Saying goodbye!

     

We are going home!!

And here we are….one month since my last post! Don’t ask me what happened between 15 May and today…I don’t know..I lost complete track of time and my days were filled with meetings, meetings, meetings and more meetings. But more importantly today is the day we head back south!!!! No words can describe the excitement and gratitude.

Saturday was the last day of the Forum and I cannot believe that I actually made it to the end. This was the toughest challenge I have ever signed up for, but I have learned so much in many ways. The Chinese way of handling problems and dealing with logistics are very different to how we tackle things, but in the end we pulled through.  Had some hysteric am-I-in-a-movie moments but at least I could manage a smile on my face. It helped to had Gwyn and Kay around, we made a fantastic Team South Africa in the middle of China and they kept me sane!

The last two days were filled with tea, hugs, kisses and photos with new Chengdu friends and of course shopping! Now I have to finish packing before the kids wake up. Chengdu is sending us off to South Africa with a big blue sky and a beautiful sunrise.

 

Busy days in Chengdu

Whoohooo…things are getting busy here and I find myself working ‘double’ days…first half of the day I am on China time, spending time in our production office, then getting home, taking kids for a walk, dinner time, bath time, bed time, short break for me and then back in front of the laptop zooming in on Cape Town time. I am kind of adjusting to open plan office, miss my own space in Cape Town where I can do crazy things and laugh out loud. But I am enjoying the interaction and learning about the Chinese office culture. Most people commute by metro train (brand new train system, super modern!) and pop in at Starbucks for coffee/tea fix. Expensive too! About R45 for a coffee. Here you have to specify whether you want your coffee cold or hot as most people like their coffee cold (irgh!) and cooldrink hot. Weird. Meetings can go straight for 3 hours without a break and everybody goes on lunch at 12:00. All our meetings are interpreted in English and Chinese. My desk is right next to a lovely pic of Archbishop Desmond Tutu (a previous VIP guest) so his smile and photo is very comforting! Welcome to my office: 

They also celebrated Mother’s Day in China and what a nice surprise it was. Grace worked her magic with the hotel staff and ordered me the most beautiful bunch of flowers and the kids were included in the planning, apparently they went with her to order it and to choose the colors for the wrapping paper. We spent a wonderful day together and enjoyed a yummy Western lunch. Check the pic of the flowers, on the top the red flowers are grouped in the shape of a heart! How creative. Love it!!! The photo below is of Mimi with two local girls whom we met at the restaurant – they couldn’t speak a word of English but Mimi followed them everywhere, they reminded me so much of Ashley and Sarah back in Cape Town! Christopher couldn’t be bothered, he had a nap on my lap while we had lunch! 

  

 

I think we are completely settled in…the kids greet in Chinese, we know that all taxis are dirty and to never travel without wet wipes, we know where to find the best bread and that it comes out of the oven at exactly 12 noon every day, we know that the blue skies appear after the rain, we know that busses and cars ignore pedestrian crossings, we know that Bookworm has the best pizzas in town, we know that green tea is super healthy and even bought our own, we know that we do not want to end up in a hospital here, we know the man who bakes the pancakes on the street corner – he let us buy only one pancake for the kids to share, we don’t have to buy six like the other people! 

  

ER here we come!!

I was busy making spaghetti Bolognese last Friday…on-the-go with a hour to spare between meetings. As I was about to cut the onion, I heard Mimi screaming – the kind of scream when you know this is serious!! Maaammma Maaaama Eeeeiiiina Eeeeiinaaa… she played with the water dispenser’s hot tap  (here the dispensers have a hot and cold tap) and burnt her four little chubby fingers on her right hand. We wasted no time. Grace and I jumped with the kids into a taxi accompanied by one of the hotel staff. We couldn’t reach Frank, he just left the apartment 5 minutes before! Murphy’s law. The hotel staff felt that the doctors at the childrens hospital’s emergency unit are as good as the private practice and since it is located very close to the hotel  recommended that we go to there first. The Chinese are very proud citizens.

So being in a desperate state of mind, just wanting to relieve Annabelle from her pain I agreed to go to the Children’s Hospital. Well, as we got out of the taxi I just noticed this wave of people, sick ones, healthy ones, families, lonely ones. But it was too late to turn around…before I knew it we were on a bicycle taxi (yes!) for our next transfer –  on the way to the actual entrance (the first stop was the wrong one!). Christopher thought the bicycle taxi ride was super cool and enjoyed every minute! We jumped off and straight into the emergency rooms with about 50 other people on hospital beds, some straight out of theatre. The sound and sights of stressed nurses resuscitating an old man, heart monitors, breathing masks, syringes, vomit, you name it! The bits and pieces you definitely don’t see on Grey’s Anatomy. I must be honest, I consider myself strong and tough but being in that physical space with Mimi and having to comfort her while she was going through so much pain was extremely difficult – the only thing that kept me going was this little mantra in my head…stay strong, swallow your tears, focus, stay strong, swallow your tears, focus!

