Perfectly Pampered?!?!

I know I joke about our pampered lifestyle here, but it can't all be wonderful.  We truly do feel blessed with our situation and the opportunity we have been given.  We also understand that we don't exactly live in the "real world" here with our driver, ayi, and spa within walking distance of our house.  However, there are some "real" issues that we deal with that can make day to day living here very frustrating.  

*Please keep in mind that the following are not complaints.  We really are enjoying ourselves and are so happy to be here.  I just wanted to give you a better perspective of what really happens here.  It's not all shopping and trips to the spa.

You really lose a sense of freedom, privacy and control when you're on an international assignment.  Especially here in China with the language barrier and the constant feeling of being on stage.  Simple, everyday things like getting your hair cut or mailing a letter require the help of a translator.  And even then you never really feel like you understand what's happening.  It's only after your hair is chopped short and turned orange, or your friend comments about the letter she received that you really know.

It is near impossible to go out in public and not feel like you're being watched...because you are.  The locals are so fascinated with westerners and how they live.  They are not afraid to look into your grocery cart, touch your children, watch you walk down the street.  They are so bold as to sit next to you on a bench while someone else takes a picture of all of you without your permission.  We are celebrities!  Well, sort of.  Mind you this mostly happens when we have the girls with us.  Which is why I often choose to leave Molly at home with Sophia when I go out and Morgan is at school.  It's not that I don't want to take responsibility for my child.  I just don't want to subject her to the touching and photos, and unsolicited attention.  

We have a driver in China for several reasons.  One, we cannot read the street/traffic signs.  This should be reason enough.  Two, traffic is so crazy and rules of the road don't necessarily apply here.  Just ask Nancy about her experience and she will tell you how invaluable Mr. Yu is to our family.  He keeps us safe, he gets us from point A to point B, and he keeps us sane.  But there is something to be said for just hopping in your car and going when you want.  Not having to worry about coordinating things in advance.  Making sure Mark is picked up from work, or Morgan is taken to school on time. 

Something else that has taken some time to get used is the fact that our driver knows where we are at all times.  Unless we take our bike he knows how often we get groceries or go to Starbucks.  He knows that we've bought yet another case of Diet Coke or diapers in the last two weeks.  He knows that Mark is away for business and when he'll be back.  We trust Mr. Yu to no end, but it is a little unnerving to think someone knows so much about you simply by driving you around town.  

Personally, some of the more difficult things have been the energy it takes to create a network of friends, find competent medical facilities, establish relationships with service professionals, learn how to get things done and where to find various household goods-all while maintaining a smile and sense of humor.  We are very fortunate to have made such wonderful friends already, that we have the help of Mr. Yu and Sophia to guide us through this crazy world, and the support of our family back home.