Obama Re-elected

As planned, Robin and I spent most of today in a hotel ballroom turned red, white and blue with balloons, party hats and flower arrangements. Very patriotic indeed. We were glued to the large screens, watching the numbers change and yellow turn to red or blue on CNN's electoral map. The atmosphere was marked by cautious optimism on all sides. 

When Ohio turned, some applause broke out, but I got the sense that attendees wanted to be respectful of one another's desired outcome. Once CNN projected Obama's win, applause grew louder and you could feel the excitement in the room. At that point, most people chose to leave and get back to their day, but Robin and I closed out the party by staying for the speeches. And though I try to remain mum on politics (lessons learned), tonight I go to sleep a happy and proud American.  

"We remain more than a collection of red states and blue states. We are and forever will be the United States of America." President Barack Obama, November 6, 2012

Zhoumo kuaile!

Happy weekend, everyone! 

No big plans for this weekend (after last weekend’s excitement) other than keeping our cycling legs in shape by going on a long (but not that long) bike ride Saturday or Sunday morning -- perhaps to the Shanghai Pudong Antique Market where we’ll hunt for hidden treasures. I’ve been itching to make our apartment look more like us than a generic, oversized hotel room.

On another note, I received confirmation in the mail yesterday that I’m registered to vote from China, and I just faxed my ballot in from the Ritz-Carlton’s business center. How much does it cost to exercise one’s right to vote from China? Approximately $10.50. All in the name of democracy!

Along with most of you on Tuesday night, my lovely friend Robin and I will be catching the election results Wednesday morning at a party jointly hosted by the American Chamber of Commerce, the U.S. Consulate General and the American Women’s Club of Shanghai. 

"OK" -- two letters that tell me
my vote is in.

P.S. Invitations have been sent and the turkey has been ordered for our first Thanksgiving in Shanghai! We’re having friends from my Chinese class over; three Germans, two Brazilians and one Russian will be joining four Americans for a traditional turkey dinner with all the fixins. More to come on the actual execution of this dinner, given our small kitchen, undersized oven, and hard-to-find ingredients. We're up for the challenge!

Watching Stormin' Sandy in China

Superstorm Sandy is making international headlines over here with constant coverage on CNN and BBC. Be safe, East Coast family and friends!  

On another U.S.-related note, CNN's slogan for the elections is: "The choice is America's, but the impact is on all of us." Something to keep in mind as voting day approaches :)