Quarantine in Shanghai is currently a 21 day requirement. The first 14 days are in a government mandated hotel. After completing your 14 days in a hotel, you will then quarantine for an additional 7 days either at your residence or another hotel. The first 14 days are ‘isolation’ and the extra 7 are ‘observation’ with a bit more freedom. PCR tests and temperature checks will be taken throughout and meals will be left outside your door. Let the cabin fever filled adventure begin!

Day 1

After about 22 hours of traveling, arriving at my hotel for quarantine was what I was looking forward to. I wanted to be horizontal. Between flight times, a layover and the entry process at the airport, it took about a full day. After landing, everything at the Shanghai airport was fairly straight forward. With a single path roped off throughout, it was difficult to get lost. Every airport personnel was head to toe in hazmat suits- goggles, masks and face shields- you name it, they had it on. There were only so many places you could go, just keep in line and follow the others. There were many forms to fill out, QR codes to scan and a PCR test. This was the PCR test of all tests. I’ve never been swabbed more vigorously and I have had my fair share of COVID tests. Two in each nostril and two down the throat, I was bleeding as I walked away. Absolutely ruthless.

After tests and forms, you await your transportation to quarantine and it’s all organized by district. Upon entering the hotel for quarantine, you and your belongings are disinfected and you're sprayed down. You sign in, pay and Voila! Welcome to your home for the next 14 days. 

Day 1 consisted of a hot shower, a nap, facetimes home and some Netflix.

Day 2 

I woke up to blue skies and sunshine, all via the windows in my hotel room of course- which I can open by the way! Major bonus, the windows are open so I can still hear the world outside. I woke up feeling refreshed and just excited to be here. I made myself a cup of coffee and started the morning with some jazz and writing. Note to anyone else making the journey, bring instant coffee sachets! They provide a kettle, water and mugs but no coffee or tea is brought with your meal; you’ll need to bring that yourself. I wasn’t too concerned about food. I’m an easy eater and I’d consider myself used to Asian cuisine by this point. So I didn’t pack too much in the food department; some granola bars, instant oatmeal, coffee and nuts. It was a bit of a realization, I woke up at 7am and had already done much of my plans for the day by noon. Hmmm, what else can I do? And it’s only day 2.  I’m thinking I’ll need to sleep in a little later in order to help the days go by. 

Day 2 consisted of a temperature check, some writing, music, exercise and a little mandarin lesson.

Day 3

I’m beginning to realize just how long 14 days is. 14 seems so far away at this point and I just want to get out there and explore the city. The +7 in my apartment will be no problem, a change of scenery and I can begin to do things around my place. I think these few first days will be the hardest for adjusting. Honestly, I’m just grateful I can open my windows; I can still hear the wind and feel the heat and warmth from outside. It’s not too bad really, it’s not great- but it is what it is. PMA, positive mental attitude. I definitely whizzed through all of my activities a little quickly yesterday, so I’m approaching today at a slower pace.

Day 4

It’s a little tricky here. Since I've just arrived, I don't have a local bank account opened yet. And because of COVID, everything in the airport was pretty much closed, things like currency exchange and SIM card booths. Everything is digital here, online payments and QR codes, China operates via apps and online payments. You scan to pay. And absolutely everything is connected to the two things I don’t have, a local Chinese phone number and a bank account. So with this, I’m a bit limited. Ordering anything requires payment connected to a local bank or a phone number to verify. 

While in quarantine, and while living in the city, you have a health code. This is a QR code which is either green, yellow or red. This code allows you to move freely throughout the city and enter various places. This health code will also allow you your ‘freedom’ at the end of quarantine. It must show green in order to leave the hotel. This QR code is only visible via various Chinese apps. These apps are only verified with a local Chinese number. So, you see I’m a bit stuck. It’s a bit stressful, but we’ve got 10 more days to sort it out. I’ve ordered a SIM card to my hotel room and if it arrives, we should be alright. Fingers crossed.  

Day 5

The days are starting to feel a little easier now. I’ve tried to create a little routine consisting of writing, coffee, music and exercise. A facetime here and there with friends and family really helps the day go by. Today was my first PCR test since arriving at the airport. A little nose and throat swab, I’m a professional at this point. 

Two days ago, my water supply started running low so I called down to the front desk. I asked, ‘Hello, do you speak English?’ 

The man on the other line said, ‘Hello, no.’

I said, ‘Uhh, I need more water please.’

He said, ‘Okay.’

I said, ‘Water, Okay?’

He said, ‘Okay’. 

And then we both hung up. 

Hilarious really. I love the awkward interactions that come with a language barrier. I didn't feel very confident that water would show up. 

Just to be sure, I google-translated it and showed the hazmat-suited-up lady that comes to take my temperature everyday. She looked at me and nodded. Again, very reassuring. 

But, surprise! A day later, it worked. We have the aqua! 

