Wednesday, April 7, 2010

We're Moving

Yes my friends, we are moving to China, specifically Shanghai (on the east coast of the map). In the past I have been fairly vocal about not wanting to move to this very country, but things happen and my heart has been softened. I'm still extremely nervous and I have no idea what I will do with myself while we're there but we will figure it out.


We are doing a "swap" meaning Chris will still be working for LEK just in their Shanghai office. We will be downtown in an area called Pushi (pictured below) and right across the river is Pudong (also pictured below), which to me looks like something straight out of the Jetsons. The swap will last at least 6 months but we are hoping to extend it to 9 months. Chris would really love to live in Asia long-term and this seems like a great way to warm me up to the idea.
I have so many things running through my brain! What to do before we leave? What will it be like when we are there? Will I love it? I hope so.

I'll update the blog when we have more details but we will be leaving sometime at the end of June.

23 comments:

Erinn said...

Oh my goodness!! Chris must be in China heaven! I'm sure you'll love it too. We'll miss you guys!

Brittnie said...

Wow, that is so cool! That will be a big move, but it will be so exciting! Good luck with all the packing and other moving things!

Rachel said...

Holy cow! That seems so soon!
At least there will be good food right?

Andrea Coles said...

I think you'll love it. Not that I've ever been, but I've always been jealous of people whose jobs take them overseas for a while. And it will be cool to have some experts on Asia nearby (Chris's parents).

Just be sure to take a TON of pictures and go out and do a lot of fun things while you're there.

Meg said...

I'm sure you will love it. Plus, you can do anything for 6-9 months. We need to get together more often before you guys leave.

jazmine said...

OH MY GOSH CRAZY!!!!!!!!

The Bredensteiners said...

YEA!!!!!!! Me too, me too!! PLEASE!?

Loralee said...

Kristen,

We've never met but I went go-karting with Chris in Shanghai. I lived there 3 years and if you need any hints or helps please email. You will miss it so much when it's done! I would leave San Diego in a heartbeat to go back.

Loralee

Jessica said...

Wow! It's happening...who would have ever thought! I am sad you are leaving in June since we will be in California in July, but alas... I think you will love it, once you get over the initial culture shock, after that, no problem. I will miss you!

Diane said...

As you know, I am extremely jealous! You will have a great time.

Unknown said...

So excited to come visit!!!!!!

Rian Krommenhoek said...

You will absolutely love it. I can't wait to visit you guys. We love Shanghai. We'll be taking my parents there in July. Hopefully you'll be there by then and we can meet up. Plus, now you have a free place to stay in Beijing. China has been a blessing for us and I'm sure it will be for you too. Let me know if you have any questions. We have some friends in Shanghai too.

Kali said...

Wow! It will be an adventure. I'm with you though. It would seem a little intimidating and I wouldn't know what to do with myself... but an adventure.

Courtney said...

Omg, wow! What a huge transition. I know it must seem scary now, but I'm sure you guys will have no problem adjusting and will end up loving it. We will miss you here and hope that you'll come back though.

And that one picture totally does look like the Jetsons.

Taryn said...

Wow, amazing!! You guys will be missed.

Unknown said...

We are sooooo excited!!!!!!

Larkin Family said...

Best of luck on your new adventure! I know you will have a great experience. :)

Lauren Palmer said...

Ummmm INSANELY FREAKING COOL!! Maybe I should come visit!! I'm totally jealous! Move to Boston next!

Lacy Rane said...

Wow! So exciting. And scary. But mostly exciting!

Steven and Wendy OBryant said...

that's pretty amazing! We're moving to Iowa, haha!!!

Rian Krommenhoek said...

Yes, please give me a call and I can give you the run down on what to bring and what to leave at home. Here is how the time difference works. Add 3 hours to your time and then switch the AM/PM. (6AM in CA = 9PM in Beijing). So it works out that it will be evening for you and morning for me or visa-versa. Try any day. We are out a bit, but we'll figure out a time. You can email me directly at riankro (at) gmail (dot) com.

Rachel said...

wow, i'm a little behind in my blog viewing and just saw this today - what an adventure - i thought Florida was far away! I would probably be scared too, but i know it will be great, such an awesome opportunity! Good luck getting ready these next couple months!!

Kelly said...

Hi Kristen! I'm curious about how your move to China will go and hope you'll update your blog. I got your blog link from Zach's Facebook. We're their old neighbors in Austin, in case you're not sure. Before they sold their house, Julie, Zach, and Chris crashed out our home for a couple of nights and you've probably heard about our family.

Anyway, my husband works for a Taiwanese company and is studying Chinese non-stop and talks about maybe wanting to move to Taiwan, at least for a short time. I can totally relate to your reluctance! I'm an American girl! I wish you well, and who knows, maybe we'll come visit you if you end up there long term. Tell Chris hi and best to you both.