Showing posts with label Home. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Home. Show all posts
Saturday, February 23, 2013
Friday, June 29, 2012
The Little Place We Call Home
I have had some requests for a picture tour of the apartment. So, here we go! Of course, all pictures were taken after my helper cleaned. I myself am not so great at keeping the place clean and wouldn't want to post that evidence for the world to see.
Our complex has many different floor plans. Clif and I are in one of the smaller units, but it is actually similar in size to our house in the States, minus the basement. I was never a fan of apartment living, so I am happy to only have one other apartment on the floor and it is currently empty. We rented a furnished apartment and the only furniture we brought with us is what you will see in the nursery. I am not crazy about the decor/furniture, but for our short-term assignment I can't complain. Alright, let's get this started....
Since it is not typical to wear your shoes in the house, many apartments have some sort of shoe storage. We requested a shoe cabinet and got a rather large one. I was leery of leaving our shoes in the hall at first, but so far they have all remained in their place!
Living Room:
This picture was taken after our Ayi left. She always displays our pillows neatly! Thankfully the retro purple chair has found a new home hiding in our bedroom and been replaced by the cozy recliner. Mr. Wang had to help Clif bring the chair up and was quite intrigued with the puffiness. The apartment is also outfitted with heated floors. At first I didn't think I would care one way or the other, but in reality it is quite fantastic.
Still in the living room. While it appears I have filled the cabinet with my shopping habits, you can see I still have an entire shelf that remains empty.
Dining Room
Across from the living room is the dining room. We have a rather large table which seemed like a good idea for entertaining. Though we have been here for nearly four months and have entertained only once.
Kitchen
The kitchen is connected to the dining room. There are glass doors that can be closed as there are no air vents in kitchens or bathrooms to provide air or heat. I haven't found this to be a problem. The only thing I miss is a dishwasher. Apartments larger than ours have them. We do have a sanitizer drawer. Never been used. They could have made better use of the space with a small dishwasher. On the counter you see our drinking water. Faucet water is not safe to drink.
Utility Balcony
This balcony is off the kitchen. You can see our washer, dryer, and utility sink. While I am very thankful to have both a washer and dryer, they have the smallest capacity known to man. A dryer is a bit of a luxury as most Chinese just hang their clothes out to dry. I can't help but think they just get dirty that way with the smog and copious amounts of dust that quickly accumulates on the balcony. Out here is also the air conditioner, water heater, gas line, and such.
Office: While this isn't advertised as an office, we requested office furniture to be put in there. Technically, it is a storage room, but this is where Clif conducts his night meetings in the most uncomfortable chair. Last week I caught him squatting in the chair in the fashion of what we like call the "Chinese leisure position" (you can find a previous post if you are curious). He also has a gorgeous view of the utility balcony.
Master Bedroom
Seeing as how I prefer not to share blankets, Clif and I have an array of blankets and pillows. I also typically do not make the bed. However, my Ayi attempts to make it look presentable which is the bane in Clif's nighttime routine because she like to layer our blankets in this order: his, mine, his, mine. Clif is then required to sort them out before going to bed. I think it is nice, so no complaints from me!
Another view of the master. You see the "dresser" I requested. There is a little hallway coming into the room. To the right is all closets, to the left in the master bath. Nothing to fancy. We are not allowed to put any kinds of holes in the walls, do I just prefer to leave them blank.
Master Bathroom
I very much like the bathroom. The tub is so nice and I can't help but soaking in it. There is also the Japanese toilet complete with bidee, towel warmer (I have yet to use), vanity, and shower. Along with a venting system you are also able to set a timer and have warm air, which is great for getting out of the shower and not getting chilly!
Guest Bedroom
We mostly use this room for storage. If you choose to come visit I may be willing to purchase a mattress pad so you do not have to sleep on a cement block. I will try my best to find a more Western mattress pad, as the Chinese definition is much different than we American's are used to.
