Back in Shanghai!!!

So it took me about 26 hours door to door to get here... How exhausting... But a bit after I landed I met Rob... And we went to our new apartment... It's so great! It's a great place, great location (very close to the metro station and the big supermarket- how convenient), and the area is really nice.
Today I signed up for uni- took me a bit more than an hour to get there from home- which is fair enough- coz it's gonna take Rob about an hour and a half to get to work every day...

I find it a lot easier to deal with the Chinese ppl here now- coz I've been here before and have been through all the bureaucracy shit. I really don't get excited, plus my Chinese is not great- but still a lot better than what it was the first time I got here. Rob still gets annoyed sometimes. I guess I will get annoyed at some point- but my annoyance bar is a lot higher now...

I really feel at home. It's amazing how I feel comfortable in this huge city. Even though I haven't been to a lot of the places I used to know before. It still feels familiar.

So- expect more stories from the prostitute of the east (=Shanghai- if you've never heard the phrase).

Leaving today...

Haven't heard from Rob since yesterday... I'm worried... I hope he contacts me before I leave today- I'm leaving in 2 hours... And I'm really anxious... I can't even write anything right now... I'll go shower now and get ready... I'll try to write here as soon as I'm online again... I have a 4 hour flight to Frankfurt - then 3 hours in the airport, and then 11 hours to Shanghai. A long trip- and if I wont hear from Rob until I go- I'll go crazy really...
Taking deeeeeeeeeeeeeeep breaths... Trying to relax...

I already miss them

Was at my dad's today. Said goodbye to him, his wife, my aunt and cousin, my grandparents... But the hardest thing was to say goodbye to my brothers. Last time- when I left to China- They were much younger- it was a bit easier to say bye- because they didn't really talk that much, and didn't quite understand. Now- Daniel is more than 5.5 years old, and Gil is more than 3.5 - and they can't stop talking... They are the sweetest things on earth (well... I'm obviously not very objective but... They are!). They never stop telling me how much they love me, and today it was so heart warming- but hard to hear... I told them that I'm going to China, for 7 months, so Daniel said: "oh, that's not a lot at all!" LOL!!! Was really hard to walk away from them this time. This time I know how much they'll grow and change when I wont be around.
So I downloaded Skype to my dad's computer, and told him to buy a webcam and a microphone. I told my brothers that they'll be able to see me and talk to me on the computer- and they were amazed and excited about it. I told them about it because I know that if they know- they'll ask and bug my dad about buying the webcam and mic... hahaha!
Hope I do get to talk to them once a week, and see them... I'll really miss the two little sweet brats!

4 days to go

My flight is in 4 days and 15 hours... Not that I'm counting...

My last few days have been kinda busy. I started packing- to see what I want to take and what not. Needless to say that I was not amused by the whole packing situation. I packed one small suitcase for my dad to take for me- with all my winter clothes. I tried to stuff as many stuff as a could there- and even so- the other suitcase I'm packing for me to take- is so full and so heavy. I just don't wanna buy so much there as I did last time- I have so many clothes- I feel stupid buying more and more there-this time I'm not going to earn any money - and I just don't wanna rely on buying new things. Every hour I think about another big thing I wanna take with me- like my skiing clothes (would have sent them with my dad- but I'm afraid that there's no more space in that suitcase) and my yoga mattress (have to take it!!! Not leaving it behind- I wanna practice yoga there- even bought me a guide book!!!) or my new art cutting equipment that Rob bought me for my birthday- it's handy and I like using it... I have a huge list on my mirror (I write on it with an expo marker) and it grows and grows everyday.
I really hate packing. Especially if it's for so long... I actually have to take clothes for different temperatures- and a few different purposes (living normal life in the city + traveling). It's hard to do so- and just depressing...

