We're here!!! Nate and I have now been in Shanghai for 1 week, and are loving our new home. Sure, things are different and the language barrier is huge, but so far we are enjoying getting acquainted with our new surroundings, meeting new people, and of course trying out all the yummy food in this very international city.

Our 'home' for the next month or so is at the JW Marriott located in the People's Square area. People's Square is pretty much considered the city centre where museums, entertainment venues and the larger green spaces (parks) are located. Since landing, we haven't had much time to explore like we did during my pre-visit as we have had a lot of business-type tasks to take care of.

Besides Nate officially starting work, we spent two days apartment hunting, meeting our new driver and car shopping, getting a local phone plan set-up for me, getting my medical exam completed and our marriage liscense notarized by the U.S. Consulate, applying for our resident permits, and finally -- the most important thing, learning how to eat hairy crab.

All of these events will need a blog of their own -- but we wanted to send everyone a quick note to let them know that we've made it and that all is off to a great start here!

~ Trisha and Nate