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ken88

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Everything posted by ken88

  1. I hadn't looked into getting the permit in one place and living in another place, I only got it in one city, and I don't remember the price. Does your wife work in her hometown? Regardless, I THINK you can get a residency permit where ever your wife is working (or wherever you two own property together) - maybe GZBILL can give you a better answer on a 'two city residency' thingie. Is the residency card, something like a passport showing your citizenship etc. which never changes or is it like a driver's license, showing the current address, sustitute as ID, etc.? someone told me that it could cost you thousands of Yuan. As you remember it, is it in hundreds or thousands? My wife did work before, but does not work now. She does not own a home; she rents a home with her sister, after her divorce from her ex-. But she does have a residency card. I suppose everybody in China must have one. I asked her to try to get me a residency card. She went to the Police station and tried unsuccessfully. Her knowledge in these things is very limited ! Ken88
  2. Chilton: In your opinion, Zhongshan is a better place to live for a family than Zuhai? I am not much of a party animal anyway ! What is the population? How much would you expect to pay for rentals? I would be renting for 1-2 years before I think of buying. Every town has expensive apts; but I am looking for a medium type. How much would it cost to buy, per square foot? I am sure that your property must have gone up in value by now. I am looking for a 5-10 year old building. I suppose that it would be cheaper than a new one. Is this an industrial city? Thanks. Ken88
  3. The co-pay you refer to is for people who are government employees and have government-employee health insurance. Nobody else is covered by that type of insurance -- especially someone who isn't Chinese. That said, health care in China is much more affordable for routine matters and the quality of care is pretty good in most cases if you choose your health care providor cautiously. For major health issues, I'd go to Hong Kong or Singapore. Co_pay is the same to anyone, no matter who and what you are, a government worker, a citizen, a farmer, or a foreigner... the only difference is 2.5 for general visit, 20 for specialist. You are confused. The total price just to see a doctor in China for a consultation is extremely cheap -- maybe 2 or 3 RMB. This is in no way a co-pay; it is the total price. Diagnostic tests and medication are also relatively cheap. However, you need to be careful where you seek medical attention as there are many, many hopsitals and clinics that really suck and a lot of plain incompetent doctors. Again, you need to search for the good ones. Do doctors and hospitals and labs really charge much more from Americans, than from the local people, as the rumor goes?
  4. Hello: Zuhai is one of the places that interested me the most. I like to know a little bit more about it. Were you travelling? Is your wife/gf from there? I heard it is a beautiful tourist town. Is it expensive? How much would the rent for a 1 and 2 br apartment be? How would you compare it with the nearby city, Zhongshou (sp?), and GUZ itself? Thanks. . . . Ken88
  5. Hello Darnell: Thanks You are just getting started in the visa expedition. How come you know a lot about China and the visa process? What was that addendum you were talking about in your time line? And what was that ITIN W7 etc.? Can I get my residency permit anyhwhere in China or only in my wife's hometown? How much does it cost? Thanks again . . . Ken88
  6. Hello Ms lilac: I don't think that you should become the unauthorized staff psychiatrist or fortune teller for CFL members, and create hell here ! You may know a thing or two about China, but you have not learned a thing about US culture. It is highly impolite and rude to tell someone's face in front of several hundred strangers that you two do not like each other and you will have a divorce in 1-2 years, even if that is true. Here, you do not even know us and you make a prediction ! It is outrageous ! ! I am sure that you had a divorce. How did that happen, the fortune telling person? Your husband had a divorce. How could you trust him? He could divorce you next year! How do you know? If I say that I am a fortune telling gypsy, and you two are going to die in a car accident within one year, would that make you happy knowing the reality in advance, or would that affect you in any other way regarless of the fact that it is true or not. Would you look at your husband and say " Honey, you are wearing red today. It represents blood. You will bleed to death today", even if it going to be true? Do I need to say any more? I don't think she said anything bad, all she did was express her opinion. Isn't that what we are all here for? To listen and understand from both sides of the track. We all have opinions so if you don't like what people say, I guess don't write the post. Like the old saying,"if you can't take the heat, get out of the kitchen" John: I am sorry to see that you are on her side. I do not know what you are thinking, but what I am thinking is that she has no right to make negative personal remarks on me and my wife and in connection with a discussion about food. And further more, she feels no guild in doing so. About getting out of the kitchen business: I did not go to her kitchen. She came to my kitchen and set it on fire to make it hot. Do you want me to run away from it? I have to stay and put it off. Would you run away from your kitchen when somebody sets that on fire? I had to show my view point to you, because your support was more for her than towards me. Ken88
