Welcome to Astronomer in Shanghai! Thank you so much for your interest in my life and experiences in Shanghai! As the world continues to be faced with the covid-19 pandemic, I want this blog to serve as a message of hope. Life during this pandemic is difficult; however, eventually things will improve. While life is beginning to return to normal here, you can really see the improvement over the last 9 entries. I note that this timeline will not be the same everywhere. However, more importantly, if people work together and cooperate with social distance guidelines, things will improve. If you haven’t been following along with my blog, please check out my previous entries.
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Life in Shanghai
As the situation around the world becomes far more concerning than the situation in Shanghai, I want to begin by checking in with all of you. How are you doing? How has the latest week of staying home and working from home gone for you? Most importantly, I hope that you, your family, and your friends are all healthy and staying safe. Just as many of you were checking in with how I was doing in February, I want to make sure that all of you continue to be doing okay.
One of the primary reasons I’ve continued to update this blog each week is to providea light at the end of the tunnel. While life has not returned entirely to normal in Shanghai, things are definitely improving. I believe that we’ve reached something of a new normal. Schools are still closed (now done online). However, many shops and restaurants have reopened and each time I leave my apartment I see lots of people walking outside. So, please know that while my experience during the covid-19 pandemic is not over, it has greatly improved. I do caution that the extreme measures enforced by the Chinese government likely helped curtail the spread of covid-19, so the timeline that I present may not be applicable to all of you. However, things will get better.
I also want to emphasize that it’s okay to be scared, nervous, or anxious about this situation as I have been. The absence of a vaccine for covid-19 makes this an incredible nerve-wracking experience. The best advice that I can give is to take a positive attitude and try to focus on the things that you can control, such as following social distancing guidelines, washing your hands, and not spending the entire day looking at news websites, facebook, or listening to the current occupant of the white house. If you need something to listen to instead, I recommend American Public Media’s Make me Smart podcast with Kai Ryssdal and Molly Wood. Also, as I’ve said before, It’s really important to make sure that even during this period of social distancing, we’re still connecting with people, whether it’s through Zoom, FaceTime, or the regular old telephone.
To update you on the situation in Shanghai. I continue to remain healthy, safe, and happy. Overall, the situation has improved in Shanghai. The large reductions in the number of arrivals, particularly the removal of non-Chinese arrivals, has reduced the number of new cases of covid-19 in Shanghai. There were only 39 new cases this week. There are currently 169 active cases (all but 6 of which are imported). The recovery rate is currently at 65%, which matches last week. For China as a whole, the recovery rate is estimated at ~93%. However, China only recently began recording the number of asymptomatic cases, so it is very likely that there remain more active cases and that the recovery rate is not quite this high. Optimistically, I hope that over time, as the curves begin to be flattened (hopefully over the next few weeks), we’ll see the recovery rates rise elsewhere. Additionally, I do want to note that while the recovery rate remains high, there is a lot of caution here that a second wave of the virus may still hit, so preventative measures like QR codes, temperature checks, and an abundance of hand sanitizer remain in effect.
At this point, I think all of you are well accustomed to working from home, which can be both productive and challenging. At times, I find that I’m more easily distracted. Whether it’s getting frustrated with an absence of research progress and reading comic books or it’s periodically deciding I need to clean my apartment, one thing I’ve noticed is that it’s hard to be productive every day. However, I try to set goals for myself and to accomplish something (even if it’s just reading a paper) each day. This past week, I made more progress on my DES paper. I’m almost done with this project! I have one last thing to do; however, the data I need is currently stuck on a Michigan computer, which for reasons that remain unclear, neither I or my Ph.D. advisor Chris Miller are able to access. So, hopefully I’ll resolve that issue soon. I’ve also started working on some of the codes for my DESI research. This week, I had a ton of Zoom activities. I had the Zu group meeting, meetings with Ying, Chris, and my friend and collaborator Yuanyuan Zhang as well as group meetings with the SJTU postdocs, and an astronomy colloquium. So, lots of time in front of the computer, which I find can be quite tiring.
While I did a lot of work this week, I also had time for some fun things! With the weather warming (mostly in the 60s), I was able to go running 3 times. I did 6 miles on Saturday, my longest run since January! As I’ve highlighted in previous posts, every time I go outside, it’s really wonderful to see Shanghai in bloom!
I also did a ton of cooking in preparation for Passover. I made Matzo ball soup with vegan matzo balls, my Dad’s charoset, vegan mozzerella cheese, spiced chickpeas, and chocolate tofu mousse! So, I’ll have plenty of delicious food to eat during the upcoming holiday.
Additionally, we’re still able to get together here. So, on Monday, I got dinner with my friends Heather and Shimi at an Indian restaurant.
Then, on Thursday, we met at Heather’s apartment for dinner. This was monumental, because it was the first time that I had been allowed into another person’s apartment since the covid-19 outbreak in January! Very early on, Shanghai instituted a ban on non-residents into neighborhoods and compounds. It’s great to see that policy lifting as things improve. Both opportunities to hang out together were great fun, filled with discussions about Passover, Academia, and unsurprisingly the current covid-19 situation. While it’s always fun to meet at a restaurant, it was so nice getting to relax in someone’s home for a change.
