For the Wives...or, uh House-Husbands...

[shanemowery]

For the wives considering the move to China:

My name is Bonnie, and I am one of the first wives in Shanghai, China with my husband. I came to China not knowing what to expect, but with an adventurist attitude. After living here for four months I feel I can contribute to the wives who are contemplating moving here.

I joined the American Women Association [ http://www.awcshanghai.org or http://www.seashanghai.org ] when I first moved to Shanghai. That has been the best thing for me here. I got connected with other expat women who have helped me find everything I need or can't find. I don't have children, but many of the ladies I meet with do and could answer any questions concerning them. Having other ladies who speak English that I can meet and chat with and has helped me adjust better to life here. My Husband and I have a Skype number which makes it very easy for us to call home and talk to family.
Everything is conveniently close. Grocery shopping, getting a haircut, restaurants, and movie shops, are just a few blocks walk. I feel safer here in Shanghai than I would back home. Any time of day I walk I feel safe. Most everyone here minds their own business and leaves you alone. In my estimate Shanghai is a safe place to live. I have found any and everything that we have in the states. There are only two catches: western items we are used to cost more, and the stores don't always carry the same western items every week. My favorite thing about Shanghai is the variety in cuisine. There are so many restaurants to choose from. Many are inexpensive, yet still delicious.

My last thoughts for you... Living in Shanghai is very similar to living in New York: Traffic noises, busy pedestrian streets, packed subways, full grocery stores, and apartment buildings with many neighbors. If you like the city, you will love living in Shanghai.

Just a few websites that are helpful:
http://www.smartshanghai.com
http://www.shanghaiexpat.com
http://www.cityweekend.com.cn/shanghai
http://www.shanghaidaily.com
http://www.communitycenter.cn
http://shanghai.asiaxpat.com
http://www.expat-blog.com
http://shanghai-shanghai.net
http://www.entershanghai.info