Are we the only expat family living in Shanghai this summer?

Now that school is over, I’m hoping I am done with the shocked expressions, the gasps of horror and looks of pity when I tell people we are staying in Shanghai for the summer. I guess there’s a formula for how we are supposed to do this expat thing. Since we are atypical expats, I feel like it’s appropriate that we are once again diverging from the typical path.

From what I have learned, most non-working expat spouses take the children and fly off to their home country and visit family and friends and maybe even do a couple vacations. Meanwhile, the working spouse is supposed to suffer alone in steamy Shanghai and fly back and forth if his or her schedule allows. Sounds nice I guess, but it’s just not an option for us. Don’t get me wrong, if money were no object and we could go back and forth more frequently, my attitude might be different. I also totally get why those who are more seasoned expats than us follow these rituals. Seeing friends and family during the summer is completely reasonable and understandable. But for us, a key reason we came to China was because we wanted to come to China as a family.

Yes, I know it’s going to be hot. I’m already feeling that constant sweat every time I go outside. That not so fresh feeling that comes when you sweat, cool off in air conditioning, and sweat again. I'm extra jealous of all who live in complexes with pools. We have a slightly bigger than normal bathtub we can fill with cool water in a pinch. Heat aside, however, I do look forward to time in the city when the kids are not busy with school, we can play and explore and perhaps avoid the crowds. We can take train trips and hopefully have hassle-free ticket buying experiences. Luckily, since we are missing our family and friends a great deal, my husband’s brother is willing to come to visit us in Shanghai in July (he’s as crazy as we are I guess). We have warned him about the heat, but he’s still excited to come see our lives here and spend time with us while the kids are out of school.

Shanghai without all the shoving sounds fine

Last summer was busy with what I assume was overflow Olympics traffic. I’m hoping this summer is less crowded and we have the time of our lives. I’m also hoping for freakishly cool weather that makes the history books as the coldest July-August in Shanghai history. But regardless of the weather, we’ll be together, and that’s what matters most.

Share your summer in Shanghai secrets

Are any other families staying in town this summer? If so, share your summer survival tips with me...and hurry!