday would arrive long before the container with all of our stuff did. Room had to be made in the suitcases, not only for lots of heavy clothes and a few blankets, but to include items for those momentous occassions. The Easter Bunny did, however, visit us during this hotel stay.

(Thinking of you, Aunt Vickie! Remember this little guy?)

We managed to get all of the suitcases and carry on bags closed and took 2 taxis to the airport. In the end the airline never even commented on the weight of our bags! The Kennel had brought Ginger to us at the airport and, poor thing, the dog that usually never barks whined and yelped the entire time we were checking in. It took a long time to get it straightened out. Even after numerous preparatory emails beforehand, no one at the airline seemed to know the process for transporting a dog. Eventually we were on board, assured that Ginger would meet us again in Chiang Mai. Time for a bit of enforced downtime!

We transferred in Bangkok with no complications and although everytime we asked the airlines about Ginger and got an "I think she'll go straight to Chiang Mai" answer, we simply had to trust. Heinz and I laughed that it seemed when we asked about her, the airline people would look at us, puzzled, and say "There's a dog on the plane??" Bottom line, we arrived a bit delayed, and eventually there she was, barking and whining up a storm again. The customs process was quite easy, took about 20 minutes, no quaratine required, with her barks echoing through the hall and people covering their ears! Then we were able to take her out. She was such a Champ, she had not wee'd in the crate for the entire 14 plus hours that she was in it and had not chewed up any of the things in it! (My biggest fear that day was that in her boredom and stress she would eat the absorbent puppy training pads we put in there, or the t-shirt that smelled like me to give her some comfort, and end up with impacted insides. Thank goodness that didn't happen!) She was so happy to be with us again! And we were happy to see her safe and sound.

One problem at a time, as they say, so the next challenge was to get all of us, our luggage, Ginger and her crate to the new (temporary) house. Not happening in the small 4 door sedan we have rented. Luckily, at the airport especially, there are always Songthaew nearby, a local truck-bus that ferries passengers along standard routes, so we rented one for the bigger suitcases, me and Ginger and we were finally homeward bound...

(Karin, Ginger has ridden in the red truck; you're next!)

 ...until the driver misunderstood the address and a 10 minute drive took over 30! We are back in one of those places where getting from one place to another is hardly a direct affair! Very much like Malaysia, between the one way streets and the divided highways in Chiang Mai, seeing your destination is no guarantee that you can reach it from where you are! You may go somewhere via one route, but you will have to come home a completely different way. One cannot exist here without GPS!

Stage 2: making-do while our stuff is in transit
Finally we arrived safe and sound to our next set of temporary housing. It will take 4-5 weeks for our things to arrive from China so during that time we are renting a "furnished" house just south of town, north of our permanent house and the school.

Furnished in this case does not mean kitchen pots or bath towels. Oh well. We knew we would have to buy at least a few things to survive and fill the holes during this stage. And now I really have an excuse not to cook for the next month! But it is a lovely compound with a gorgeous pool. (Once I get caught up a bit I can get back to swimming laps!!) And they've finally gotten the washing machine set up so I've only had to buy underwear for Conrad. He's the only one that ran out of clean ones in the last two weeks. The best part is that I can actually read the buttons on the machine!

So for now all of the suitcases have been emptied and put out of the way, at least until we reach T-2: arrival of the container, when we pack them back up, transfer to the permanent house, the swarm of bees descends again and we do all the packing in reverse. Can't wait. (Insert sarcastic smile here...) It does seem like forever from now before we will be settled again, after Stage 3: finding new places for all of our things.

Until then, the kids have started shool finally. More on that in another post. We've done some exploring, rented a scooter, played some Mini-golf and met the local Swiss Club members. I have even braved driving. We're finding our way, little by little. There is a reason Thailand is called "The Land of Smiles". This really is a lovely place to be. And the food....(smile for real!)

These first days have been a bit overwhelming, so much going on, so many things to find and so many new things to learn, again, (there's always a learning curve, isn't there?) but we will try to keep you updated and entertained along the way with us as best we can.

I'm off to walk the dog and then have a proper swim! A big hug from all of us. We miss you~

A glimpse of the progress

Seriously, with help like this I'm not sure why I didn't get the whole house packed 3 days ago already?

Although it does call to mind this little gem from one of our trips home from Kuala Lumpur:

anybody recognize that baby?? Where has the time gone?

Perhaps this is the route I need to go to minimize the "help" I am getting along the way:

I just need to install the gate and I could get my to-do list knocked out in no time! Movers are showing up bright and early tomorrow, either way! Maybe no one will notice if I stick Thing 1 and Thing 2 in a box?

Just wanted to check in quickly as we prepare to check out! See you on the other side~

Xin Nian Kuaile, 2013

Today is February 14th-Happy Valentine's Day! To celebrate, last night the kids and I made heart-shaped chocolate cookies with pink sprinkles. Will you come have one with us? Tonight Heinz and I will go out for dinner together. I hope I can stay awake to enjoy it. As today is also the 5th day of the Lunar New Year, the birthday of Zhao Gong Ming, 赵公明, a Taoist Deity considered to be the Martial God of Wealth, I was awoken at 5:37 a.m. to a 15 minute barrage of celebratory fireworks from the parking lot across the street from our house. It was pretty but really, don't you people ever sleep during Chinese New Year? Amazingly Heinz and the kids slept through! 2 hours later I can still hear a constant booming in the distance, even though it is raining.

