And so it has begun....

First off, thank you to our friends and family back home who have been so supportive in our journey and decision to come to China. We couldn't have made this transition without you. Having said that, we very much look forward to all of you hopefully visiting and us in turn visiting the states.

It has been almost a week and half since Felipe arrived and already it feels as if we have done and explored so much of our new home city. We are now staying in the Marvel Hotel which is bordered by People's Square, a large green expanse (by Shanghai standards). Felipe quickly enrolled in Mandarin classes (classes are held five days a week, 3 hours a day) as soon as he arrived and has already shown tremendous improvement. We have also joined a gym called Physical to help get us into a regular routine and Jackie hopes to attend her first masters workout this week (it's not really a team, more like a few people swimming together).

Cute Brunch place called Keven Cafe that we found in the French Concession neighborhood - yesterday was the first day it was sunny and didn't rain all week!

One location of our gym, Physical (it's the top floor of a shopping mall - pictured below)

EXPO 2010 Logo and Mascot "Haibao"

Intersection outside our hotel

Not knowing what we were getting ourselves into, this much is already clear: Shanghai has really good food! Apart from the food, Shanghai also has distinct and unique neighborhoods that we have been busy exploring.

Guotie place (fried dumplings) that my dad recommended! 2 minutes from our hotel.

Beijing Roast Duck

Hainese Chicken (with the head and all!)

Felipe is an expert at eating with chopsticks!

Bamboo Chicken Sticks

Pork Kastu Fried Rice

We explored the Bund area which is a one mile expanse of boardwalk along the Huangpu River which separates Puxi (where we live) from Pudong (the financial center). It used to house many of the country's bank headquarters with traditional European architecture and has now been coverted into posh hotels, uber trendy lounges and nightclubs and a newly renovated boardwalk.

Cruise ship amongst other interesting boats in the harbor

The Boardwalk

Pudong on the otherside of the Huangpu River.

We have also been lucky enough to meet some really cool people and make new friends.

Glamour Bar at 5 on the Bund

We have lots more to experience and look forward to sharing it all with you!