So, I am sitting outside while the kids play with Max's friend B. B is from Hong Kong and he sounds like a very proper British kiddo! I would say that Max and Izzy are definitely in the minority being native English speakers. They are really enjoying their school. Both of them say that Manderin is their favorite class. Isabel is excited that she has math and spelling tests. I love that she is finally interested in reading rather than being read to. Max absolutely adores his teacher and of course he had good friends after his first day. He likes his teacher so much he is even willing to write nightly in his journal.
We slept in our apartment last night for the first time and ate an exotic meal of peanut butter and jelly. The kids have been so amazing during this whole transition. They adjusted to the time change, to being stared at ALL the time, to not understanding anybody outside of school or home, and to the unbelievably humid weather. They have not however felt very comfortable being quite so adventurous with eating. While at the hotel, they were happy to try new things, but are very wary about going into any restaurant that isn't a McDonalds or pizza hut. I think that this is a little frustrating for Nathaniel and I have to remind him that they have been through so many chances they can eat American food for as long as they want!
I am meeting moms at the school and enjoying finding my way around Hangzhou. I feel so liberated for some reason. I haven't quite figured out why yet, though. I will let you know when I do! I have pages of notes of funny things that I have done or that have happened to me. I promise to start sharing more regularly. Nathaniel keeps telling me that I should record them, but that isn't going to happen!
Poor Nathaniel has had the hardest time of us all. Between getting to work and making sure we are ok and have what we need, he is now just about running on empty. To top it off, he has been sick. I think that he is finally feeling better. He intends to write some soon also.
I think I have mentioned that it is hard to update here because it is blocked unless I use Nathaniel's iPhone. My goal next week is to set up a blog that I can easily update...hold me to it ok?