***

Last night I went to Yifat's brother's wedding. It was a beautiful wedding. They did it in a reverse style- where you eat dinner before the ceremony- I found it great- and it really makes much more sense. It gives the guests something to look for the whole evening- and plus- you can't be late to the ceremony- because it is actually rather late in the schedule. The wedding itself was really nice too- nice place, nice people, nice food, funny Rabbi... LOL... Was a real show! And after the ceremony we just danced until really late. I was so drunk!!! I really cant remember how many glasses of wine I had... Got home dead tired and drunk...
unfortunately this morning I had to go to Social Security- to fix the payments to them before I go. Apparently it's gonna take 1-2 months (!!!) to send me the booklet with all the payments I have to give them... Amazing... LOL... Very efficient... Whatever- I'm gonna ask my mom to pay that for me- I'll just transfer her the money for it. What's really stupid is that as a person that doesn't work at all I pay more per month than a person who works and earns money. It's so absurd! I never took unemployment money from the government- never took advantage of the system- and that's what I get back- big payments to keep my rights in Israel... Lucky for me I still like this country enough to want to keep my rights...
So after that- I went to my gym especially to meet this guy that read my online add about my subscription (I wanted to sell the rest of it- 4 months). We met in the gym- he said he's interested. We set in front of the nice girl dealing with that kinda stuff- and he already signed the papers. Then he gave me the money for it. One forth of it. I asked- "what's this?" he answered: "the money". I said: "that's only for one month- its four times as much". He said: "oh! I didn't realize!" (obviously not the smartest guy in the world). I was annoyed, he said bye and he's sorry and left. I set there- tears in my eyes from frustration- telling the girl- I can't find anyone to take this damn subscription off of me... She was nice- and in the end- she did exactly what I wanted from starts - she said she's not suppose to do that- and actually she's not allowed to- but she'll cancel my payments... And I'm off the hook... It was really nice of her- and I hope that she won't get into trouble. Still - I kinda got what I wanted (knock on wood - hope no one finds out before it's a done deal).

OK I'm tired now... Going to sleep... In 5 days I'll be on an airplane over China...

Apartment chosen

Today Rob saw another apartment. He sent me the pictures, and we immediately decided that we want to take it. It's big enough for both of us, one bedroom and one living room, everything looks so clean and nice, and it's in our budget, and it's 5 minutes from the metro station.
It's so great that we're already gonna have a place of our own when I arrive... Rob so did all the hard work for me in this case...
Now all I have to do when I get there is go to the university and try to register. I got an e-mail from them saying to come there as soon as I'm in Shanghai. Our apartment is about an hour away from where Rob's gonna work, and it's gonna take me kinda the same time to get to uni. So I feel like we compromised well on the location of the place.
Can't wait.
Can't wait.
Still have so much to do.

The race begins

Had a really busy couple of days. 2 days ago I went all the way to Ashdod to my dad's factory, coz he found someone that was interested in my car. After a few hours drive, and a few hours there- we sold the car. Then I had to drive the car to Tel-Aviv to give it to that person's daughter. Then I took a train back to Haifa. Was so tired that day that I actually fell asleep at 22:30...
Now, after selling the car- I have the money for all the arrangements that I have to do- and the race begins! Selling my car was almost the last task before my flight to China. I can't believe it's so close... 12 days... Its gonna go so fast...

***

Rob's already in Shanghai for a few days now. He started looking at apartments for us. He sent me pictures of 2 of them that are an option. The one is really nice and big and clean- but a bit more expensive than what we thought to spend (but we might spend that much if we really like the place), and on the 5th floor without an elevator. The second apartment is smaller, not as nice and not so clean, but in our budget and on 7th floor- with elevator. Dilemma...
I told him that I think he (or we, when I'm already there) should look at some more places. He's going to that area now- to see if he can find some more real estate agencies.

***

Last night I met some friends of mine from the virtual community I participate in. It was such a nice evening. We were 4 girls and lots of food (always good!). The thing that was really nice was that all four of us have a partner (either boyfriend or husband) from a different country.
When I joined the "Mixed Couples" forum online, I did it coz I really needed to talk to people that are in the same situation as me. I felt like even my best friends couldn't really understand what I was talking about- even though they are all supportive of me and very happy for me with this relationship. I needed something more than that. I needed someone that has actually been through all this before, or going through this right now. Since I'm a part of that forum- I feel a lot stronger, and a lot less confused about my life. Well... At least less confused about questions that regard this relationship.