Day 6

Every morning is blue skies and sunshine. It makes it easier and a little harder at the same time. We had some good news though! The +7 days of quarantine have been approved to be had at my apartment. My neighborhood committee has also confirmed that I’m allowed to leave and go outside! I will be able to go on a walk and go to the grocery store. This is a huge relief and makes the 15 days ahead of me seem even more manageable. 

Day 7

Halfway there! My SIM card has arrived, so I’m up and running and I finally gained access to my health code. That’s a huge relief and a big tick off the list. Every day thus far has been beautiful and sunny. More good news, Jake has booked his flight! He’s due to arrive in Shanghai a month from today- I won’t be seeing him until three weeks after that, but he’s officially coming now! I’m feeling excited to get my life started here. I want to explore the city, begin work and start living! 

The food is all a bit samey at this point, they could switch it up a bit ya know? The food isn’t exactly great. I’m beginning to have some cravings- I want some dark chocolate and a glass of wine. 

Day 8

Facetimes home- they make me feel less alone and other days they make it harder. Living away from home is obviously much easier when I’m out and about, when I’m busy doing things. Especially in those first few days and weeks of arriving in a new place, there is so much to sort out and get in order. I’ve never moved away and then had so much time to just sit and think- it’s different. Definitely an adjustment, I was at home for quite a long time. Let’s be honest, I don’t think a 14 day quarantine alone should be easy peasy. 

Today was another swab day. I honestly can’t even count how many COVID tests I’ve had in the last year and a half. 

Day 9

There’s really not too much to write about at this point. Each day is a variation of the others- reading, writing, music, coffee and exercise. Oh and Netflix at the end of the day, as my reward for keeping my sanity. Temperature checks twice a day are now my only real human interaction. It’s no secret, I’m a people’s person. I love being around others, even at a distant like in a crowded coffee shop or park - I just like sharing a space with others. Thank Christmas for technology, I can’t imagine doing this without phone calls, texts or facetimes.  

I’m beginning to grow restless today, I just feel like I need to move. I’ve been exercising every day, but I need to walk and move. Lately, I’ve been pacing while listening to podcasts. 

Some bad news today- I’ve been counting quarantine from the day I arrived. It turns out, the clock started ticking the day after. Which means I’ll be leaving on the 3rd of October, today isn’t really day 9, it’s actually day 8. 

Day 10

Today is a good day! I attempted to order snacks via a QR code handed out by the hotel. This is the third time I have attempted to order anything and voila! SNACKS HAVE ARRIVED! Sweet, sweet snacky success. A sprite has never tasted so good! 

Day 10… for real this time

It’s raining! First day of rain since I’ve arrived. I had a funny feeling it would rain today- the humidity felt thick and the sky was cluttered in clouds. For some reason, it’s easier when it’s raining- like I’m not missing out on any sunshine.

Today is a big marker for me, just four more days and then freedom! It’s within reach now. 

At this point, it’s officially a two week long no pants party. 

Day 11

Day 11 feels good! I’m slowly receiving more information for work and I’m beginning to feel more and more prepared. I’m getting close to the end and I feel so ready to get my life started here. I’m excited for my new job and for my new apartment- it’s been almost 2 years since I’ve had my own place. I’m jonesing for my own space- and for the first time, Jake and I will be living together...and not in our parents homes. It’s an exciting new beginning and I am ready to get it started. 

Day 12

Nearly there now! We were tested late tonight, at 10 pm. I’m assuming it was done so late so that they didn't have to test us on our final day. Hopefully just a few more PCR tests left now. I mean they really don't need to jam it up so high. And both nostrils? I guess COVID can hide in one nostril not the other- science. 

Today was full of lots of Joe Rogan podcasts- man those can really suck you in. 

Day 13

I can almost taste the freedom now! I just received a call, telling me that I can leave tomorrow morning at 10:37 am. Tomorrow is going to be total Mel Gibson vibes, FREEEEEEEDOMMMMM! I’ll admit that the second week went much faster than the first, which I kind of expected. 

I’ve hardly been eating the food lately, it’s just the same every single day. After a while, I don’t even like the smell of it. Really looking forward to all the treats on the outside.

Day 14

Free at last! I received a call at 10:30 am and was able to come out of my room and leave the hotel. The sun and a breeze never felt so good, the little things you learn to appreciate when kept inside a hotel room. My employer came to pick me up and another teacher that was quarantining as well. We went out to lunch and now the +7 days begin.

Day 15- 21

These days went fast and were full of the various introductions to a new place. I was able to visit my school for the first time and prep my apartment. There were loads of visits to the mall and grocery stores nearby, buying all the necessities. 14 days inside one room really make you appreciate feeling the sun on your face. I definitely don’t want to do that again.

Now for the real adventure to begin, let’s go Shanghai!

• Madeline

If you’re considering moving to China and interested in teaching, check out how to apply for a Z-visa in detail - click here.

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