Worlds Apart

Expats Living Separate Lives

It's been many months since my last post and this is most likely my last. This blog was intended to share our expat experiences in Shanghai. I now reside in the states all the while my husband goes about his work/life in Shanghai. I would hand the blog over to my husband, but alas, he is an engineer to his core; the read would be detailed and analytical and lacking any personal details, ie posts filled with data, graphs, and spreadsheets. At any rate, present fate has dictated we live separately for issues that are bigger than our expat experiences.

I am posting from Shanghai. I flew in for a month long visit (and probably my only visit for 2010). The city looks amazing! Where 'face' is everything - Shanghai has put on its very best as host of the 2010 World Expo. The city is sparkling clean and the expo is huge and impressive. If you've ever contemplated a visit to China's largest and most modern city, this is an ideal time to see the city in all its glory. I head back to the states in a few days - I've thoroughly enjoyed my stay.

My husband and I are certainly not the first couple forced to live separately, but the situation sucks, quite frankly. And while technology is a blessing and a tool for us to share our experiences, it's not the same as living the same experiences. Add to that I am supporting and dealing with a loved one's illness. I foresee misunderstandings, miscommunication, and lack of empathy from both sides of the world if we aren't diligent to keep in mind each other's challenges.

So, Zai jian y'all (see you later) - my husband and I both agree Shanghai is an awesome expat experience - so, if you're reading this to gain insight and opinions on living in Shanghai we highly recommend you take the leap!

Best!
donna