We purchased the the crib and dresser before we left from the US. I wasn't exactly sure what I would find here and to what safety standards it would be held to. The glider is a gift from my parents and is quite comfy.
Just a view of the other side of the room. The rug was a flea market purchase.
That pretty much wraps up the tour! I really enjoy the compound and the apartment is quite nice. It is a cozy little place to come back too when you need a break from the world outside!
Our complex has many different floor plans. Clif and I are in one of the smaller units, but it is actually similar in size to our house in the States, minus the basement. I was never a fan of apartment living, so I am happy to only have one other apartment on the floor and it is currently empty. We rented a furnished apartment and the only furniture we brought with us is what you will see in the nursery. I am not crazy about the decor/furniture, but for our short-term assignment I can't complain. Alright, let's get this started....
Since it is not typical to wear your shoes in the house, many apartments have some sort of shoe storage. We requested a shoe cabinet and got a rather large one. I was leery of leaving our shoes in the hall at first, but so far they have all remained in their place!
This picture was taken after our Ayi left. She always displays our pillows neatly! Thankfully the retro purple chair has found a new home hiding in our bedroom and been replaced by the cozy recliner. Mr. Wang had to help Clif bring the chair up and was quite intrigued with the puffiness. The apartment is also outfitted with heated floors. At first I didn't think I would care one way or the other, but in reality it is quite fantastic.
Still in the living room. While it appears I have filled the cabinet with my shopping habits, you can see I still have an entire shelf that remains empty.
Front Balcony
Our balcony has been covered in decking, which is a nice touch. I neglected to clean it for months, however our Ayi has returned it to its original glory. Thank you Xaio Ping! You can also see the flower I wasn't able to keep alive. Both Clif and Xaio Ping have told me I watered them too much. Clif was embarrassed by them and moved them away from the edge where passer-byres could see them in their sad state. You can also see Clif's fold-able bike. Yep, it folds up. The only thing you can't see is the lake. Since we are only on the second floor, we did not get one of the nice lake views.
Across from the living room is the dining room. We have a rather large table which seemed like a good idea for entertaining. Though we have been here for nearly four months and have entertained only once.
The kitchen is connected to the dining room. There are glass doors that can be closed as there are no air vents in kitchens or bathrooms to provide air or heat. I haven't found this to be a problem. The only thing I miss is a dishwasher. Apartments larger than ours have them. We do have a sanitizer drawer. Never been used. They could have made better use of the space with a small dishwasher. On the counter you see our drinking water. Faucet water is not safe to drink.
Utility Balcony
This balcony is off the kitchen. You can see our washer, dryer, and utility sink. While I am very thankful to have both a washer and dryer, they have the smallest capacity known to man. A dryer is a bit of a luxury as most Chinese just hang their clothes out to dry. I can't help but think they just get dirty that way with the smog and copious amounts of dust that quickly accumulates on the balcony. Out here is also the air conditioner, water heater, gas line, and such.
Office: While this isn't advertised as an office, we requested office furniture to be put in there. Technically, it is a storage room, but this is where Clif conducts his night meetings in the most uncomfortable chair. Last week I caught him squatting in the chair in the fashion of what we like call the "Chinese leisure position" (you can find a previous post if you are curious). He also has a gorgeous view of the utility balcony.
Seeing as how I prefer not to share blankets, Clif and I have an array of blankets and pillows. I also typically do not make the bed. However, my Ayi attempts to make it look presentable which is the bane in Clif's nighttime routine because she like to layer our blankets in this order: his, mine, his, mine. Clif is then required to sort them out before going to bed. I think it is nice, so no complaints from me!
Another view of the master. You see the "dresser" I requested. There is a little hallway coming into the room. To the right is all closets, to the left in the master bath. Nothing to fancy. We are not allowed to put any kinds of holes in the walls, do I just prefer to leave them blank.