  7. Well stated and right on. Jim and John: I am sorry to see that you are only her side! My point is this: Expressing an opinion and and insulting are two different things. What she did was an insult even if it could have been an opinion. She did something with complete disregard to ones emotions and feelings! For example, if one of your "not so friendly" neighbor comes up to you says "You are ugly and stupid". Then he turns to your wife and says; Actually your are uglier and more stupid. Oh! you really make a great match. Would you tolerate such an outrageous insult? You would not just say that it is his opinion and it is OK for him to do it. Even Mother Theresa and Gandhi would find it very difficult to discount that as a mere opinion and ignore it. What do you say? Ken88
  8. That's a pretty strong condemnation of Ken's relationship with his wife. Don't you think that you're making some black and white assumptions here that don't apply to most relationships? My wife certainly doesn't like everything that I like, but I know she loves me. She married me because she loves me, not because I agree to take care of her in exchange for a lifetime of service. My wife confronts me on many things quite frequently, and I still love her dearly. Not all Chinese wives are so "shu nu" (ÊçÅ®)that they agree to give up all their goals and ambitions just to be at the service of their husbands. Thanks Mike. At least I have some supporting me and understanding my position. Ken88
  9. Hello Ms lilac: I don't think that you should become the unauthorized staff psychiatrist or fortune teller for CFL members, and create hell here ! You may know a thing or two about China, but you have not learned a thing about US culture. It is highly impolite and rude to tell someone's face in front of several hundred strangers that you two do not like each other and you will have a divorce in 1-2 years, even if that is true. Here, you do not even know us and you make a prediction ! It is outrageous ! ! I am sure that you had a divorce. How did that happen, the fortune telling person? Your husband had a divorce. How could you trust him? He could divorce you next year! How do you know? If I say that I am a fortune telling gypsy, and you two are going to die in a car accident within one year, would that make you happy knowing the reality in advance, or would that affect you in any other way regarless of the fact that it is true or not. Would you look at your husband and say " Honey, you are wearing red today. It represents blood. You will bleed to death today", even if it going to be true? Do I need to say any more? I see that you looked at my reply. You did not say anything. You had no explanation, you had no logic and you had no justification for what you wrote. You said that some people here are acting in a mean way (by not insulting me like you did?). Actually the only person acting in a mean way was you! It seems you still did not understand the implications of what you said. Let me give you another example. Let us say that someone comes to your house and meets you and your husband. He tells you: " Instead of walking forward, you were walking towards the left. That means you don't love your husband. You married him only for his money! When he loses all his money and when incomes goes below poverty line, "you will run away to the airport", the way you described or you will run away to your boy friend! " Then he turns to your husband and says: Your friends are not helping you. You have to have a reality check. You have to look for red flags. Everything is not peaches and cream! You have to have communication. etc. It will be a miracle is ever likes you! (Sounds like you. Doesn't he?) Would you adore him, worship him like a sooth sayer, and make him your best family friend, because he is not mean to you like many of your other friends, because he is so "intelligent " and helpful, because of him openness and his "knowledge", or would you just kick him out of the house, or call the police and have him arrested? I would do the later! The fact remains. By writing what you did, you insulted me and my wife in front of my friends and thousands of CFL members. And you have no shame!! The least you can do is to admit your wrong doings and apologize! I am waiting ! ! Ken88
  10. Hello Ms lilac: I don't think that you should become the unauthorized staff psychiatrist or fortune teller for CFL members, and create hell here ! You may know a thing or two about China, but you have not learned a thing about US culture. It is highly impolite and rude to tell someone's face in front of several hundred strangers that you two do not like each other and you will have a divorce in 1-2 years, even if that is true. Here, you do not even know us and you make a prediction ! It is outrageous ! ! I am sure that you had a divorce. How did that happen, the fortune telling person? Your husband had a divorce. How could you trust him? He could divorce you next year! How do you know? If I say that I am a fortune telling gypsy, and you two are going to die in a car accident within one year, would that make you happy knowing the reality in advance, or would that affect you in any other way regarless of the fact that it is true or not. Would you look at your husband and say " Honey, you are wearing red today. It represents blood. You will bleed to death today", even if it going to be true? Do I need to say any more?