It's sinking in

Rob's on his way to Shanghai right now. He still has about 3 hours to go till landing. The last few days, while he was packing his stuff, and spending time with his family- it hit me: he's leaving soon to China, which means that I'M NEXT. It suddenly sunk in that it's really close. I think it made me more excited than him about his flight.
I still have 15 days to go- which is not a lot really. There's so much I still have to do... Like getting the Chinese Visa. And going over my Chinese (still VERY lazy...). And packing up- deciding what to take and what not. Buying all kinds of stuff I know I can't find there. I think I need a list.

***

Not doing anything can be a lot of "work". Well it can really be a time spender. I read all day, and I go to the gym, and everyday I do one chore. Like today I called my x-boss and told her where to send the last paycheck to. And I took my car out of the garage. And went to the gym. A busy day! LOL... It's so sad- I can't stop laughing...
So you see... Right now It's not the most amusing thing- to read my blog- but I assure you! In 2 weeks time- It'll be a lot better...

"Is he Jewish?"

That's the first question that people ask me after I tell them my boyfriend's from Germany. Well not entirely true- it actually goes a bit more like this: (after we've established the fact that my boyfriend is not from Israel):
- "Where is he from?"
- "Germany"
_ "......... (weird awkward face followed by a forced smile) ...... Is he Jewish???"
- "Nop"
- (now there's another awkward face followed with another forced smile)
"... Where does he live now? In Germany?"
- " Yep"
- "Isn't it hard? A long distance relationship?"
- "Well, we got used to it, and we know it's temporary"

That's just a short part of the conversations I usually have with all the "Neshume Tehorot" (Pure souls- from Yiddish - obviously sarcastic) that hear about my relationship.

You get used to it. To the faces, and the questions.

Next time I might give you a taste of the questions we've been asked in the airport, by the security people. It's even more invasive than this!!!

Empty house!!!

Took my mom to the airport- she's going to Sinai, her monthly visit. Never thought I'd be so happy to be alone again... :-) ... I feel like a teenager who's parents left for a week leaving her at home with the dog- letting her know they don't want her to have any parties and no boys!!!
Well it's a bit different now I guess... But it still feels sweet.
My car's in the garage again- for some repairs - maybe my last hope to sell it...

***

When I left my moms place- to move to my own apartment- I remember that one of the things I knew I'd miss most was the view to the sea. The sunsets over the valley, the way the sun looks just like a biscuit dipping in the big cup of coffee. It was hard to admit that I wont be able to afford this kind of view. As soon as I admitted it- I found a place I liked.
As time passed I got used to the environment around me, and got to really like where I lived.
Now, after coming back to the place where I grew up, to the views I missed every time I left for more than a day, I appreciate it- no doubt, but I didn't find myself looking at the sea, telling myself how much I've missed it. Living on my own, marking my own territory in a new place, still the same city I grew up in, but a different area- was so worth it. That alone had all the meaning in the world- and I didn't really need the view to make me feel better.
Plus- I could still see the sea whenever I wanted to.



***

Changes in life

It's unbelievable how boring life can be at one point, and how stormy it can be after a second. Just a month ago I was still wondering about my near future. 2 months ago was sure Rob's gonna come here for his internship and I'll work teaching English in kindergartens. I had an apartment that was all set to "absorb" us as a couple, and everything seemed obvious and normal and routine. But then came the stupid war, and changed my life. Completely. In a week we decided that Israel 2006-2007 is not the place for us, and we should look for a new place. Rob suggested a few places on earth. I chose China. Preferably Shanghai.

I was considering a few aspects in this decision:
1. I was already there- the shock will be a bit more subtle.
2. I already started learning the language- must be easier than starting something from scratch
3. Going to an English speaking country- gives me no benefit- I already know the language- so no language to learn- and getting a working permit in these countries for me is almost impossible.

Fortunately Rob found a place close to Shanghai.
He's flying there on Sunday, its 4 days from now... His flight makes mine closer and closer... I wish I flew with him, or at least at the same time, but I've decided to stay here for a couple of reasons: the first would be to stay here for the holiday (Rosh Hashana) on the 22nd with my mom. The second is Yifat's brother's wedding on the 20th. So I've decided to take a flight right after the holiday on the 26th of September.

