October Holiday

Time moves in a strange arc. On one hand I can't believe that it is October already. Thanksgiving and Christmas are just around the corner. At the same time, when I am asked how long I've lived here in Shanghai, I have to think hard and am amazed to say that it has only been 6 months. It feels like I have been here so much longer than that.

This week is October Holiday for China. October 1 is National Day here; it's the day the People's Republic of China was founded in 1949. Many offices here are closed for the week, though this does not necessarily mean vacation for expats. Being an expat means that you work on the schedule of your home office, no matter where that may be, as well as the local schedule in Shanghai. As for us, we're staying put. We have a trip planned on the 19th to Yellow Mountain, which is supposed to be one of China's most beautiful mountains (though I think the appellation is applied to everything).

This past Saturday, we had Eric's officemates over for a barbecue. I made chicken and beef kebabs to grill. I also bought Johnsonville brats, potato chips (Lays!), Doritos, hummus and pita bread. I made a cold couscous salad with white beans and shredded carrot. I had a puzzling time trying to explain what couscous, hummus, and pita bread were to some of the Chinese people. I can't tell you how good a grilled brat is. I never thought that I'd have such nostalgia for Doritos; I rarely bought them back in the U.S.

Now I'm contemplating the enormous fruit basket that Eric's officemates brought as a gift for the barbecue. I don't know how I'll manage to eat all that fruit. I'll probably have some people over to eat fruit and drink beer and wine, since I am left with ample amounts of all 3 since the barbecue.

Eric is doing a bit of work from home, but still is quite relaxed. We are having a nice, leisurely day here at home -- breakfast of scrambled eggs, gym, leftovers, reading quietly.