The first injection was the worst, they didn’t waste any time to find a vein…I could feel Mimi’s pain. They had to check for medicine allergies. Next one was for pain…on the bum, well I thought she was going to jump right through the roof. But you know who was the bravest?  Christopher. Through the whole drama he didn’t say a word, just stared in front of him with his shoulders hanging. Later on he came with me into the little side room and told the Dr that he (Christopher) is the doctor and the Dr cant touch his sister! Big brother. Poor thing, I felt so sorry for him.

In the end I had to make a decision, I could not understand the doctor (must admit, he tried his best English and was very friendly!) and the chaos around us became too much.  So I decided to check out….and off we went to the private practice. We phoned ahead and the American doctor met us at the door as we came in (what a relief!). In the end it was all good, he gave us some wonderful Chinese herbal ointment and a stack of bandage. And 6 days later things are looking great…she has long forgotten the pain, it is only me who get nauseous every time I have to drive past the hospital on my way to meetings.

The support we received from the Chengdu locals was overwhelming. They rushed to the hospital, immediately got a private vehicle to transfer us to the private practice and back to the hotel, got me to my next meeting, checked on Mimi’s progress and even visited us on Sunday afternoon to give Mimi and Spunky each a little baby panda to show their support. Human angels.

My favourite blogs

I am always on the look out for inspirational blogs – especially ones dedicated to design, kids, travel, food, creative living,  pets, business, celebrations, photography, wellness, spirituality and life in general…I am so grateful that I belong to a generation who is digitally connected to the world out there. Here is a list of some of my favourite blogs, worth a follow…happy reading!

http://sweetpaul.typepad.com

Home – new

http://adeleenersen.com/blog

365 Ways to Wellbeing

http://www.whatkatieate.com

http://decor8blog.com

http://www.erica.biz

http://genylabs.typepad.com/small_biz_labs/

http://www.eventmanagerblog.com

 

 

We’re singing in the rain!

Amazing how the dynamics of a family change when a Daddy joins the team. And although the kids can’t really express their happiness in words, as a mother I know that the look in their eyes mean they are extremely happy and secure to have their Daddy waking up with them in a foreign city! And imagine how happy I am to have support in managing those little tantrums. With two little ones who struggle to take no for an answer (a bit like Mommy – blush!) believe me, we have several dramatic moments and time out sessions. And now that Spunky turned 3 his time outs are 3 minutes… he’s not impressed!

Having Frank here means we could also give Grace a bit of a break…she is exploring the markets in her free time and bought the most beautiful clothes and shoes! Yesterday after I finished my meetings, she joined me for a foot massage at a Spa around the corner.  I can honestly say that it was the best foot massage I had in a very long time and only about R180 for 60 min session, PLUS it included a back and neck massage while our feet were soaking! You see, here business owners have to offer value for money because are there so many competitors. I have not experienced being overcharged for anything in China! Yes, some things are expensive but that is normally linked to imported stuff. Good bargains and discounts everywhere.

Being here primarily for work, means that we are not pressured to rush to the tourist attractions. Having said that.. we really enjoyed our visit to Jin Li Street on Sunday. Spunky fell in love with a flute shop and we couldn’t get him out of the shop – I think he is going to be the next Justin Bieber, Mimi will be his agent  (bossy attitude). Besides, we might come back to Cape Town with a whole orchestra!

We find pleasure in doing simple things, like having breakfast together and going for walks to the market after dinner. And during the day when I am working, Frank enjoys playing with the kids, taking them for walks in the area or watching Winnie the Pooh/Disney/Tinkerbell (we have our own little library, DVDs are cheap- about R45 in the shop, R13 on the street).

Talking about simple things…having only a few items from home here, I have realised how complicated we make life with all the “things” around us. I have learned that we actually need very little to survive and still be happy.