  11. Scott: I do not remember the exact location. But it is in an article sited here, and written by a lawyer either Ellis or Bala (Balla?) I am sorry to see that you got a blue slip. You might have seen my posts. I got blue as well and I am on AP. At this point, just give them what they asked for, and there is nothing much else you can do. As a matter of fact, they even refused to see my Instant Messaging, more photos together, Wester Union receipts, etc. They already new what they are going to do. but they will not tell us. For your curiousity, I can give you examples of some red flags. But their presence will not make you not get the visa or their absence will not assure you a visa either. Some of the red flags are as follows: 1. A very short period between your past divorce and the start of the new relationship. 2. The same senario for your wife/gf 3. Your wife can not speak your language, you can not speak her language ! How do you communicate? 4. You and your wife work in the same company either in China and/or the US 5. Transfer of large amout of money from one side to the other. 6. a new job for either of you after the "relationship" 7. The cosigner is a suspecious third party and many many more.
  12. If I were U, I will not let her go for 3 months. She should go and see her parents, relatives and friends. She should go for 2-3 weeks like every body else. I do not know the nature or the "texture" of your relationship. Depending on that, you can do it the soft way or the hard way. Soft way: Honey! you know I love you very much. I am so used to having you and the baby next to me, I can not live alone too long without you. Even living without you for 2 weeks is very hard for me. Make the vacation just 2 weeks. Be with your mother the whole 14 days, etc. Hard way: Every body in the US takes vacation only for 2 weeks. You also take 2 weeks. Now we are a family and I want you here with me all the time. More over, I will miss you and our son very badly. The best thing for you to do will be for all of you to go together to china for 2 weeks. I am sure she will like that better than going alone for 3 months. Ken88
  13. Jump to conclusions much? Can't accept the truth? Dave. Just when I thought the most inane comment of the day had been posted, you top yourself. Congratulations. I fully agree with you dave. Li and John came out too strong on his opinion. John, my wife is not even here. We do not know what she is going to cook or not cook. Every new comer to the US goes through a cultural shock. We all adopt very well. John, if you go to china to live, you will survive, no matter what you eat or do not eat. You do not have to come back here for "appropriate food". there are thousands of new people coming to the US every month to live here. They all not only live, but thrive. It is a matter of time. So my wife, your wife and all CFL members wives will do really fine. We learn everday and overcome all our problems. Ken88
  14. A Mafan: I used to use soy products until it screwd up my thyroid. There used to be some good report on soy in the past. The more recent reports coming out, are in the negative side. It has negative side effects on the hormone system (especially women), memory, and of course thyroid. go to google and read the unhealthy side effects of soy products. Good Luck Ken88
  15. There we go yemmie. I finally found one who is enthusiastic about his breakfasat, like I am. I think breakfast is the biggest and the best meal of the day. Your whole destiny for the day is determined by the quality of the breakfast that you had in the morning! I like the all American grand slam breakfast. I stayed 3-4 days in a hotel in GZ which had a great Chinese breakfast buffet in the morning. It was as good as any good American breakfast. They had 1. Kangee (rice over cooked with plenty of water, veggies and meat with spices- this was the most popular among people. Actually, it is a full balanced meal- it looked like oatmeal with milk or farina). 2. Noodles with veggies and meat with spices - It was as good and balanced as the Kangee. 3. Something like a small pancake made like raisin bran cookies, again with meat and veggies.4. Some small sweet balls - looked like donut holes, but less sweet. 5. something like egg rolls 6. dumplings. and a variety of other nick nacks. I told my wife what I liked the most. She said that it will be very hard to make all of these every day, but she will make 2-3 of these for breakfast. Ken88
  16. As a married man waiting for 2 years for my wife to join me, I essentially live like a bachelor ! I am sure, we all have been there. So cooking is no stranger to me. I eat what I cook. But my wife tells me that as a good wife, her utmost duty is cook good and healthy food for the family! Who is going to argue with that? Ken88
