paul andersen

education | china | real estate | investing

previous: founded & exited ecom pickleball company | corporate cube dweller & CPA

[paul andersen @paul_d_andersen]

@thealepalombo Taken the family twice in the past 18 months. Beijing, Shanghai, Chengdu, Yangshuo & Shenzhen. All were awesome in their own way.

My kids love it. Feels like going into the future + safe, clean, & insane value coming from US. People are so kind and hospitable.

China is winning.

[paul andersen @paul_d_andersen]

@Angrydomo @JonHaidt Same here. 100% agree

[paul andersen @paul_d_andersen]

Just got back from 2.5 weeks in China. Our kids spent a day as visiting students at local primary school. I saw not a single iPad or device used. Kids were happy and there was a lot of learning occurring.

First day back in US walked by a 1st class at 8am and all the kids had headphones on staring at iPads. So much faux learning via iPad in the US.

[paul andersen @paul_d_andersen]

9) Family Travel: Life is more fun with kids. Sure, travel with kids can be a grind. You're jet-lagged. You don't have your stuff. Someone always has to pee. You feel like your back is going to break holding your child midair above a squat toilet because you're clueless. And now you've misplaced your sanitizer and your kid is back to eating their tanghulu.

For 2.5 weeks we slept in the same room, ate every meal together, and, in a small miracle, I put my phone down. No podcasts, no scores, no news, no checking price of bitcoin. Highly recommend.

First night home, my kids asked: "When can we go back?" I'll take it.

[paul andersen @paul_d_andersen]

Just got back from 2.5 weeks in China with my kids.

9 things that surprised me:

[paul andersen @paul_d_andersen]

8) Value: Last meal in Chengdu was amazing hotpot with tons of meat and veggies. Beer for the adults and fresh squeezed orange juice for the kids. Great service. Price: $60 USD. No tip.

First meal back in the states was quick serve Mediterranean. Ordered two bowls and two kids bowls. No drinks. Took the high schooler 2 minutes to prepare. Price: $60. Prompted for 20% tip upon checkout. Yikes.