Comments on: FAQ re: “Now, Four Years” http://www.db3.net/blog An American family living in China...for what was supposed to be two years Wed, 07 Jan 2009 04:46:57 +0000 http://wordpress.org/?v=2.6 By: Dave http://www.db3.net/blog/four-years/#comment-6745 Dave Wed, 08 Oct 2008 16:23:22 +0000 http://www.db3.net/blog/index.php/four-years#comment-6745 Amber, The things we would miss the most (if we didn't bring them) are heath and beauty products. Many items we bring can be bought here but with a lot of the quality control issues and high cost, we prefer to bring our own. These include toothpaste, soap, deodorant, moisturizers, vitamins, ibuprofen, cosmetics and a number of other things. You should also bring "contingency" items that you would never consider needing in the U.S. like a head lice kit, wart removers, anti-fungals, etc. We've been lucky to not need these but we've seen enough friends kids have issues. Tip: If you buy brands like Neutrogena or Ponds at Costco in big multi-pacs, you need to remember that these are promoted as premium luxury items here and can run a risk of being taken by customs from your shipment. 6 bottles of our Neutrogena face wash mysteriously disappeared from our shipment and I'm sure the customs agent's wife was happy that night. We were able to buy a small bottle here but it cost 3 times as much here. So bring these items in your suitcase. The number one craving amongst Americans is for Mexican food. Bring various Mexican seasonings and sauces if it's something you eat regularly in the U.S. Amber,
The things we would miss the most (if we didn’t bring them) are heath and beauty products. Many items we bring can be bought here but with a lot of the quality control issues and high cost, we prefer to bring our own. These include toothpaste, soap, deodorant, moisturizers, vitamins, ibuprofen, cosmetics and a number of other things. You should also bring “contingency” items that you would never consider needing in the U.S. like a head lice kit, wart removers, anti-fungals, etc. We’ve been lucky to not need these but we’ve seen enough friends kids have issues.

Tip: If you buy brands like Neutrogena or Ponds at Costco in big multi-pacs, you need to remember that these are promoted as premium luxury items here and can run a risk of being taken by customs from your shipment. 6 bottles of our Neutrogena face wash mysteriously disappeared from our shipment and I’m sure the customs agent’s wife was happy that night. We were able to buy a small bottle here but it cost 3 times as much here. So bring these items in your suitcase.

The number one craving amongst Americans is for Mexican food. Bring various Mexican seasonings and sauces if it’s something you eat regularly in the U.S.

]]> By: Amber http://www.db3.net/blog/four-years/#comment-6637 Amber Thu, 25 Sep 2008 16:19:51 +0000 http://www.db3.net/blog/index.php/four-years#comment-6637 Hello! My husband and I are planning to move to Wuhan. We have been to Dalian twice for 6 weeks each time but we are at a loss for what to take when actually moving. Can you give us some packing advice? What does your wife miss the most? Thank you for your time! Hello! My husband and I are planning to move to Wuhan. We have been to Dalian twice for 6 weeks each time but we are at a loss for what to take when actually moving. Can you give us some packing advice? What does your wife miss the most? Thank you for your time!

]]> By: Melissa http://www.db3.net/blog/four-years/#comment-6538 Melissa Sat, 30 Aug 2008 15:13:31 +0000 http://www.db3.net/blog/index.php/four-years#comment-6538 Hi David and family, I've been following your blog spot since 2007 because I moved to Shanghai with my family of 4 in Jan. 2008. It's been great to hear of your "challenges" before we got here and to imagine what life would be like here. Now, it's interesting to hear of your experience being here 2 more years ahead of us. I can see the "phases" now that an expat goes thru during the post here. I think we are in the "cultural awareness" phase but my kids are still in the "shock" phase. How's your daughter adjusting? I have an 11 and 13 year old who are missing the "superficial" things from the USA. (Krispy Kreme, Cinemark movies with butter popcorn, etc...) I can't seem to make them appreciate that we are experiencing something not everyone gets to do here. Anyway, we are hoping for a good year and school starts on Monday. We need a routine for sure. Hope your family is well and keep up the posting! Melissa Owen Shanghai Hi David and family,
I’ve been following your blog spot since 2007 because I moved to Shanghai with my family of 4 in Jan. 2008. It’s been great to hear of your “challenges” before we got here and to imagine what life would be like here. Now, it’s interesting to hear of your experience being here 2 more years ahead of us. I can see the “phases” now that an expat goes thru during the post here. I think we are in the “cultural awareness” phase but my kids are still in the “shock” phase. How’s your daughter adjusting?
I have an 11 and 13 year old who are missing the “superficial” things from the USA. (Krispy Kreme, Cinemark movies with butter popcorn, etc…) I can’t seem to make them appreciate that we are experiencing something not everyone gets to do here. Anyway, we are hoping for a good year and school starts on Monday. We need a routine for sure.
Hope your family is well and keep up the posting!
Melissa Owen
Shanghai

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