Culture Shock 101

These are two videos that my Critical Thinking class watched last semester when we discussed cultural differences.  They're presented as part of the orientation for international students at the Columbia School of Business.  The videos are presented by an Israeli who attended the school and its interesting to hear the accounts of culture shock he faced when moving to the Big Apple.  My students also enjoyed his perspective on the American culture.  These videos definitely caused me to reflect on what to expect in regards to culture shock after our move to Shanghai.

Culture Shock Part 1 (8 min)
Culture Shock Part 2 (5 min)

100 pounds!

Mission this week; pack.

     This week we must get packed for our trip. Many people have asked us what we are going to pack and my standard answer has been ‘not much’. We each get 100 pounds of stuff to pack plus our carry-ons. Matt likes to tell people that when we went on our honeymoon I packed 65 lbs in 1 bag. So my question has been, how do I pack for 5 months with 100 lbs?

     We have researched what we can purchase when we get there. It seems we will need to take all western medication that we will need, warm and cool clothes and a hodge podge of artifacts from our lives. I read that women with hips have a hard time finding pants so…… I may be looking homeless by December with holes in all my work clothes. Matt wears size 12 shoes and one blog that I read said that any size over 12 is “gigantic.” Matt’s shoes could take up a whole lot of our allotted weight.

     When I start to get anxious about this process, I pour my energy into thinking about how I can get optimum sleep on the plane. I have purchased two different devices for this purpose and I hope to sleep sleep sleep. If you have any suggestions please let me know. Maybe I should spend some time praying for the person that will sit next to us on the plane because that can make a huge difference in traveling comfort.

Carpe Diem in Glenwood Springs

Seize the day was the name of the game when we visited Bri's cousin Tyler in Glenwood Springs, Colorado.  By mid-afternoon the three of us couldn't believe how much we had accomplished with more planned activities to follow.  I was able to get a couple hours of coffee and solitude while the other slept in at a local cafe, but then we were off.  By 4pm we had visited two farmers markets, picked a cherry tree behind Tyler's apartment and rafted a few hours on the Colorado River.  We followed all of that with dinner at a great new local restaurant with one of Tyler's local friends.  Bri and I had to share a second plate of the outstanding pierogies.  Next we walked to the theater to see the Glenwood Vaudeville Review which was an entertaining blend of comedy and music that made us feel like we were at a theater in the West 130 years ago.  Then of course (the foodies that we are) it was back to the restaurant for dessert before heading home.  A complete day.

Cherry Picking Strategy #1

Cherry Picking Strategy #2

The cherries were unbelievably ripe.

Tyler and his friend Emily as we were waiting for the Glenwood Vaudeville Review to begin

Where are we again?

After spending yesterday touring Topeka visiting with grandparents we're heading west.  We stopped for a few hours in Stratton to unload and pick up some clean clothes.  Next we stopped in Denver to treat Brandon to dinner for his birthday (we were about 6 months late) at Euclid Hall a restaurant focused on making innovative pub grub.  We were most excited to try the buffalo-style pig ears and their poutines but the stars of the night were the bruleed bone marrow and the chicken and waffles.  Tomorrow we're off to Glenwood Springs on the other side of the Rockies for Bri's painting lesson and a visit with her cousin Tyler.

We'll definitely miss the blue Colorado skies in Shanghai.

Hot Dog Exploration

We cashed in a Groupon and tried some gourmet hot dogs with our dear friend Lacey for lunch today.  The Thai dog and Buffalo Chicken dog were each good but the Chi-town dog stole the show.

Roasting with the Royals

Bri and I were lucky to spend a lot of quality time today with our good friends Tom and Ashley.  We started the day watching the Royals lose in a close game.  The temperature hovered above 100 degrees the entire game but we enjoyed the free sauna once our seats cooled below the initial searing temperature.  Tom astutely mentioned that once your shirt is saturated nobody can even tell that you are sweating because it is entirely wet.  After a few frozen lemonades it was back to the house to chill in the basement.  It was a outstanding day and we're thankful to have such amazing friends.

 

Bri is still trying to find a Royals shirt that fits properly.

 

The '85 World Series Trophy

Congrats to Drew and Caitlin

A big congratulations to my brother and his wife Caitlin. The have so much to celebrate the past few weeks and months.  Drew was accepted to the KU Med. Nursing Program, Caitlin accepted a job offer the Thursday before their nuptials and their wedding today.  I'm thankful I was able to be a part of it and best wishes in their first year as a married couple. 

Race Day

We had a fun time at the race track with family.  A late afternoon storm cooled Topeka down enough that even Granny enjoyed watching one of Grandpa's "babies" roll down the track.  Bri and I especially enjoyed my mom's enthusiasm.  You'll hear her in the video and now she thinks Grandpa needs to teach her how to do a burnout someday soon.  The video below was my best run although at just over 13 seconds I still didn't match my dad's best time of 12.8 seconds.  Thank you Grandpa for sharing this experience with us.

 

Heading to Topeka for the farewell tour

Stopped in Dorrance, KS for a pit-stop, stayed for a burger and beer because "everywhere else just sucks" as their t-shirts say...
- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone

Location:Victory Hwy,Dorrance, Kansas, United States

Ice Cream and Fireworks

Haydon and Kinsleigh joined us to celebrate Independence Day.  Kinsleigh was a big fan of the homemade ice cream.  We're going to miss these guys when we leave.

Izzy's First Royals game

We had a great time today sharing Izzy's first Royals game with Brandon, Erin, David and Lynn. Also the Royals won 16-8, so that was a bonus.




- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone