That Untravelled World: Still Breathing in Shanghai

Living in Vermont for so long, I thought we were prepared for a dark and cold winter. And for the most part we are, but boy is it dark and gloomy with that wet cold that seeps into you. And the air. While not the "airpocolypse" that they're having in Beijing, it has been bad in Shanghai. Lots of "pollution days" at school where the kids aren't allowed to have outdoor recess or PE. Makes us long for the fresh air of home.

Sadly, that's smog not fog.

But on the upside, unlike Vermont, there are already signs that spring is quickly approaching.

Some quick updates. Many of you have already heard this, but after some long discussions, we have decided to extend our stay in Shanghai. We will stay until mid-December 2013, in time to be home for Christmas and for the kids to start school at home after the holidays. We will also be back in Vermont for most of July and August. Looking forward to seeing as many of you as possible!

Other news is we're moving! Our landlord is moving back to Taiwan and wants to sell the apartment. We found a new apartment across the street. It's smaller and older but cozy and cheaper. We'll post pictures once we're moved in. We have the key now, but don't have to be out of this apartment until March 15th. It will be a slow process.

Now for the pictures:

Eli's school is all decked out for Chinese New Year. His big celebration is this Friday. Pics coming.

Decorations are going up everywhere. This is the entrance to our new apartment complex.

Naomi & Townes' school celebrated last week. Students were invited to dress up. Naomi and her friend Holly went shopping together for new qipao.

The headmaster chose the best dressed boy and girl from each class. Noami and Townes both won from their class!

Then they spent the rest of the day playing games organized by the Chinese teachers. In this game, you had to pick marbles out of a bowl of water using chopsticks.