I very much like the bathroom. The tub is so nice and I can't help but soaking in it. There is also the Japanese toilet complete with bidee, towel warmer (I have yet to use), vanity, and shower. Along with a venting system you are also able to set a timer and have warm air, which is great for getting out of the shower and not getting chilly!
Guest Bathroom
No fancy toilet or tub, just a large shower.
We mostly use this room for storage. If you choose to come visit I may be willing to purchase a mattress pad so you do not have to sleep on a cement block. I will try my best to find a more Western mattress pad, as the Chinese definition is much different than we American's are used to.
To end the tour we have the nursery where baby Gerke will soon be rocked to sleep.
We purchased the the crib and dresser before we left from the US. I wasn't exactly sure what I would find here and to what safety standards it would be held to. The glider is a gift from my parents and is quite comfy.
Just a view of the other side of the room. The rug was a flea market purchase.
That pretty much wraps up the tour! I really enjoy the compound and the apartment is quite nice. It is a cozy little place to come back too when you need a break from the world outside!
Monday, April 9, 2012
It's a Beautiful Day in the Neighborhood
Some days things can get a little slow around here, so I decided to take you on a tour of our complex. Plus it gave me the perfect excuse to check up on the caged pigeon I am so concerned about.
Our complex is called Marina Cove Garden, don't ask me how to say that in Chinese I have only taken two Mandarin lessons. It is divided into blocks (or buildings) and offers a variety of floor plans. There are multiple gates from which you can enter, all are manned by security guards. The building shown above houses a lounge, spa, restaurant and indoor pool.
Next, we have our building. We live on the second floor. There are two apartments per floor and we are currently the only ones living on our floor.
Many of the trees and bushes are in bloom. There are all kinds of flowering plants around the complex. It is also not uncommon to look out a window and see workers weeding the lawn by hand.
There is a stream of sorts that flows through part of the complex. It is full of different colored goldfish.
It is along this path where I also discovered the pet pigeon, or as someone suggested, a messenger pigeon. I sneaked a picture of him. I am pretty sure every time I walk by he calls to me free him. Poor guy.
May I interest you in a round of golf?
Short on time?
No worries, there are only two holes.
This may look like an innocent walk way, but just two days ago I met a women who has two small children. On a windy day last weekend she was stopped on the bridge and let go of her stroller to say something to her other son, when a gust of wind tipped her stroller, baby included, in the pond. Frightening.
We also have a ridiculously large outdoor pool. I am told the Chinese are not much for swimming, so it is pretty wide open in the summer. It seems as though I may regret the decision to not pack our Funoodles. This pool is also a goldmine of confusing signs. If you are a friend on Facebook you might already be aware that there is to be no slapsticking, ducking, duching, relying, or use of life-saving beds.
The building behind the pool houses a small gym, bad-mitten courts, fencing, yoga, spinning, and ping-pong. On top of the building is a grilling patio.
All-in-all it is a pretty nice place to live. There are walking path's all through the complex and lots of places to sit and relax should one choose.
It is also a very short walk to two international grocery stores, many restaurants, bakery, Starbucks and Cold Stone Creamery. Some day soon I will try the green tea ice cream!
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| This is the main entrance. Not the greatest photo, but this whole front is a water fountain that is occasionally turned on. |
Next, we have our building. We live on the second floor. There are two apartments per floor and we are currently the only ones living on our floor.
Many of the trees and bushes are in bloom. There are all kinds of flowering plants around the complex. It is also not uncommon to look out a window and see workers weeding the lawn by hand.
There is a stream of sorts that flows through part of the complex. It is full of different colored goldfish.
It is along this path where I also discovered the pet pigeon, or as someone suggested, a messenger pigeon. I sneaked a picture of him. I am pretty sure every time I walk by he calls to me free him. Poor guy.
May I interest you in a round of golf?
Short on time?
No worries, there are only two holes.
This may look like an innocent walk way, but just two days ago I met a women who has two small children. On a windy day last weekend she was stopped on the bridge and let go of her stroller to say something to her other son, when a gust of wind tipped her stroller, baby included, in the pond. Frightening.
