I was expecting heatwaves and floods, but not this...

[betsyli]

The sister is still sick and not getting any better. Her migraines have stopped, but she's still having intense stomachaches. We don't know if she's having a heatstroke or an allergic reaction to something here

Comments

[robtengel]

Good to know that you are safely arrived. And I hope your sister will be okay soon, so that you can take pics and being all touristy (I love that tag, I really do!)
Think of you! :D

[betsyli]

I'm failing at the touristy part right now (too much staying at the hotel, not enough exploring!), but I shall try to make up for it later on. The only thing is that we were supposed to go to another city today, but depending of how my sister feels...that might not happen, either. *sigh*

Thanks, Rob.

[robtengel]

So, you didn't see much of Shanghai right now? *hugs*
But hey, tell me, what's your feeling about being in China? Great? Weird?

[betsyli]

Unfortunately, no. I spent one evening at the Expo Shanghai and one morning downtown...the rest of the time, we were at the hotel or at the hotel's restaurant.

Great and weird and excited and uncomfortable all at the same time! On one hand I have some memories and expectations about the place which are mostly true, but on the other it`s like this weird mix of North American lifestyle with strong Communist tones. Like this whole censorship thing (Youtube, Facebook, blogspot, etc.) for example. And the are things that I`m not used to having to worry about, like food safety (always wash the chopsticks you are given with takeout, especially if they`re already detached; no eating anything from small street or corner stands; in smaller restaurant put the food in bowls not plates) and personal safety (only take official taxis with logos, don`t let anyone touch your luggage when you get off buses). It`s also sooooooo full of people everywhere.

[betsyli]

Thanks E! We`ll definitively try to get more than just opinion.

(Also, I know that I have stuff with catch up with in your journal. I`ll go read and comment in a sec.)

[andolinn]

Glad to hear that you made it safely! That is a helluva long flight!

Is sis throwing up? Regularly, like every 20 minutes or so? If so, it's either food poisoning or a reaction to something like bacteria she's not used to in the water. Get her bottled water and have her use it for everything, including teeth. Also, feed her things like thin soup that has been boiled.

I got really sick in both Palm Springs and Zion - water both times. But eventually your body does develop resistance.

Good luck! Have a great trip!

[betsyli]

The flight is freaking neverending. Add in the time difference, and it feels like you`ve been travelling forever!

We`ve been careful about the water and she hasn`t eaten enough to actually get food poisoning (I think). She`s not really throwing up, but everry once in a while she will feel nauseous and want to throw up, but not be able to. She hasn`t had any fever and tends to feel better around eveningtime (=morning back home). We`re kind of scratching our heads at what could possibly be ailing her, but family doctor friend has suggested that it`s a heatstroke not from the heat but from the stuffiness and air conditioning. *sigh* Either way, the best remedy is rest and food...so we`re working on that.

Thanks dear! I`ll keep you updated about what I do next.

[crinury]

Hello from across the globe!

So, first things first, I hope your sister recovers quickly, and that it's nothing major. Second, I take it that your luggage has stopped smelling of undiluted perfume! Third, um, internet access rules, so enjoy it while you can? Touristy stuff can wait until everyone can enjoy it :P. I am already envious of the World Expo visit. Hopefully your sister will feel better soon so you can return?

There'll be only good news in your next post, y/y?

[betsyli]

Oh I see, now that I`m in China you finally decide to comment! ;p

Sister is made of weak constitution. Le sigh. `Tofu innards`is the expression that we`ve been tossing around. Also, she`s grown up with the cool crisp air of Brossard, so that didn`t help her build up any kind of immunity to traveling and different climates.

Ugh, Tudi`s shirt. Don`t even mention it. I gave it to Serena and even she was shocked at how strong its smell was!

Expo was kind of a dud, unfortunately. (I`ll try to post the few pics we have of it later on.) We`ve now relocated to Suzhou, where my dad lives when in China, so that the sister can recover and relax. Shanghai and I weren`t meant for each other, this time around...

[betsyli]

Thanks Manda. We`ve temporarily relocated to my dad`s apartment in Suzhou for now, so the Shanghai sightseeing will have to wait, unfortunately.