To finish with what I said in the beginning- how unbelievable it is that one second your life can be so boring and the other so stormy- now it seems like I have nothing to do- I have no job, and the only highlight of my day is the gym- and even that- I'm a bit too lazy to go...
I have started going over my Chinese notes, but found that its rather hard to do that alone with no push from anyone else... But I'll just have to do it.

Back Home

Was at Yifat's for 2 days. Was GREAT! We went out on both nights, the first I got kinda drunk, the second- I learnt from the last one to not mix alcohol (it seems like we never really learn, right?) couldn't get much sleep the first night coz of the nausea... lol... We went to the uni's pool yeasterday (the nice lady let me in for free, from the back gate - coz there's no way to get in unless you buy a 5 entrance ticket for 200 nis) after that we went for indian food- in a really cheap great little restaurent, where you sit on cushions outside, and there's only vegetarian food. On the way south to Yifat, I met a person about my car. I still have my car- do the math. It's really hard to sell my car because it was a rental before. I hate lying to people's faces. I'm no saint, but now i know there are a few things wrong with it- and I can't stand in front of a person- and try to sell him or her a "damaged" car. It's not on such bad shape- I must say- but well... it's not perfect... Dahhhh!!! it's a used car!!! It seems like everyone here is trying to get a perfect car, for really cheap. Stupid people.
Today I left, and started driving to the north. Stopped at my dad's for a short visit- saw my lil bros, had some fun with them. Then headed home. I miss having my own place, but here it does feel more like home than anywhere else right now...
I must admit that I CAN'T wait for my flight. It's in exatly 3 weeks. Still have to get back to this one Chinese uni in Shanghai- the only one that said- "OK - you can sign up- if you're willing to catch up on the program yourself" (I'm gonna get there 2 weeks after the semester starts). It's not gonna be easy- but I'll start going over my Chinese books tomorrow.
Gonna go to sleep soon- after I'll have some quality time with myself...

Going away

I'm goin away for 2-3 days, to visit Yifat, in Beer Sheva. I really need this break from here- at my moms... It's been an educating experience... I've learnt that a 26 year old CAN'T live with a 50 year old. I've learnt that I LOVE LIVING ALONE. I've learnt that I'm just not myself anymore- coz I really don't spend so much time with myself in my own environment anymore. I wonder how it'll be when I'll live with Rob. I mean- I obviously feel a lot more like myself around him than around my mom- he doesn't try to shove food into my mouth. He doesn't ask me a milion questions a minute. He doesn't listen to my phone conversations (well to be fair- he doesn't understand them... they're in Hebrew...) but he doesn't. I must admit- my mom is really one of the nicest people i know, and one of the most interesting people i know. But living with her... being with her for hours every day (I have absolutely nothing to do except for the gym... how sad)... That's practicaly impossible...

So- I'm going away for a few days, just to be myself again. Go out, go to the pool, be with my friend. Be me.

ummmmm... technical problems...

I'm trying to change the blogs look... IT DOESN'T WORK!

Read the help, read all the instructions... It shows on the preivew - the look I want- but here- still looks shit!!!

Troubles of the rich???


ok ok found the reason- it doesn't work well with firefox... how sad.... i'll have to use the explorer... :-(

First post

Ok... first post...
Still in Israel- going to Shanghai in exactly 24 days, but who's counting...
Was wondering if i wanna post here in Hebrew or English... started in English but can't promise I wont switch to Hebrew every now and again...
Didn't even start going over my Chinese books- and haven't decided yet if I really wanna sign up for the only uni that ever replyed... what to do what to do... In a way I think its my only option- and it means i'll have to really sit on my ass and study Chinese in the next few weeks- otherwise there's no point 4 signing up to uni there. The problem is that the uni is, how to say, not very close to the south- and Rob's work will be at least an hour south to Shanghai... So I'll have to decide what to do real soon....
Ok, enough for now....