It was a very blessed and fast five months. Since August 3rd, there were so many experiences we went through, some peculiarly interesting but others not so much, but all very enriching and always with something new to learn.
We lived in a Hotel room for the first two weeks, while seeking for an apartment. Trying to learn the basic of the language and negotiating rent with Chinese landlords (with the help of our HR of course) was not an easy task, but for sure it was fun for those watching. At the end we got ourselves a good deal, and we finally had a home in the city where East meets West.
Neighborhood is great, moving around is easy, with bus and subway nearby, so the weekends went with lots of exploration, visits to different supermarkets (people from São Paulo, you know we love grocery stores) trying to find what we are used to and exploring all alternatives. Okay, not every one, I let go the hundred day eggs.
Our School is great. We were warmly welcomed and felt at home right on day one, with many other new families from around the world, from Uganda to Ukraine. Even two of the current teachers spoke portuguese! A great start for a first time abroad family, and crucial to put everything in good perspective.
Tatiana, my wife, also did another great job finding and talking to the local Brazilian community, putting away a premature home-sickness for our kids, and helping us to adapt and find the best tips on Tao Bao, the major gift to humanity the Chinese technology could have ever given. OK, combined with WeChat.
Anyway, we feel very blessed to be here, and happy to share our life experiences with so many different people, and also strengthening our family bonds. Next week everything will be even better, when my son Guilherme is coming to visit us for a while. We can't wait to see him!
Thanks to everyone that somehow was involved and made this possible, and as this is time to feel grateful and give appreciation to our friends, family, life and its journeys, we wish everyone near and far a Merry Christmas and a Happy new Year. May life be gentle to everyone, filled with love and care.
Feliz Natal!