Xin Nian Kuaile! Happy New Year! (again) 2013 - the Year of the Snake. 

Saturday night was New Year's Eve so at midnight Heinz and the kids and I dressed very warmly, as it was about 32 degrees F, and walked around our complex watching all of the beautiful fireworks by our neighbors, both inside our complex and out. When was the last time you wore a snowsuit to watch fireworks?

This month's Buzzy Bee Box has many crafts involving the Chinese New Year's theme. This project was titled "Fireworks".

Viola! Fireworks on the skyline!

The Red Packet or Envelope, Hong Bao, 红包, is used for holding money as gifts during auspicious occassions. This year Xiu, our Ayi, gave one to each of the kids. 

Each envelope had 66 RMB, about US$10.00. Vivienne's had a green 50 note plus a ten, while Conrad's had three brown 20RMB notes. 

Conrad, my little Scrooge McDuck, likes to take his money out and play with it. Eventually Vivienne came running up to me saying "Look Mommy! I have 36 RMB!" Even though green is her favorite color, somehow her brother had convinced her that she wanted to give him her 50 in trade for a brown 20. At least he's using his math skills! Apparently now we need to focus on hers. I am left to wonder what the God of Wealth would have thought of that little transaction? Perhaps when we move to Thailand the Kharma will catch up with him.

This banner stands in the main lobby of my friend's apartment complex, celebrating "the Spring Festival Party". (As always you can click on the picture to see a larger image)

Partnered with the Ox and the Rooster, the Snakes, "although fixed and rigid in opinions and views, are geniuses in the art of meticulous planning. They are hardworking, discreet, modest, industrious, charitable, loyal, punctual, philosophical, patient and good hearted individuals with high moral standards". (wikipedia.com) Perhaps that is the origin of the 'Guide the Community Culture' statement at the top of the banner. I cannot however, understand or explain the statement after it:

We have enjoyed seeing this year's decorations around town.

I believe the coins symbolized in the decoration below are called "I Ching" coins and are meant to be displayed or shared as a symbol of wealth and propserity, based on the Chinese characters stamped on their faces. Feng Shui dictates that such coins be arranged in prescribed combinations and hung on a red tassel in the "Wealth Sector" of your living quarters.

"Feng Shui", litreally translated as "Wind Water", is a cultural shorthand taken from a long-lost passage indicating that the all important "Qi", life energy or life force, "rides the wind and scatters, but is retained when encountering water". In case you are curious, fengshui.com describes the wealth sector of you home as being "derived from the House Birth Chart"....do you have yours handy?

In general the decorations are really fun to see. Interestingly, as the Lunar New Year and Easter are both tied to the phases of the Moon, often Chinese New Year coincides with Mardis Gras. Such is the case this year so I am left to wonder about the following item, which appeared in the grocery store about a week before the Lunar New Year. Perhaps these are meant to be Mardis Gras masks instead?

恭喜發財 (gōng xǐ fā cái) A happy and prosperous New Year to you all!

And may you always get more than you wish for! 年年有余 (nián nián yǒu yú)

Conrad is 6!

Can it be possible? Where does the time go?

 A couple of weeks before his birthday Conrad informed me that this year he wanted a jet plane cake. So I put on my thinking cap and began planning his party around that theme. Since the majority of his guest list was away for the Christmas holiday we decided to wait until after New Year and choose a date when all his friends could attend. 

Vivi and I got started preparing for the big day a few days before by making jet plane cookies for the guests to decorate. She is becoming quite the Betty Crocker, I must say! Or perhaps Betty Bossi, in honor of her Swiss roots~

 

 

Roll ‘n cut, roll ‘n cut!

After much planning and a few date changes, we were ready for the big day! Conrad’s friends arrived and we got the party rolling with a rousing game of “Musical Airplanes”! Adlan played DJ while everyone danced to Conrad’s song of Choice: Elvis Presley’s “A Little Less Conversation”. When the music stopped everyone raced to, instead of chairs, one of the jet planes taped to the living room floor. The Birthday Boy won that one!

Next everyone made and decorated paper airplanes for a series of very competitive airplane throwing challenges.

Lots of prizes were won in a number of different categories: landing your plane inside the fireplace, throwing it the farthest, landing it in the circle. It proved a bit frustrating for a few of the budding engineer, perfectionists in attendance, but I think overall they enjoyed it!

Having earned a break, the guests moved on to the cookie decorating. This was a big hit with everyone!

 

Everyone is very busy, working away at their masterpieces~

A finished product…seconds before it flies into Conrad’s mouth!

Colorful tongues! (It’s not Chinese food coloring, so hopefully it’s not toxic!)

We couldn’t deter Conrad from his presents any longer so we took a few moments to open gifts. Conrad was thrilled with the amount of Lego swag he took in! Then it was on to the final craft: candy airplanes.

Everyone decorated their pieces and then assembled their aircrafts.

A new piece of equipment for Her Majesty's Royal Air Force!

Do I detect Daddy’s hand behind the scenes on this one?

We had representatives of the RAF, the Swiss contingent and the USAF!

Time for the cake! Everyone gathers around and gets ready to sing.

All in all it was a crazy two hours: seven very excited 5-8 year-old boys and various siblings can certainly make a lot of noise! But as always, it was well worth it. I think a good time was had by all.

Happy Birthday Conrad!