The building behind the pool houses a small gym, bad-mitten courts, fencing, yoga, spinning, and ping-pong. On top of the building is a grilling patio.
This building is directly behind our block. It has a small convenience store, basketball/tennis courts, billiards, indoor/outdoor play grounds, library (with only Chinese books), and what I believe to be a small theater where you can watch strange and/or outdated movies.
All-in-all it is a pretty nice place to live. There are walking path's all through the complex and lots of places to sit and relax should one choose.
It is also a very short walk to two international grocery stores, many restaurants, bakery, Starbucks and Cold Stone Creamery. Some day soon I will try the green tea ice cream!
Wednesday, April 4, 2012
Finding the Sweet Spot
You may remember our post about household cheat sheets. I didn't think we would need one for the stove, but I was wrong. So...for the benefit of all those who follow, here is a cheat sheet for the stove. I've taken the liberty of translating some semi-descriptive pictures into English.
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| It's just like a woman...I encourage a delicate touch. |
Saturday, March 10, 2012
Cheat Sheets and the Red Button
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| Where is the mute button? |
After moving into the apartment, we discovered another challenge about living in China. A seemingly minor one, but a major pain none the less.
Thursday, February 16, 2012
HHI Suzhou Edition - The Dramatic Conclusion
Viewing a dozen homes in two days was easy. Narrowing the choices down to a top three was easy. Picking an absolute favorite was really difficult.
We'll be getting the awesome clubhouse (which probably deserves it's own post), heated floors and the outdoor laundry room. Previously known as option two in our teaser post, we'll live in a swanky 1800 sq ft apartment in Marina Cove Gardens. I'd mention the price, but such talk is uncivilized - even we weren't allowed to know until the deal was settled.
Here is a link to the apartment complex's site, which you won't be able to read...but click around on the menus to see some other pictures.
As of press time, we have a verbal agreement from all parties on lease terms. The paperwork is being shuffled and we're awaiting a FIRM confirmation from Doris Du at Joanna Real Estate. Doris was very helpful and speaks very good English.
We'll be getting the awesome clubhouse (which probably deserves it's own post), heated floors and the outdoor laundry room. Previously known as option two in our teaser post, we'll live in a swanky 1800 sq ft apartment in Marina Cove Gardens. I'd mention the price, but such talk is uncivilized - even we weren't allowed to know until the deal was settled.
Here is a link to the apartment complex's site, which you won't be able to read...but click around on the menus to see some other pictures.
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| Living room |
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| Balcony on the second floor |
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| Dining room, looking into kitchen |
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| Sixty inches of high definition |
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| Kitchen |
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| "That Other Balcony" |
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| Master bathroom, with Japanese toilet |
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| Master bedroom |
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| The bed you will sleep in during your visit |
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| Peanut's room |
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| Floor plan courtesy szmcgarden.com |
As of press time, we have a verbal agreement from all parties on lease terms. The paperwork is being shuffled and we're awaiting a FIRM confirmation from Doris Du at Joanna Real Estate. Doris was very helpful and speaks very good English.
Friday, February 10, 2012
House Hunters International: Suzhou Edition
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| Shayne's giant bowl of Chinese "sum-ting-oar-other " |
Today we viewed 10 apartments at 4 different complexes, tomorrow we're slated to view some single family homes. We did learn two more facts to prepare for: The Chinese do not heat common areas such as lobbies. Brr....And a can of imported Hormel chili might cost you $5.00.
We think we have narrowed today's choices down to three favorites, here they are in no particular order:
Will they choose the spacious layout with large walk-in closet but lack of community green space?
Or will it be the unit with endless clubhouse amenities, heated floors but an outdoor laundry room?
Maybe they'll choose the well appointed highrise apartment with lovely grounds but a small galley kitchen?
Stay tuned to see what they choose.
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