ShaQuaNew

Agreed Bill. Unfortunately some people draw too much from the never ending stories about China in the Western press. The best place for these people to learn about China is by talking to the citizens that live here. No, not the dissidents. Hell, you can find pissed off people everywhere. Also, for those who are truly interested in the people, government, and culture of China, be open to the big picture and the variety of perspectives.

You can avoid the hassles and wait if you really love this woman by moving to China and living with her here.

I don't think these four stages are on target, but I do "enthusiastically" pursue the 250s that nearly kill me with their wild driving habits. Then what four stages would you use to generalize foreigners ability to adapt, adjust and cope in china? I might only 'adust' the adjustment phase to imply there is no adjustment possible.... so that stage 4 includes "Escape". I'm not really in favor of pigeon-holing human experience, but I will concede that many people have similar experiences when adjusting to another culture. It's really hard to nail down any one set of rules for China and I think those who attempt to, have only cataloged their personal experience sort of like Cosmopolitan magazine has it's list of the top ten things men like. Some foreigners I meet seem to have a hard time, and never adjust, and consequently leave unhappy and bitter. There are others that stay, but never seem to be happy about anything; they would probably be that way no matter where they go. Still others, seem to make it without missing a beat and are seemingly unaffected. Everyone will experience something of adjustment, but I really don't think there is any way to generalize it.

I don't think these four stages are on target, but I do "enthusiastically" pursue the 250s that nearly kill me with their wild driving habits.

Yes, it is best to work through a doctor, but I understand your immediate need. My experiences with doctors and hospitals in China has been mostly favorable. It's important to have someone with you that can provide a comprehensive translation; your wife for example. I've found many of the doctors and staff have been educated or interned in the West and have good English communication skills. You'll get better results if you pay the few extra kuai for a specialist at the hospitals. Also, the drugs you get from the hospitals are more tightly controlled than those you buy from a pharmacy. --edit-- Try Tongren Hospital. I think they're available in many cities in China. Blood pressure problems are widely treated in China, with beta blockers. I don't think you'll have much problem and probably save a lot of money in buying the medication at a Chinese hospital. http://www.nanning.gov.cn/2463/2004_10_11/...7491397062.html

I've been editing Chinese English for quite a while now, so let me just take a moment to edit your comments for the Western eye/ear. I'm making effort not to embellish or change your meaning so people won't read into it: Chinese axpect dishonesty, cheaty: *Chinese people are accustomed to dishonest people and those who cheat chinese like to shout to everyone *Chinese people often use a loud voice when communicating with others; even when it's a friendly conversation Chinese do not trust others or govt *Chinese are reluctant to trust others; especially the government Americans like to think others are honest *Americans tend to trust people, even strangers Americans like to be quiet *Americans tend to enjoy quiet surroundings, and a quiet neighborhood Americans want to trust others and govt *Americans want to believe people are trustworthy, even their own government

Western democracy in any form, is just not gonna happen in China. I know there are a lot of hopeful souls that want it to happen, in a belief that it would somehow be a better thing. China is doing just fine right now.

"Responding to a netizen's comment on the misuse of public vehicles for personal purposes and public funds for banquets and overseas trips by some government officials, Wen said 'only democracy could help the governance sustain.'" It must be a translation issue because nobody in their right mind would think he is saying that China acknowledges democracy as their target form of government. why would we want corrupt democracy ? Wen Jiabao responded to that, "only democracy could help the governance sustain.' Which at the end of the day, could mean just about anything you want it to mean. One thing for sure, he wasn't referring to China becoming or imitating a Western style anything.

Inasmuch as the firework celebrations for the Spring Festival can be both exciting, and very annoying, it's a cool thing that people are allowed to do it without the government intervening with over-regulating common sense.

I can only assume that Jesse did not bother to read the article or check out the credentials of the quoted expert... Been out in the sun too long I suspect... Read the article. Saw this: The latest edition of the newspaper Southern Weekend broke a two-decade taboo by publishing a photo of a youthful Mr Hu with his early mentor, former party chief Hu Yaobang, who was purged in 1987 for his liberal and reformist leanings. But Chinese internet search results for the names of both leaders were yesterday blocked for ''non-compliance with relevant laws''. Then searched for both of these leaders on the interest and founds tons of available information about each one and about their relationship/background. Did all this from my apartment in China using a China ISP. Well mister Alan, you can flip my trigger and call me bubba. Pretty good find for a simple southern US boy.