Along with the lovely nature in Shanghai, I also saw some other cool things around Shanghai this week!
Food in Shanghai
As previously mentioned, on Monday, Heather, Shimi, and I went to a fantastic Indian restaurant! It was definitely the best Indian food I’ve had here in Shanghai. We had delicious naan bread, a fantastic spinach dish, a lentil dal that just warmed me up, as well as yummy mushroom and eggplant dishes!
When we got together again on Thursday, Heather made a fantastic bbq jackfruit meal, which instantly transported me back to the US! Unlike in the US, jackfruit is really easy to get. Oftentimes, you get it raw (not canned) from local fruit markets! I’m looking forward to cooking more with jackfruit myself as well!
Additionally, on Sunday, I got together for lunch with my friend Hannah Maia to finalize the plans for the Moishe House Seder, which I’m co-leading. I got a very nice vegan green Shakshuka.
Jewish Life in Shanghai
As I’m sure many of you are aware, Passover begins on Wednesday night! The situation in Shanghai has improved enough that we are fortunate to be able to do in person Seders. I’m co-leading the Moishe House Seder on Wednesday night with Hannah Maia and leading the Kehilat Shanghai Seder on Thursday. I look forward to updating you on how those go. So, given the proximity of the holiday, I spent a lot of time preparing for leading the Seders. Special thanks to my Dad for all his help with outlining a Seder and discussions about what the most important parts are. Additionally, as mentioned, on Sunday, Hannah Maia and I finalized our plans for the Moishe House Seder.
Thanks to Chabbad, I was able to get all the food I needed for Passover, including what I needed to make vegan matzo ball soup!
In addition to Seder planning, we had a zoom Shabbat on Friday. I’m glad that we’ve continued to do these throughout this whole experience, since it’s been a nice way to connect with community members both in Shanghai and abroad.
It’s hard to believe that I’ve been working from home for 10 weeks now. I’m glad that I’m able to stay somewhat productive and also see some of my friends. I hope that you all are able to stay productive and connect with friends and family even if it’s not in person.
I hope that this update about my life during the covid-19 pandemic in Shanghai provides comfort and assurance that things will improve. Please take social distancing seriously and help flatten the curve. This week, I hope to get some research done while also preparing for Passover. To all of you who are celebrating Passover, I hope that you have a meaningful holiday experience. Maybe instead of ending by saying “Next year in Jerusalem”, we should be saying “Next year Together.” I look forward to sharing with you stories and photos from my Seders! If you have any questions/comments or concerns about the current covid-19 situation, let me know. If you need advice for dealing with a more isolated life or need someone to talk to, please reach out. Given all of the love and support I received from you all, I’d love to provide you with my own.
In peace,
Jesse
Hi Jesse, that’s another great post. I especially like the idea of “next year together”. That’s an uplifting sentiment. I’m glad the number of imported cases in Shanghai seems to have plateaued. Sorry about the computer woes with your Michigan account. It’s so nice to see flowers, so thank you for including those. I’m glad you can go for longer runs and see friends. I also loved that mock super saiyan 3 goku statue! Very cool! I hope your seders go well and I’m glad you were able to get matzah! Your matzah ball soup looked amazing as did all of the food pictures you shared. I hope your Passover Seders go well this week and that it’s another safe, healthy, and happy week for you.
Love,
Emmet
Hi Emmet! I’m glad you liked my post and suggestion for Passover. I think the Michigan computing woes will be resolved shortly, which is good! I’m glad that you liked the mock SS3 Goku, I immediately thought of you when I saw it! I hope that you also enjoy your Passover Zoom Seders with Mom and Dad. Stay safe and healthy!
Wonderful stories and commentary. Which Michigan home games do you want to attend?
Hi Steve! Thanks! I hope that you and Susan keep staying safe and healthy. I’ll still be working in Shanghai next year (and likely the following year). So, unfortunately, I won’t be able to join you for any of the games. However, if (assuming things return to normal), I come back to the US for a conference during the Michigan football season, I’ll definitely be in touch! Go Blue!
Jesse,
Once again you have written a very uplifting post, which is what so many of us need right now. It makes me proud to see how resilient you are and how generous you are to pay it forward to help those of us still in a darker phase of this pandemic. I think your advice on hand washing and social distancing is so important! I am practicing both and also trying not to touch my face, which is a hard habit to break! I heard an excellent podcast by a doctor named David Price treating COVID-19 patients at Cornell Weil on NYC, and he recommended being a “hand Nazi” and wearing masks outside if only to get folks to stop touching their faces when they are outside as well as to carry hand sanitizer when you leave your safety of home. But enough on the pandemic, which has been challenging for me. I love seeing the flowers! Shanghai looks beautiful. How wonderful that one member of our family can have an actual Seder as opposed to a Zoom Seder, which we are having. I am sure you will lead them well! And I hope you continue to make great progress in your research, which is why you are in Shanghai after all! “Next year together in person” is what I will say at our Seder, nodding to you. Much love, Mom
Hi Mom! I’m so glad that you found my post helpful and uplifting! I’m glad that you’re following all the safety procedures. I agree about wearing the masks. It does help me not touch my face as much, but sometime my beard/mustache itches. I’m so glad that you enjoyed seeing the flowers in Shanghai! I hope that you also enjoy your Zoom Seders! Stay healthy and safe!
