Yes, it’s been awhile.  The easy answer (excuse) is work, but the truth runs a bit deeper.

Transitioning between two countries can be challenging, especially when you find yourself in limbo.  When I visit Shanghai I find that I’m no longer a tourist, but have difficulty considering myself a resident.

In the past two months I’ve managed to visit twice and these are my thoughts…

Shanghai, as we may have mentioned earlier, has a vibe that makes it quite livable.  It’s the type of place you can venture out on a Saturday morning to get brunch, see a movie, buy towels for the bathroom, and enjoy a Blizzard at Dairy Queen. Mundane tasks for most, but for us a few bites of banality are rather enjoyable on occasion given the current pace of the universe.

Even on my own I find it easy to venture out as I managed to pick up some items for M; nevertheless you can always find adventure in the simplest of tasks.   Imagine me explaining to a store clerk through pantomime which hairdryer I need to buy for my wife.  All in all the woman was a really good sport, but she had to think it was crazy for a bald white man to be pestering her for something he clearly didn’t need.

Eventually though I tend to grow tired of wandering and make my way back home to the apartment.  M did a fantastic job finding a place that gets amazing sunlight all day without baking any one part of the house.  In terms of space it’s the type of place you can really feel comfortable living with plenty of room for the three of us.

At the same time it’s not like I want to spend a ton of time there either as I can never sit still.  Given the options on TV I think I have a strong case.  Most of CCTVs programs are historical dramas, travel guides, news, sports (plenty of table tennis and badminton), and the occasional recycled foreign program.  Honestly I’m not cut out to be a housewife as I don’t think I can stand watching any more old episodes of Top Gear, Hannah Montana, and Japanese soap operas.  I mean seriously, once Ichiro and Akiko’s wedding was sabotaged, I lost all interest…

Besides there was an eclipse!

Sadly this turned out to be bit of a disappointment in Shanghai as rain spoiled the event.  Don’t get me wrong, it was still really cool, but could have been amazing to see it for real.  Even worse, it’s not like you can stick around and wait for the next one.

Overall I like the place and want to get there soon.  Living apart from the ones you love is something you grow accustomed to as an expat, but without your nucleus it’s really hard.  M is like the glue that keeps me together when it seems like everything else is insane and Gizmo…well…he holds a special place in my heart by helping me realize that life shouldn’t be taken too seriously when there are so many things to check out and urinate on.

So when I visit Shanghai I feel like I’m getting the chance to look into the future for myself and M, when I return to Japan I feel lost in the past.