That's right Kim. A lot of the Western press still thinks it's 1960. Alan posted figures in another thread in this forum, that even though the figures may be hard to corroborate, show a good picture of how much life in China has improved in the last 30 years.

You should know better than that. No government employee legally earns 200k per year. Cabinet level officials (i.e. ministers) have a net salary of about 6 - 7k. When you say state-owned bank it can be confusing because in one way or another the government owns every bank in China with the exception of those like HSBC, perhaps. If you mean employees of the traditional Big Four, there is no way anybody except for, perhaps, the very senior management to legally earn 200k per year. It would be a miracle if a branch manager or even an area branch manager took home 7k per month. The typical bonus for any of these people is a 13th month salary. I can echo Bill's point as the government workers in China are low-paid when compared with those who work in the private sector. They often receive a few other benefits though like housing and a lifetime pension.

Hainan is beautiful! A tourist's paradise. Right though. They thought the moon was made of cheese until a few guys went there to have a look for themselves.

I can only assume that Jesse did not bother to read the article or check out the credentials of the quoted expert... Been out in the sun too long I suspect... Ya got me on that. I don't spend much time reading your articles because they're all the same when it comes to anything about China. The only good place in China is Hainan, right? If I want to know what's going on in China, I go for a walk outside.

There are a few people that think like Roger, meaning that the Chinese people are pissed because they aren't like the West, and ready to revolt. Too much windowpane in the 1960s I suspect.

It can be real comedy here sometimes as to where people are getting their figures when they make statements. I would consider it very likely that many Chinese young, and real estate investors are opting to go the mortgage route, in lieu of years past where predominately cash was paid in full. It would be very difficult to validate any figures, as I don't know that they are published in China. That culture of remaining debt free is alive and well. There are dangers in financing a home in China. Many of my co-workers have opted to get a loan, and had to come up with the standard 50% of the total value when submitting the application to the bank. The danger here is, that if you don't get approved, and it does happen, that you lose that 50% down fee. Therefore, unless you have a very stable income and history, it is still safer to pay the total in cash. Also, don't forget that most Chinese live in rural areas where everything is different.

It's hard to know where you're coming from David. If you question the validity or accuracy of the quoted numbers, then why not just buy the book and read it. You chided sir terrific a lot to get to the point and make a comment, so why not make one instead of playing chicken little on the fence. Personally, whether the numbers are high or low is immaterial, but rather should provoke thought, conjecture, and observation.

Look at the last line under the stats. There you'll find the reference: I mean: what population polled in what cities. I think we agree that much of china is rural. So is the stat based on urban or city life? I just want to see deeper numbers before I comment. Well, it depends on how deep you want to dig. The author of the book: "China in Diagrams," by Jin Quan, is a sociologist, so knowing that, one would "think" that the statistics aren't just pulled out of the air or ass. But, apart from bean counters, one all need do is take a good look around at the people of China. For example, my wife was born when the cultural revolution was thriving. There was no running water in her home, they didn't have a refrigerator or TV, and furthermore, neither did the vast majority of Chinese people. Today, all of those things are very common. Now, the move is on to even finer things, like an automobile, surround sound, big screen TVs, computers, and a full house of food and furnishings. Still, when you go to rural China, you'll find that many things haven't changed much since those times. However, they are beginning to now.

Look at the last line under the stats. There you'll find the reference: China in Diagrams, by Jin Quan Link to the book: http://www.cbi.gov.cn/wisework/content/2731.html

Good point David. There are certainly a lot more young people opting to get a mortgage in the larger Chinese cities. These groups are comprised of professionals with a good stable income. Homes are a lot more expensive today in these big cities, so from all appearances many are opting to get it now, and pay later so they can have nicer amenities like appliances, furniture, and electronics. Ever hear of anyone getting caught in well-baited traps like that? Rural China still constitutes the majority of the population, even while the west continues to believe the only important cities are the big ones.

Excellent link and post Alan! This provides a very quick look at the rapidly changing face of China and its citizens. It can also serve as a cross-reference to the very different ways that finances and saving is viewed between China and the US.

Most Chinese people don't get mortgages. They pay cash for the complete price of their home. This includes young and old alike. Somebody forgot to tell the banks that then. While in rural a third-tier cities cash is king, the majority of homes sold in Beijing, Shanghai and Guangzhou are with conventional mortgages. Got any evidence of that?

We've never had a problem taking medication either upon entry to China or the US. Always have several with us.

I was told they make you watch them ALL before you leave the customs area. Now that's torture!

I was told they pin each DVD you bring to your body, and then take you to the target range to see if they can hit the hole in the middle without breaking the DVD.