So when I opened the curtains this morning, I felt this huge homesick wave splashing all over me! I know, it’s silly because it is not like it rains every day in Cape Town. We even call our winter the “Secret Season”! But how can we not miss home when we do fun things like baking pancake or cooking stew on rainy days back home. I skipped the idea of pancake…too much trouble so we opted for vegetable and beef stew (note the order – could only find two small pieces of beef! – 10x3cm!) for dinner. Best we get used to the rain….apparently we are only expected to see sun next Wednesday! At least it is not cold when it rains, a bit like tropical rain with 23 or 24 deg outside. And I love the sight of umbrellas everywhere. Small ones, big ones, red, green, dots, stripes, love the see through ones! I think Katie Melua should compose another song “Five million umbrellas in Chengdu”

Funny moment of the week:

We want to get deworming syrup for the kids (just to be sure!!), so off I go to the pharmacy tonight with my Google translate in hand so that there could be no misunderstanding….I mean, what if  they think I want to feed my children worms! So the pharmacy assistant walked over to the kids dept, take of the mosquito repellent and say with a smile: “Here it iz!” She could not understand that this is not what I needed, kept on saying “its gut, its gut”. So on my way to the exit, she stops me to ask if she can sell me some body lotion instead. Funny!

Happy dance! Daddy is here.

It has been a busy week. Meetings, site visits, conference calls are keeping me on my toes and on the move.

Last Sunday (21st) we celebrated Spunky’s 3rd birthday. Now let me tell you, when he was small I was always amazed that every single friend who had a child told me to enjoy the experience because they grow up so quickly. And here I am, thinking the same. I mean, I can still remember the day I sent a sms to share the wonderful news of his birth, the day he  had his first bath, his first smile, the day he gave his first step! And here we are. 3 candles on the cake. We had a very laid back day, went to a musical village where they produce traditional and modern instruments and bought him a beautiful children’s guitar. In the afternoon we celebrated with cake and coffee at Ms Bamboo. I was grateful that his birthday fell on a Saturday. During the week my days are busy, so it was special to spend the day with him.

Thursday was a big day! Frank arrived and when Spunky saw him he didn’t know if he should laugh or cry, have never seen the kids so happy to see their Dad. All Mimi could get out was “Daddy, Daddy, Daddy!!!”. Must be pretty boring to hang out with your mom and nanny for a month since they are the ones who tell you to pick up your toys and remind you about things like manners and veggies! Grace and I had an eye on the little black suitcase he brought with him..a treasure chest full of our favourite stuff and treats….Since I arrived here I have been working on “the list” of all the things I miss – Fings, die Sarie, Marie biscuits, rusks, smarties….happiness! I will have to do double workouts in the gym this week.

I have been informed that tomorrow is Earthquake morning day and at 8:02 local time all people will keep silent for 3 minutes, cars and ships will whistle an  sirens will be activated. So I guess I will not have to set my alarm. Not sure how I am going to explain this to Spunky, he hates the sound of hooters and alarms.

Last weekend we were invited to a local family’s house for dinner. So Spunky and Mimi had so much fun interacting with their kids. And the Chinese kids love touching the little one’s curly hair. One thing is for sure.. children have an amazing universal language – play is play, doesn’t matter what language you speak! Mimi especially loved the fresh cherries they served!  Kite flying is also very popular with kids here, so we will try it soon. They also had an opportunity to go to a local play school for two hours last week which was really fun, unfortunately it is a bit far from our apartment. But being an ex-creche teacher, Grace knows how to keep those little minds busy. In the week Grace’s room turns into a class room. Imagine.

I feel the earth move…

So let me start by saying this:

– I knew all along that this area had a devastating earthquake in 2008. We are actually planning a tour to the site of the earthquake and  the new museum there as part of the conference agenda. Nearly 70 000 people died that day and I even remember seeing it on the news in South Africa. If you are interested to know the facts you can read it here: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2008_Sichuan_earthquake

– I knew that the modern high risers are able to cope very well with earthquakes, but let me tell you, when you are on the 23rd floor of a building and things start moving then that comfort doesn’t last long. 

Our morning started like most other mornings…Up at 7am, quick catch up call with my client in New York, checking Facebook updates from friends back home, making Grace and myself a cup of coffee, switch on the Mickey Mouse dvd and then….as I walked back to the kitchen I felt the floor shaking, didn’t take much notice…thought it is some construction happening somewhere which is nothing new here…construction happening day and night. Then things turned bad…the building started to move…the loose things and toys moved….we became disorientated…it stopped for 5 seconds… then started all over again…and everything outside went  completely silent. Not a scream, not a hooter…nothing…I suppose everyone went in shock…

My legs were completely numb, I was in shock but had to think on my feet – after all I had to see to Grace and the two little ones. (Just for the record, Annabelle and Mickey Mouse were having a fabulous time while all of this happened). I phoned the reception, asked them if this is normal and shame the operator was also in shock and all she could get out was “Zis is not normal, pleaze stay in room”. Then tried to call my Chengdu buddies – cellphone network down. But remarkably the Wifi was working so we could connect on Wechat. After an hour the network was up again and I received the first call, it was Jing checking on us, well needless to say I couldn’t even get a word out…tears ruuunnnning! So we recovered from the shock by joining the hotel’s long stay guests for a day outing to a nearby village and came back at around 6pm. Only to be woken up at 11pm with another bit of shaking and moving…the after shocks. But not nearly as bad as the earthquake itself.