  17. Ken88 --I don't eat anything from KFC and McD's --- why would a Chinese woman eat there? Now to be serious we have been together for over a year living in Xiamen China (Studying Chinese - Awaiting K1), which has several American resturants, many Western Hotels, and the usual spread of mediocre German, Italian, etc resturants. She generally does not like "much" from any of those western places. However.... Breakfast has been somewhat of a success. We have Metro (German Wall Mart) and they have Betty Crocker Pancake mix. If you tell your lady that it's "Mian Bao Mix - Bread Flour" and you let her select what she wants to put on the pancake...I think she will like it. If she's from the north...just say it's Moa Moa. Ok, my gal likes honey on her pancakes -- but is not fond of the syrups - we have tried 3 and her take is they are too sweet. Also, she likes toast with honey, and Raisen Bread Toasted with Honey or (This was a big surprise) "Cream Cheese" warmed and slightly spread like butter -- but not like we glob it on a bagel. We are testing bagels this week! I also cook her "2 egg whites" in a teflon pan - and split it on two pieces of toast for "egg sandwiches". EGGS: She'll eat them, especially if boiled, fried (no yolks), or in omeletts. Scrambled is OK, but NO CHEESE. Anything resembling bacon, ham, etc....is a non-starter - at any time. Anything that is a fruit or vegetable is a big YES. Hash browns, cereal with "soy milk", onions, or "vegetable-stuffed buns", (Cai Bao) are fine with her. We also have the boiled rice - with various veggies, pickled items, etc --- and I have grown to really like all of it. We will be moving to Hawaii at the end of the next school semester and/or the K1 thing is done - whichever comes last. Everything that she eats here is AVAILABLE in Hawaii -- which is good for me. ALso, I eat every little meat (if any) so veggies - cooked the Chinese way, noodles, etc are fine with me. Today we had "fangbian mian with tomatoes-with broth" (Fast noodles with Tomatoes) for breakfast. Bottom line; If you work with her, over time she will find the things that she likes and you can learn to appreciate "most" of the food items that she likes. If you will "TASTE" everything that she makes or orders for you --- then you can appeal to her sense of fairness in tasting and trying western food. Try spaghetti first -- it looks like noodles...make sure you don't try meat, or cream sauce- suggest Aribbiati - since it's spicey. You need to show her that there are some things that she will like from the western bill of fare -- but you both need to work on blending the "food culture". I'm very lucky, I agree with YOUR LADY...WESTERN Resturant FOOD GENERALLY is UNHEALTHY and contains way too much sugar and fat. FYI - my gal and I have a deal....she has to try eveything - at least a bite -- and I have to try everything at least a bite...EXCEPTIONS --- I eat NO WORMS from the OCEAN -- and she eats NO MEAT! (Last's nights dinner with friends - 2 dishes were "sea worms - 1 in clear jello the other - actual worms in long reed looking things -- I ate the Jello one with wasabi --- not the other) Bon Appetit! Hello Mike: I think you are new here. Welcome to CFL ! I am glad to see that you are living in china until you get your wife's visa, because I am thinking of doing the same thing. Is xiamen a good place to live? Do you work there? Are you on a Z visa? Do you know if I will get a residency card (or book) as a husband of a Chinese citizen and work there without a Z visa. At his point, I do not like to sign a contract for one year to get a Z visa. How much should I budget for a 2BR/2bath apartment in Xiamen or other smaller cities nearby in China? When you rent an apartment, a western style bathroom is common or uncommon? You can either write me here or you can send me a personal message. Thanks. . . . Ken88
  18. Actually I go to a fast food places only about 2-5 times a year, if at all. I took my wife to these two places in china, because in chinese people's mind, these are the typical American food that they know of! Ken88
  19. How many of you would like to retire in China? Why? Or why not? Actually I am more interested in retiring in China than my wife does. she is not even here yet. But she wants to experience the much talked about "American Dream" ! Ken88
