Send Flowers to Iran AND Persian Carpets to Japan

Monday, February 9, 2009

What's this contraption?

Last November, we successfully managed to move to a new apartment. Because of the Olympics and the upcoming EXPO 2010, rents in Shanghai have doubled and hence, we have no choice but to give our 2-floor 3LDK to a smaller 2-floor 2LDK which is just big enough for a 2 people.

Anyway, thanks to my so-so Chinese language skills we ended up with a half-furnished apartment. I managed only to request the following items --queen-sized bed for each room, aircon with heater function, TV and DVD, washing machine, and oven. Well, the 3000 RMB per month rent seems reasonable considering that this is located in an upperclass neighborhood.

When we finally got our keys, we were suprised that we don't have any wooden flooring on the first floor, no curtains, no tables, no sofa, and worse -- NO REFRIGERATOR -- something which has completely slipped my mind.

When we were moving in, we saw this contraption lying on the floor. We wonder what it could be.
M bet that it's a vacuum cleaner. I thought it's a heater for the first floor. Somehow we both agreed that it is just an egg decoration.

Anyway, we agreed to spring up another 200RMB per month for the flooring, window curtains, shower curtains, internet connection, and a portable heater for the first floor. But they won't agree to give us a real refrigerator. Because they have already given us one.. Lo and behold!!

It's a mini-fridge. It may be small but don't underestimate it. Today it is half-empy, and see how it can fit in a bottle of milk, a carton of juice, meat, cheese, and other goodies. As for our water, we have somehow adapted to the Chinese culture -- no cold water -- for LIFE! (Well according to research drinking cold water after meals can increase the risk of heart diseases.)

2 HIT back:

Nessa said...

Oh my goodness! I never would have guessed! I cannot believe how much stuff you have in there with space to spare!

Thanks for stopping by my homemaking blog! I am going am totally up for a link exchange! I am on my way to add you there now.

www.txhousewife.blogspot.com

The Antiques Diva™ said...

This is amazing - I've never seen anything like it! Culture Shock, indeed! Welcome to the world of blogging, and it was nice to "meet you" today at my blog.

Have you heard of http://www.expatwomen.com/?
You should register your blog with them - so other expat's can more easily find you. It's a great resource for expats (and bloggers).

Nice meeting you,
Cheers!
Toma