I’m back in Shanghai (which at this point I’ve accepted is my temporary home) and I’ve just began working a new job at a British company based in China. I’m doing… well, I’m not quite sure what I’m doing yet. But I’m…
China's biggest (in)conveniences.
I really need to stop feeling guilty about taking cabs. I realize I’m acting stupid, muttering curses under my breath in Russian as I climb up six flights of stairs through a darkened alleyway (complete with clap on! clap off! lights). Over the past…
Escape from Shanghai
I don’t often write impromptu entires like this one. I’ve had another entry in the making for the past week, one that I’ve been carefully crafting — about China’s conveniences, my wheat allergy, taking taxis, and living on my own — but…
How I became trapped on the 27th floor, and other major life decisions
This week, I experienced free-fall. On my way to Baker & Spice for morning yogurt with apricot granola, the elevator in my building collapsed, jolted, and I became entrapped between the 27th and 29th floors of my apartment complex. A thump, a crash,…
Moving on
This weekend, I had quite a difficult conversation while Skyping with my mom. It was difficult in a few ways: the call kept dropping. yes, mom, I’m eating enough, stop making silly jokes about Chinese food. (Is this where I get my awful…
Chocolate, Chess, and the Elmhurst
This weekend I saw a side to Shanghai I hadn’t seen before. It was raw, crumbling, boarded-up, and really quite visceral. Saturday was one of those perfect afternoons where things just seem to go right (except the weather, nothing ever goes…
The one-day weekend, or how I spent last Sunday between heaven and earth
I only have one weekend day (yes, I complain about this a lot, but it’s true). I’ve been in Shanghai for exactly four weeks, so here, presented in all of its (uncensored) glory, is how I spent my fourth Sunday:…
My life in China in 4 drinks.
I never thought I’d spend so much time each day thinking about drinking water. But I am, I am consumed both by water that I drink (it’s often lukewarm and gross) and water that I don’t drink (8 glasses a day? that’s not gonna happen).
The Joys of Pearl Milk Tea & Peace and Tranquility
珍珠奶茶 – Pearl Milk Tea (with red bean!) Living abroad feels a lot like being a baby. I’m inordinately proud of the stupidest things for absolutely no good reason. Kind of how people gawk at toddlers for taking a few steps…