Below are some pictures showing the changes over the past 20 years in Pudong.

Pudong, Shanghai 1990

Pudong, Shanghai 2000

Pudong, Shanghai 2010

Other amazing city changes can be found on this website acidcow

Expats come to Shanghai for different reasons. Some arrive to conduct business, some come to study, some come for a vacation, others come with their wives or husbands. Many come with a dream, to discover, and to experience what it means to live in a totally different land. People are always coming and going, blending in with the rest of the crowd during the morning rush hours. When scrambling through the ocean of people en route to the next destination, wherever that may be, it can be difficult to step back and enjoy the precious time that we have.

We don't always have time to get to know one another; we don't always have time to call home; we don't always have time to go out with friends; and we certainly don't always have time to watch the wind blow by. 

Part of the reason that we don't always have time for things like this is because most people understand that life is short. There are too many things to do; 25 hours worth of things in a 24-hour day, so people tend to be prudent when it comes to their time. But some people are different. Some people give more time than they take for themselves. An hour for someone else, here and there. 

As expats, we've relied on the advice and experience of fellow expats to help cope with daily life in Shanghai. Regardless of the reason you are here, there was surely a time when you had more questions than answers, and needed someone to help. There is also a good chance that you found answers through Guytais, as this has been a valuable resource for a number of individuals who have come and gone. 

The idea of bringing together a community is what has made Guytais successful. It also took a lot of time, hard work, and kindness from people who spent their time on our site giving advice to people they've never met. People learn about fun things to do in Shanghai, find out about where to find support, and find friends who are like them because they are in this together. As a result of this community, many people have come to Shanghai and left with great memories. Without a doubt, there is no greater virtue than kindness towards others. 

In a city as big as Shanghai, it can be difficult to appreciate the subtle things that make life special. But even more difficult is to remember that these subtleties are all around us – we bump into them on the way to work, we sit next to them on the subway. Although it's hard to notice during life's hustle and bustle, the truth is that people are what make life sweet.

Have you wondered if you throw things from your fridge out before it's necessary, then perhaps it is time to update your knowledge. Some foods must be removed fast for your health's sake, and others can last longer.

Once the seal is broken, it is only common sense to prevail. Durability depends on what food it is and how it is wrapped.

- One may wonder how long the items will last once we open the packages. One consequence is the food waste, because you are in doubt about when you have opened the packages, says nutritionist Preben Vestergaard Hansen at Metropolitan University College.

I have written this article to help other expatriates avoid a similar incident. We went on a three week holiday in May and when we got back the house we have rented had been flooded. The problem being that a water pipe had burst on the first floor and water had been running for almost a week. Our ayi was told to check in on the house once a week and it was not until she arrived that the water main was turned off. What makes matters worse is that a note had been put on our front door that management had registered excessive use of water but nothing further had been done though nobody answered the door and the water was running 24 hours a day.

We have calculated that approximately 23 cubic meters of water had run into the house destroying floors, wall panels, door frames etc. Concrete has also been partly damaged as it has expanded and cracked in several places. The landlord came over once we were back and he demanded RMB 1.2 million to repair the villa and we declined.

Obviously we had to pay so we hired a lawyer to negotiate. I was told that I would not be able to leave China until all damages had been paid, the landlord had contacted the government and they had blocked my passport so that I couldn't leave China. The settlement with the landlord ended up at RMB 576.000,- that I have to pay myself as the landlord didn't have insurance and my company won't take responsibility.

Remember to switch off your water main and gas when you go on holiday or have someone check in on your house on a daily basis.