Expert: John J - 3/27/2010

Question
Hi,
I'm 16 and I aspire to be a scientist. I already have good good grades in my exams and will probably go to a good university. Anyway, I really want to work/live in china for a number of reasons, especially since I hate the 'safe and unadventurous' society I live in, in the UK.
Though, my mum and dad won't allow me to go to china because they are misinformed about how it's like there. So I will never know until I leave university and see for myself.
Could you give some advantages/disadvantages about living in china.
Is the culture friendly and warm-especially to foriegners?
Is it a picturesque country?
Is there plenty to do?
Where is the best place to live in china, where the pollution is lowand agree with my last 3 questions.
Etc
I haven't been to china so I wouldn't know.

Thanks!

Answer
Hi young gentleman,

I am excited by your plan. I mean, to live in another country, another life, just thinking about it makes my blood spoiling.

However, I think to answer your questions, it requires more than just one post. so you are welcome to follow up and I'll be glad to have a series of discussions about more specific questions. what do you say?

To answer the 3 questions of yours:

1. Yes, China is very very foreigner-friendly. In fact, ppl are so "nice" to foreigners that sometimes it becomes annoying. I mean, when you walk on campus, there's a chance that total strangers will come to you and start to talk to you. It is partially because that young Chinese are eager to practice English with a foreigner. Nevertheless, I'd say Chinese people are very hospitable.

2 Yes. There are beautiful scenes in China, often far away from major cities. Any tour book can give better answers than mine, cuz I don't travel much.

3 It depends what you want to do. There are different kinds/styles of food, if you are a gourmet, China is like heaven. There are fabulous clubs and beautiful asian girls in metropolitans like Beijing and Shanghai, if you are looking for fun. There are ancient remains of cities and architectures in the remote towns, if you are into history. So on and so forth.

I know I haven't answered all the questions, but I have a feeling that this is just a beginning of our conversation. I am looking forward to hearing from you soon. talk to you soon!

Sincerely,

John