Mid-Autumn Festival

Now that we are in China and are learning to adjust, we are also trying to learn the language and more about the culture.  Thank goodness for Jacky our driver because he goes every where with us and helps us communicate with people.  He also helps us by teaching us some basic words.  For example, today Casey had to go into the police station to register us as residents and Ellen and I waited in the running car....for two hours!  Good thing I packed barbies and other toys!  Jacky kept coming out to make sure we were ok and then when he and Casey finally came back they taught me a new word/phrase.  Granted, this is my English translation of it, but they taught me "be patient".  The Chinese translation is "la shin tin die".  Yes, I had to "la shin tin die" today and it was not easy!  On the other hand it is also the beginning of the Mid-Autumn festival.  I will attach a link so you can read more about it, but it is also known as the moon cake festival.  When reading about it, I enjoyed the fact that it was a time to think about family far away.  I found it very fitting given our recent move.  I have also received several calls and texts from the people I have met here wishing me a Happy Mid-Autumn Festival.  Although it was a long day, it has been a very nice day knowing I have met great people here and have amazing friends and family to think of back at home!
http://www.travelchinaguide.com/essential/holidays/mid-autumn.htm

Our new bedrooms!

I was so glad we packed bedding and pillows in our luggage.  It defenitely made settling into our apartment much easier.  And we brought Ellen's comforter from home.  Obviously her new bed is a lot bigger than her old one.   But she is adjusting just fine!  Casey and I are too...in case you were wondering!  We finally have a nice mattress to sleep on!

Ellen's new biggest fans!

It is amazing how much the Chinese love Ellen!  Here we are on the day we moved in.  They were so honored when I asked if I could take a picture of them with Ellen.  They said all of their co-workers and friends would be jealous.  The lady on the left is Joy.  She is our ongoing real estate contact and the person that helps us with maintenance issues, translating things, etc...  The lady holding Ellen is Lily Gong.  She took over for Dolphin (Dolphin was with us on our pre-trip) in helping us write our lease agreement and to make sure we got everything we wanted in our contract.  She and Ellen really hit it off.  She will most likely be coming back to hang out with all of us!  She is very funny too!  The other lady is our landlord.  She can not speak English, but talks a lot and would try to talk to Casey and I about the apartment like we understood her.  Lily would then have to deal with her and I think finally had to tell her enough already!  It was pretty funny!

Our new "gorgeous" apartment

Well, I think Ellen will be telling the truth if she says our new apartment is gorgeous.  We are on the top floor of the building and are in phase 4, which is newer than the rest of the complex.  Our realtor, Lilly, even said we have the most beautiful apartment she has seen.  I think I agree and can't wait to move in!  Please note that the gentlemen sitting on our couch is our driver Jacky.  He is very kind and speaks English very well.  Ellen is very intrigued by him and always asks, "Where did Jacky go?".

Adjusting to a 12 hour time difference...

If you ask Ellen how to adjust to a 12 hour time difference...her response would be:  lay back on the bed, let your belly hang out and just sleep!  Actually we have been very fortunate and she is doing very good!  4 hour naps rule!

Brunch at the Hilton

On the first Sunday we were in Chongqing we were invited to brunch so we could see some of the Ford families we already know, but also to meet some knew ones as well.  We learned that one family had been here for 6 years and they have a son that is a freshman here.  He said he loves it here!  Another family has already been here a year and they have two daughters.  One is turning three next week, so she and Ellen will be close in age.  There were several other families as well, but most had older children.  We did meet a family that is in our same housing complex, which will be great.  Although, most of the people there live fairly close to us, so it will be fun hanging out and getting to know everyone better.  Of the people there, it sounds like a lot of the kids go to school or some form of daycare.  I am not ready to send Ellen to anything at this time.  I think she would agree with me!  Here is a link to the Hilton so you can see how nice it is!
http://www3.hilton.com/en/hotels/china/hilton-chongqing-CKGHIHI/index.html?WT.srch=1

Here is a website with some information about Chongqing

http://www.chinafacttours.com/chongqing/index.html

The Big Move!

After waiting well over a year, it is official!  We left for Chongqing, China on Wednesday September 19th, 2012.  We spent several days prior to the move with family and friends.  Some may say, we had a lot of goodbyes...but I would not have changed it for anything!  We are very fortunate to have so many loving and caring family and friends.  Most of all, we appreciate your support as we begin this journey.