the green man means nothing

The traffic in Shanghai is definitely better than Beijing - if you're in a car. You've got a pretty good shot of going faster than 10 mph and if there are three lanes designated, chances are there will be three lanes of traffic (as opposed to the 5 1/2 you'd have in Beijing). However, if you're a pedestrian, it's a different story.

In Beijing, it's sort of a free for all, but there are enough unspoken understandings for it to be mildly safe - if you know what you're doing... In Shanghai, pedestrians get the short end of the stick. Since the cars do such a good job of following the rules, you're expected to do the same. What I can't figure out is why 8 times out of 10, when that little green man appears and welcomes me to walk, there are still cars flying at me! In a particularly vulnerable moment (I was struck with extreme fatigue and ravenous hunger) heading to a McDonald's, I almost lost it. I was just across the street from my final destination waiting for permission to cross. The light turned and I started into the street, I was instantly surrounded by cars, taxis, and buses - it took everything I had not to throw my hands in the air and yell "I HAVE THE GREEN MAN!"

Instead, I handled it gracefully and waded through the streaming traffic and then fumed silently as I ate my chicken mcnuggets.

On another food related note, I went grocery shopping today. I am definitely still transitioning into our new budget. Senator's new job affords us quite a few luxuries that we sacrificed in Beijing in the name of saving. I started to sweat at the cash register as I watched the total inch up over 300 RMB ($37.50). In Beijing, I kept it under 150 RMB each week. But if it means we're not eating McDonald's everyday again, I'll get used to it. Did I just complain about having more money to spend on food? Disregard that...

Last thing, if you've been teasing Senator and I with the prospect of visiting, you better get a move on! We officially have our first visitor confirmed. Our friend, April, (who was incidentally involved in a very random and romantic episode when we were dating) has booked us for some time next summer. If you want to be hosted properly, you better get on the calendar! Seriously, we welcome all guests - so start saving!!!

***Motivation - One round flight trip to China on American Airlines gets you almost enough frequent flier miles for any round trip flight in American or even to the Bahamas! You can come see us and then your next tropical vacation is half paid for!***

back to the ole grindstone

Well, it's been two weeks today since I officially started settling here in Shanghai and I'm finally transitioning into the boring but welcome routine of laundry and dishes and paying bills at the FamilyMart...

I went to my first bible study this week and made a friend whose English name is Snowman, I started meeting with a Chinese tutor twice a week in Zhongshan Park, I finally got new our new curtains up (with some assistance from Senator), and I ate a wonderful Chinese meal with some friends. It's good to be back.

I run into our friend Jimmy on a regular basis - in the subway station, on the street, in cafes - it's only slightly odd to run into another Denton-ite so frequently. I'm actually due at his house in about a half hour to help design a language study plan for his two Chinese staff guys. He's also put me to work on some media design to get the word out, both here and at home, about what we're doing. However, I may be a little late today - I'm slowly becoming to The Coffee Bean's Iced Mocha's, which are really just like a grown-up's chocolate milk. And of course, The Coffee Bean is in the opposite direction of Jimmy's house from ours. On that note, I should wrap things up.

I posted a couple new photos of the apartment, more of Shanghai to come soon...

A new city, a new name, a new message board...

Yes, indeed, there have been changes aplenty lately. As things settle back to normal you can expect the usual quirky stories and general ramblings to appear here with semi-regular frequency. And if you need to catch up or just feel a bit reminiscent, all of the old stuff remains at http://sarawike.blogspot.com for your reading pleasure. But for now, onto the new...

A new name!

TheSSBarnes? You may or may not have realized that when I recently wed the Mr. Senator Barnes, we created a nautical moniker with our alliterating (if you could conjugate "alliteration", that's how you would do it) names. Sara and Senator Barnes. S and S Barnes. The S.S. Barnes. You get it...

A new photoblog!

That's right, feast your eyes on a brand new blog, clean slate just waiting for photo after photo of this glorious city. Check it (http://thessbarnesphotos.blogspot.com) out now for a few teaser photos of our new/old apartment...

A new message board!

Ok, this one might not stand the test of time. But I thought that we should take this to the next level and start interacting a bit more. Feel free to wander and post something - http://thessbarnes.proboards.com

Well, that was incredibly informative and slightly boring, but now you're up to date and hopefully I'll get it in gear soon and regain your full attention. ;)

Zaijian!