Hello, it has been a while

It has been quite a ride. The moving (three times!), the goodbyes, the hellos and restarting of our lives abroad, has been quite... extra to say the least. I mean, getting the news, moving and settling within two months was not only quite the task, but also a painful rush. Never the less: we have managed. And after having moved form Switzerland, then to central park, we now have finally arrived at our final destination: downtown.

Time to take a break and sip my coffee, while marveling at the skyline.

I know it seems like a horrendous flex, but to my defense, everything I will say or post about here will look like flexing regardless. So bear with it, if just for a little bit.

To what happened the last two moths in short: the little runt (aka daughter) has managed to secure herself a spot in a very good school. But according to her, it is the best school. Harry Potter style.

Honestly, it might as well be true (not the Harry Potter part). In fact, it is so good, I would enroll myself into it. Who can resist this huge complex, outfitted with all the rooms you can imagine: science, arts, recreation, 3D printers, gyms, and a whole full sized theater.  And there is so much more.

Her eyes shone with excitement on our first visit, but a spot was not guaranteed for her. And this school is notoriously known for being extraordinary selective. Honestly, I did not want her to experience this kind of failure: one of non-acceptance. This would have ended in a traumatic heartbreak. I mean, which parent would not worry?

At the end, she prevailed. She managed it on her own and we as the parents, were brimming with joy. There is still a lot to do, but she proved, that she can handle it. And for everyone who knows her: you can be proud of her, as we are.

For the remainder of the time, when we were not worried about school, the moving, work and about all the people we left behind - we spend the time eating.

Lots.

And I do not mean like "a lot".

I mean we consumed an unholy amount of food.

It is simply criminal how sensational the food is here. Anything from local Shanghainese lightly steamed cuisine, to Sichuan Tapas or Xi'an burgers - everything is gorgeously delicious beyond believe.

So much so, it has become a detriment to us grown-ups. The kid is fine, she is a good burner, but the metabolism of everyone above 30 is not as efficient. Which means: Gym.

Every,
blimming,
day.

But that is a sacrifice, I gladly pay. Anyone would. Trust me, you would as well.

(Addendum: I prepared the Bolognese in the forefront of the pic. Not typically Chinese I know, but the theme was meals from all over the world - just in case you wondered. Also made some Katsudon :D)

That was what we were up to and I hope you stay tuned for more. There are tons of things to learn, like how the Shanghainese have eliminated cash (!), the newly ramped recycling process or the robots trotting around all over the place. For all the ones not from here, you'd be surprised and for the others who live here: you can giggle at the ignorance of us outsiders.

What is left to say is thank you. To all of you, old and new friends alike, thank you for being with us, and thank you for being with me.