SG2SH: Relocating During The Pandemic

 New chapter

And there we were, on the brink of another adventure away from home. 10 years ago, we moved to New Zealand, without a job and with a very fluid plan. This time around (December 2022), we were moving to China, with a job and a firm plan, but also bringing along two precious human beings and relocating during the pandemic. Both situations were equally exciting yet challenging at the same time.

I have lost count of the number of nasal swab tests that we had to go through for the move. Kids included (they were so brave). The first test was done as proof of recovery from Covid-19, and twice more, within 48 hours of our departure time. We were tested again upon arrival in Shanghai, and again daily for the next 8 days in quarantine (rotating between nasal and oral swabs).

Fate based on itineraries

Naturally, there was a lot of uncertainty on where to go and what to do once we arrived at the Shanghai airport. Step by step, we managed to figure our way through countless check points that involved multiple registrations and QR code scans on our mobile phones. Finally, we were greeted by the iconic blue signs that were viral on social media.

We were assigned specific buses depending on where we were going to be based in Shanghai. After about 30 minutes, the bus would arrive and take us to a randomly assigned quarantine hotel.

Scattered suitcases in front of the bus

It was load up and go, no questions asked. No one except the person in charge and bus driver knew our destination. Some passengers tried their luck and asked which hotel, but the in the knows wouldn't budge.

Some of us had maps on our phones, tracking live location with bated anticipation. We just kept heading north on the highway until we turned into a district. In the vicinity was the Crowne Plaza. Immediately, we did a quick search online. 5 star hotel!

Home for the next 8 days

Not quite. The entire building was a far cry from its glory days. And perhaps understandably so. After all, the hotel had been operating as a quarantine facility for the past 2 years. 

Everything in the makeshift reception area (formerly restaurant buffet area) was wrapped in plastic sheets. There was yellow tape everywhere. We were led to our rooms in an orderly fashion. Life in Shanghai had just began.

View of the outside world for the next 8 days