I made it to Shanghai

It's 5:09 AM and I can't sleep so I'm up using the internet while I have it. I'm staying in a nice hotel in Shanghai so I've had internet the past few days. This has been so nice in more ways than one. Easy to email with the office back home and send any revisions to the vendors. When we're in the other more remote locations of this trip I don't know if I'll have internet. I'm crossing my fingers though!

It's really helped with the homesickness factor though! I've been using Skype to talk to Chuck back home and then I don't have to use my calling cards. When I arrived on Wednesday at the Shanghai airport my luggage did not! I've never had this happen before and of course it had to happen on this trip. I had my computer as my carry-on and only packed at t-shirt and undies. I was afraid of wearing the same pants for 3 weeks! But after a lot of praying from me and family back home, and a little haggling on the phone my suitcase finally arrived! I had tears in my eyes as they wheeled it in my room.

I ended up leaving the good camera at home so any pictures you see are with my point and shoot. Since I'm working there's not much time to snap many pictures but I'm doing what I can. I clearly can't stand and size up the situation and make everyone else wait like I'd like but I'm still getting some cool shots.

This first pic is what was on the monitor as we got closer to landing. See the time since departing on the bottom of the screen? 12 hours and 44 minutes! We still had 90 minutes to go. I don't know about you but 14 hours on a plane is enough for me. I don't think I'll ever make it to Australia cause that flight's even longer!

So after Shanghai we're off to Hangzhou, Guangzhou, Xiamen, and I think that's it. I'll be sure to take more pictures as I have the opportunity.

I'm learning so much already. So much more about the business and about Chinese culture. Connie pointed out to me the little kids' "split pants" yesterday. She said they wear them to start potty training them at an earlier age instead of wearing diapers. They wear this split pant that literally are open so you can see their little tushie and whenever the kids have to "go" they just hold them in the squatted position and let 'em go! Heck I even saw one kid go on the sidewalk yesterday. I want to take a picture to show all my friends that have kids in diapers back home.

Well I'm gonna close for now since I have some line drawings to work on. I'll try and keep ya updated more as I go!

Comments

[Kerri]

Hey girl! I was so excited to see that you were able to post from China! I'm so glad you made it safely. Your pictures are already fab - no need for any special camera - you've got an eye.

When you decide to go to Australia, just make it a trip around the world with a lot of short flights. You'll get there!

Make sure you take pictures of your hotels. Can't wait to see your next post. You completely rock. Enjoy your trip . . .

[~ Ki ~]

WOW Cara - how tremendously exciting! What an adventure! Your pictures are turning out just great! Point and shoot or not! You'll do amazing things with them I'm sure. Having flown to Australia, yes...it's a a tough one...but oh so worth it! LOL! Enjoy your trip and can't wait to read all about it!

[Amanda]

Ah no, NO! I don't think split pants are the wave of the future. I am so happy that you are able to post! The pictures are great! 2 weeks and counting...
See you soon!

[Heidi]

Cara you could take beautiful photos with a disposable camera! Thanks for the photos, keep 'em coming! I'm in no hurry to let Kaitlyn start relieving herself in the back yard or allong the sidewalk! See ya before you know it!

[Hannah]

Hey girl! Sounds like you're having quite an experience and learning a lot. We'll have to let Santa know how the Chinese construct their toys etc. Could be good for business at the North Pole.

Buddy Elf!