Hi Jesse, It’s good to hear that things are beginning to get back to more like normal (pre-covid-19 days) in Shanghai. Looks like we have quite a few weeks more to go before we can even begin to think about such things. Passover here is going to be very different with people strongly (if that is not too weak a word) discouraged from inviting friends and family for seder. Many people may be sharing their seder on zoom with others but I don’t know how satisfying an experience that may turn out to be . Glad to hear that you were able to obtain ingredients and food for Passover. So far, this has not been too much of a challenge for us in Saratoga but then Lisa and I make almost all our food from scratch.
Not too much blooming in Saratoga in our yard, though daffodils are up and we had a small display of crocuses until last week. Our forsythia which has refused to bloom for the past few years has in the last few days burst with leaves. I am still searching for the wild hyacinths that usually pepper our front yard but so far I think it has been too chilly for them to appear. We have irises that are now about 4 inches above the surface of the soil.
You mentioned spiced chickpeas. Coincidentally, we made some for this past shabbat. In fact I made some for snacking and some I added to some wheat berries for a salad: wheat berries; spiced chickpeas; parsley and diced red pepper. (with salt and pepper to taste). I dressed this salad with a tahini and yogurt dressing. I cook the wheat berries by boiling about a cup in a few cups of water and when they begin to boil I switch off the heat and allow them to cool for about an hour and then reboil them and again switch off the heat and let them cool at which point they are perfectly ready to eat). The original recipe calls for mixed nuts (in place of the chickpeas) and mayonnaise in place of the tahini dressing
Stay safe. Be well and have a wonderful seder and Passover
Hi Bernard! I’m glad to hear that you’re able to get everything you need to celebrate Passover. Even though it’ll be a different experience, I hope that you still find it meaningful. Hopefully spring will come to Saratoga soon as well. The salad that you made with the chickpeas sounds great! I’ve been making tahini sauce here, so I think I’ll definitely make a similar salad! Thanks for the recommendation. Hope you and Lisa continue to stay safe and healthy!
Hi Jesse,
It’s great to hear things continue to improve in Shanghai! Is there talk about reopening the university for the summer semester?
I’ve definitely settled into a work from home routine. I also find it’s difficult to be productive some days but the routine has been nice.
Best,
Ryan
Hi Ryan! So, the academic calendar in China is very different from the US. The semester doesn’t end until mid-June. So, I think now, the expectation is that they won’t reopen the campus for this semester, mostly because a lot of the students would be traveling from other provinces. However, I haven’t heard anything about the summer yet, but I’ll let you know. I’m glad to hear that you’re settling in to a nice work routine. It’s always nice to be productive, but I agree with you that it’s not always as easy as I want it to be. Hope you continue to stay safe and healthy!
Hi Jesse,
It is great to hear from you and know that things are getting better. Here it is only starting and no one seems to see the end of it.
The pictures are really nice !!!
Slowly adjusting to the new normal (working from home) ^^
The squirrels from Ann Arbor that I see by the window are a nice distraction
Best,
Guillaume
Hi Guillame! It’s great to hear from you. I’m glad you enjoyed seeing the photos of Shanghai! I’m sure this is not how you imagined spending your last few months in Ann Arbor. I’m glad that the squirrels provide a nice distraction (I miss the Ann Arbor squirrels). I hope that you’re able to adjust to working from home, since I imagine it will be the new normal for awhile (as it is here). I hope that you and your family and friends in France continue to stay safe and healthy!
Hi Jesse, although we have never had the chance to meet in person (I work with your dad at Temple), it is so nice to follow your journey, and read your comforting words from the other side; the other side of the world and the virus. The blooms you share are lovely, and the food you enjoy and prepare looks delicious, but your smile warms us here, as you interact with your friends, letting us know we will be there one day, too. It sure goes a long way to staying positive, while our numbers here sadly continue to rise. Stay safe and thank you for sharing your journey.
Hi Pattie! I’m so glad to hear that you’ve enjoyed following along with my journey! I’m glad that you’re finding my posts to be positive and inspirational. I hope that you and your family are safe and healthy!
Chag sameach, Jesse! Glad to hear you are doing well! It has been an interesting and trying month here to say the least, but your blog is always a source of inspiration and positivity. Beautiful pictures as usual. Stay safe and healthy!
Hi Peri! I’m glad to hear that you’re finding my blog to be positive and inspirational! I hope that you, Kevin, and Eli are all staying safe and healthy! Chag Sameach!