Public relations, communication and interesting times in ChinaNote: Now at http://imagethief.com
Too much work. Looking for an apartment. Moving wife and cats to Shanghai. Working late. Eating badly. Not dead, but no time to post. More soon.
Will
Stay alive long enough to get back on top of work, then answer this:
You're not defecting to Shanghai, are you?
Take care, too much work isn't good for a man.
That was quick--your decision to move the whole family that is. Your workaholic life style won't end now. Shanghai is much more of an all work, no play, no life balance city than Beijing, and I have lived in both. The stereotype of the Shanghaier in single minded pursuit of career, money and the latest fashion is true. They say that Beijingers love all things cultural, political or intellectual, but try to sell a Shanghaier a 300 yuan theater ticket and she'd rather buy a pair of new high heels.
How hard is it to move a bunch of cats?
Looks easy.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Pk7yqlTMvp8
@Duncan: Funny.
@CLB: Much easier to move them from Beijing to Shanghai than from Singapore to Beijing, which was nearly impossible. My diplomat friends had that one much easier.
@ChangER and Chris: Well, it's only a temporary defection. I agreed to work in our Shanghai office for 18 months. But it wasn't a quick decision. The company first asked me November if I would move (before they suggested a three month cross-assignment first). It thought about for nearly three months before I decided to accept the longer-term posting. But I will come back to Beijing afterward.
Will,
I hope they gave you a good package! I'm thinking the Mrs. will not mind Shanghai. My wife is Chinese and she relly prefers Shanghai to Beijing.
The cats however, are not going to like Shanghai.... Too many guys with short caps on sidewalks cooking "chicken" on a stick....
You whine like a little girl.
Hose-B, I bet you wouldn't be so tough without the knife and sweatshirt.
Lao lao: Cat chuans just aren't that good. You have to use a whole lot of that spicy powder.
I can't say much about the package I'm afraid. The benefits are mostly intangible. But I think we'll enjoy it nonetheless.
Alright, Will, I suppose a temporary move is ok. One must spend some time in the wilderness to truly appreciate civilisation.
Great party. Truly great. We'll see you in Shanghai: I'll be there April 3-5, and let's get out one of those evenings.
So, how temporary is the move? If you end up falling in love with Shanghai, could that 18 months theoretically stretch out longer?
@Kaiser: Glad you were there, despite the odd fascination with my nose. I'll expect to hear from you next week. Olivia doesn't arrive until the 5th, so I'll be looking for something to do.
@Dave: In theory, yes, it could extend if we fall in love with the city. It's up to us. But I see two possible problems with remaining in Shanghai, though. First, ultimately the media and most of the interesting PR work are in Beijing. Second, if I stay, Kaiser may harm me.
When can I get my bookcase? And the coat rack? Anything else you might want to leave behind...?