They tell me that some people camped in tents in public parks last night, too scared to go back to their apartments. At first, I also felt like taking the first flight back home, but you cannot run away from the bad things in life. These thing happen for a reason and they make you strong. I am grateful for us being alive and safe but I ask you to light a candle for those people who lost a family member(s) yesterday. And thank you to all of you who reached out to check on us. Big hugs. 

Things I have learned

So being completely out of my comfort zone, I learn new coping techniques every day, talking to myself every morning and trying to apply all the Robin Sharma tips I can think off. I learn to be strong, but most importantly to not take life too seriously.  Maybe I should write a book: Finding yourself (in China!). So, this is what I have so far learned here:

Tip 1: Ignore the English translation.

Tonight I accepted a dinner host’s kind offer to add some soya sauce to my noodles,  small problem …translation on the bottle read:  “Coal flavour soya sauce” – that really wanted me to tuck into the noodles…

Tip 2: Ignore the mirror

So I thought that locals will be dressed to the t with matching shoes, matching handbags, matching everything. I mean, who would not if you are the world’s biggest Access Park! It seems that people really don’t care about what the other 19 million think. It is all about your own individual style – actually I love it! Stripes with polka dots, pastels with neon, facelifts, perms, big big platforms, dirty scooters with prada bags, stockings with shorts, high heels in the park…

Tip 3: Signs are just signs 

If the sign outside a supermarket says it closes at 22:30, it might close at 22:00. And don’t you dare look surprised.

Tip 4: It is quicker to walk to a restaurant to collect your take away

Next time when Mr Delivery tells you that your order will be delivered in 60 – 90 min, be happy. Very happy. This week I wanted to order Margarita pizzas for the kids. Phoned the restaurant at 11:40, only to be told in perfect English that the delivery will be done by 16:00. Why bother?

Tip 5: People like to clean their throats

So it goes like this….the person standing next to you at the traffic light start off with clearing his throat, you ignore it, shame poor man, but hey! then he does it again but this time a bit louder, then again, louder  and then….whoppa, there it is….a big fat spit of whatever he had in his throat for the last 5 days right next to your lovely Nike tekkies. Well, I must be honest this is the one thing I still cannot get used to. Ek gril tot in my diepste binneste wese!

Tip 6: Take the subway, or walk…

So the traffic here is no joke. Nobody, I mean nobody waits for their turn. If there is a gap, you take it.. In the beginning I nearly had a nervous breakdown  every time we had to drive somewhere. Another funny thing… you pass the Chinese written note from the hotel concierge to the taxi driver..something like Peoples Park. By the way, you can’t just jump in a taxi and say the English name. You always have to show the Chinese translation, but there are lovely apps to help. But then some taxi drivers will stare at the piece of paper for 10 minutes, like it is the first time he has ever heard of the most famous park in Chengdu. And then after ten minutes he nodds his head, end it with a gha-gha (meaning ok, ok) and off we go…

Tip 7: Ask for the price

Never assume the price on the tag is what you should be paying. Ask the assistant to show you the price on a calculator. Sometimes you even get up to 50% discount.

Tip 8: Ignore the staring 

So the staring is the one bit which we had to turn into something positive otherwise we will go crazy. I mean, people literally stop us and take photos with their cellphones…I can just imagine all the pics of us circulating on Wechat.  In the shop, in the park, in the street – it never stops! Now I know what celebrities must go through…it is tough and not a very pleasant experience. But for once I can imagine that I am Angelina Jolie – the size 18 version.

Tip 9 – A ‘cooldrink’ means a warm drink

When you take your seat in a restaurant, they rush to your table with a glass of hot water…apparently good for your digestive system. The kids know to first check the water before they take a sip.  And if you order a soft drink they will bring you a warm tin (yes, a warm one!). In most restaurants you have to ask for a chilled tin if you want it cold.

Tip 10 – Never judge a book by its over

I was invited to lunch at a local restaurant today. So from the outside, the place looked ok and when I saw the picture of the  lamb chops with mashed potatoes in the menu, I was still a bit sceptical. But hey! when I took the first bite, it was like I was right back at home enjoying braaivleis. It was the best meal I have ever had here…I promised Grace that I will take her there next week.

Have a happy weekend!!

Kiekies

Fountains at Tianfu Square

Chengdu is famous for tea houses

Chinese version of Exclusive Books