OurChinaTravels.com

For several months before coming to Shanghai we had several concerns about our time here that we now realize are mostly unfounded or insignificant, including: 

1. Hot Weather - We expected 100+ degree weather and very high humidity, but it’s been in the low 90’s with about 65% humidity. And though it is quite hot out when we’re out in the direct sun, it’s not too bad in the shade and there’s often a refreshing breeze. There have also been two brief rain storms that helped cool things off. 

2. Grey Skies & Smog - We’ve been pleased to see blue sky with nice white clouds just about every day for most of the day. And although there’s more smoking here and odors we’re not used to out on the streets, there doesn’t seem to obvious excessive smog or unhealthy air. The only people I’ve seen wearing face masks are the street cleaners. 

3. Crowds - There is certainly more activity out on the street than we’re used to, with lots of people out walking or riding bicycles, mopeds or motorcycles. Also there’s continuous honking from cars and the drivers here are shockingly aggressive and seemingly careless - you get the impressions they’d just as soon run over you then wait or maneuver around you. But after just a few days we’re up to speed on the ins and outs of taking taxis and the subway - so even the busiest subway stops during the end-of-workday rush hour doesn’t faze us much.

 4. Our Boys Getting Separated From Us - We already have a system worked out with the boys that we’re all used to. When we’re out on the streets or in the subway I hold Lucas’ right hand in my left hand at all times and Thomas always stays on my right side within reach - so I can always see him quickly and easily, and hold his left hand or just help steer him around obstacles or through crowds when necessary. Each of the boys also has a special pouch inside the waistline of their shorts that has a card with my cell phone number and the address and phone number of our hotel, and they understand what they should do if they were to get separated from us.

For these reasons and others Shanghai doesn’t seem quite so “foreign” any more. I think we’ve begun acclimating to being in China!