First Post...

你好从上海 Hello from Shanghai!

Wow, I can't believe that I'm really here. I can remember last October when an HP manager asked if I was interested in working in Shanghai, China. It happened on a Thursday afternoon before a long weekend and a short family vacation to Southern California. Since that time, I've had many emotions leading up to my US departure; excited, ecstatic, anxious, confused, frustrations and even nervous! My official 364 days in Shanghai has started!

On July 19th, Odis, Andrew and Eric drove me to the Boise airport and we said goodbye for 1 month. When I arrived in Shanghai, a coworker, John (aka, "Big John", he's 6'6" tall) greeted me with a big smile and said, "Hi Becky, it's great to see you." I can remember his expression on his face, "She's here, now I can go home and see my family." I am replacing John as one of the Shanghai managers so he can return to Idaho. John and the other Expats (that's what you call working foreigners living in another country) have helped me settle right in and feel very welcomed by the HP Shanghai team.

I’ve been here almost two weeks, the city life in Shanghai is completely different than what I’ve experienced anywhere else; Boise, New York, Mazatlan or southern California. First impressions are always interesting. One of the biggest differences is how pedestrians, bicycles and scooters all flow with cars, buses and big construction trucks. At intersections, vehicles don’t stop on right turns and left turns can seem to happen at any time. Pedestrians need to be watching several different directions and show “intent” when crossing. Any indecision or hesitation by the pedestrian could mean bodily damage. I’m starting to get used to the new rules.

Currently, my biggest task at hand is finding a place to live. I can’t really describe the process, but let’s just say it’s “interesting negotiations” with the Expats community. There are agents, landlords and apartment complex managers all getting a cut of the action. You get the picture. I think I’ve found a place to live, and apartment overlooking a really big park, but nothing is ever for sure in the “home finding” business.

I can’t wait, Odis and the boys leave for Shanghai in less that two weeks. I’m counting down the days, 13 to go! I miss them so much and I’m really looking forward to giving them big hugs and showing them some “Shanghai” sights!