Big City Problems

There are pros and cons to living in a huge city. Same goes for the country and suburbs too, obviously.

Living in Shanghai is really starting to become enjoyable. There really is so much to do, getting around is a piece of cake, and the food options are endless!

However...

At home, a person might bail on plans due to inclement weather or even a storm warning. Administrators cancel school because the roads are too snowy or icy, leaving kids with a surprise day off filled with fun winter adventures.

In Shanghai, things get cancelled due to the horrible air quality. Last year, I didn't really think twice about it. At school, I'd line my kids up for P.E. and another teacher would tell me I couldn't take them outside because the pollution was too bad. I pretty much just laughed at this, thinking it was ridiculous. But, following her advice, the kids would instead have a game day in the classroom.

A few weeks ago, I made the mistake of downloading an air quality app on my iPod. I check that thing obsessively. OBSESSIVELY.

Here's the scale of air quality that the U.S. Consulate uses for Shanghai:

I guess now that we're having a kid of our own, I feel a little more cautious. I'm even looking into air purifiers for those days when you just shouldn't go outside. Last night the pollution was in the dark purple section, it's slowly coming down. I don't think I've ever seen it green before. I wonder what that feels like.

You really can tell when the pollution is high. You can feel it in your eyes and throat. And sometimes you can see the haze. It's pretty gross. When Jack was visiting, she said she could feel it on her skin and clothes. I think I must have just gotten used to it! I admit, I think it's counterproductive to wash my clothes and then hang them outside to dry. Did I mention that I miss having a dryer?

I've definitely turned into one of those people who cancels plans due to bad air quality.

Anywho, things aren't all bad. Now I just really appreciate those low pollution days when they make their appearance.