It’s hard to believe I’ve been in Shanghai for two months! Time to catch up…

Moving to Shanghai is a solo venture for me. Which for the most part, I have no problem with…however, there are some times in which having someone around can be helpful. Case in point: 250+ pounds (113+ kilograms) of luggage!

I mean, in the car, it didn’t seem so bad. Having family pull it to the ticket counter didn’t register any problems. Even the ticket agent commenting that I won the “heaviest bags contest” didn’t seem to connect that eventually my bags and I would be all alone. Because I forgot that you have to pick up your luggage BEFORE you go through customs in Shanghai. Which meant that the school rep sent to pick me up wouldn’t be able to help.

So, it was me…and my luggage…and an epic battle to get those heavy bags onto the cart.

Now, I probably could have asked someone to help me lift the bags. But, why ask before I tried it myself? Right?! So, there I stood…cursing myself and wishing I packed less. Did I really need that 10 pound container of hot chocolate? No one needs that many clothes, do they? The dozen containers of sunscreen was probably excessive…I mean, they MUST sell sunscreen here.

It was a full out grudge match between my bags and me…well, between the cart and me–that jerk kept moving! At this point, I didn’t want to ask for help. (Yes, I can be stubborn!) But, you know what? I did it!

I found my way out of customs and to the school rep waiting for me. She helped me get the luggage to the car and they took me to my new apartment. I don’t know what I would’ve done if I had to take a taxi and pull all of it up four flights of stairs on my own!

Interestingly enough, I was unpacked completely the next day. My thought? Man, I clearly didn’t pack enough! Go figure.

I’m sure the next couple months will help me answer that question.

For now:
ME: 1     CHINA: 0

Not that I’m keeping score. 🙂

(Side note: I really didn’t bring 10 pounds of hot chocolate–but I kind of wish I did! What can I say, I have a sweet tooth!)