It has been a fast and furious couple of days getting things put away while also finishing the paint job.  Saturday was the infamous “Yi Jia” run (IKEA for those in the rest of the world).  Ikea China tops the manic crowds of the US and Hong Kong.  But like the US, it is a “take-away” kind of place.  If you do not have a car, there is a convenient taxi queue – very interesting to see Ikea cartons stuffed and tied into a Shanghai cab.

 

              Living Room                                         Study

After surviving the movers, things are coming together.  The insurance claim continues to mount as the last boxes have been opened and put away.

 

        Master Bedroom                                    Girls Room

The challenge has been not only to find things coming out of the boxes but where to put them.  I have given a directive that “everything must have a home!”.  Easier said than done.  It just means Brenda will have some work to do when she gets back to Shanghai!

  

         Play Room                          Hall – ready for pictures

Linguistics is always a challenge.  I had asked Mr. Nie to get LPG for the barbeque,  as I had explained in Chinese that I wanted a bottle of natural gas.  Well, he proceeded to contact building management to check the gas for the kitchen range top.  I am glad to know all is safe, but I still can not grill.  Two days later, I finally go my point across to Mr. Nie.  He again contacted building management to find where to buy LPG.  Building management promptly arrived at the door with two fire extinguishers telling me that I need to be safe when barbequing.  I have two really nice extinguishers, but still no gas.  You already know “…nothing is easy!”