  20. No - Babelfish and any Windows program accepts Chinese characters by whatever input method, including character recognition (the only one my wife knows). She can buy a writing pad with character recognition software for under $10. Tell me the how the whole thing worked out for you. Is babel fish free? Does it need any set up? If she goes to a netcafe with this writing pad would she be able to use it there, you think? I took my wife to a dentist. We communicated with a computer. When I typed a question, he clicked on it, and it came out in Chinese. He typed the answer in Pin yan. When he clicked on it, it came out English. Is this babelfish you think? Ken88
  21. Ken88 --I don't eat anything from KFC and McD's --- why would a Chinese woman eat there? Now to be serious we have been together for over a year living in Xiamen China (Studying Chinese - Awaiting K1), which has several American resturants, many Western Hotels, and the usual spread of mediocre German, Italian, etc resturants. She generally does not like "much" from any of those western places. However.... Breakfast has been somewhat of a success. We have Metro (German Wall Mart) and they have Betty Crocker Pancake mix. If you tell your lady that it's "Mian Bao Mix - Bread Flour" and you let her select what she wants to put on the pancake...I think she will like it. If she's from the north...just say it's Moa Moa. Ok, my gal likes honey on her pancakes -- but is not fond of the syrups - we have tried 3 and her take is they are too sweet. Also, she likes toast with honey, and Raisen Bread Toasted with Honey or (This was a big surprise) "Cream Cheese" warmed and slightly spread like butter -- but not like we glob it on a bagel. We are testing bagels this week! I also cook her "2 egg whites" in a teflon pan - and split it on two pieces of toast for "egg sandwiches". EGGS: She'll eat them, especially if boiled, fried (no yolks), or in omeletts. Scrambled is OK, but NO CHEESE. Anything resembling bacon, ham, etc....is a non-starter - at any time. Anything that is a fruit or vegetable is a big YES. Hash browns, cereal with "soy milk", onions, or "vegetable-stuffed buns", (Cai Bao) are fine with her. We also have the boiled rice - with various veggies, pickled items, etc --- and I have grown to really like all of it. We will be moving to Hawaii at the end of the next school semester and/or the K1 thing is done - whichever comes last. Everything that she eats here is AVAILABLE in Hawaii -- which is good for me. ALso, I eat every little meat (if any) so veggies - cooked the Chinese way, noodles, etc are fine with me. Today we had "fangbian mian with tomatoes-with broth" (Fast noodles with Tomatoes) for breakfast. Bottom line; If you work with her, over time she will find the things that she likes and you can learn to appreciate "most" of the food items that she likes. If you will "TASTE" everything that she makes or orders for you --- then you can appeal to her sense of fairness in tasting and trying western food. Try spaghetti first -- it looks like noodles...make sure you don't try meat, or cream sauce- suggest Aribbiati - since it's spicey. You need to show her that there are some things that she will like from the western bill of fare -- but you both need to work on blending the "food culture". I'm very lucky, I agree with YOUR LADY...WESTERN Resturant FOOD GENERALLY is UNHEALTHY and contains way too much sugar and fat. FYI - my gal and I have a deal....she has to try eveything - at least a bite -- and I have to try everything at least a bite...EXCEPTIONS --- I eat NO WORMS from the OCEAN -- and she eats NO MEAT! (Last's nights dinner with friends - 2 dishes were "sea worms - 1 in clear jello the other - actual worms in long reed looking things -- I ate the Jello one with wasabi --- not the other) Bon Appetit! Good response 2mike&jin. I agree with your ideas. I am also essentially a vegeterian. But you do not get many veg dishes in China, except spinach boiled whole. In Cantonese preparations, they put no spice, no salt, no pepper and no nothing, except soy sauce. I told my wife that I will try every dish once, except fried insects, worms, frogs, snakes and dogs. Ken88
  22. #1. DITCH THE INTERPRETER. It's a world of difference when you're talking with her, rather than the interpreter. Use babelfish to translate her IM's to you, she can use whatever tool at her end to translate yours to her. She's probably not very far behind my wife (now) My wife does not know how to use a computer (which she may be able to learn quickly, I hope). She does not know pin Yan, without which she can not use babelfish, right? Ken88
  23. If your wife is with you in the US, does she cook American breakfast for you or Chinese breakfast? How about lunch and dinner? My wife is not here yet. But I did take her to KFC, McDonalds and some western restaurants. she did not eat even the first bite. she thinks that American food is the worst in the world. I think she is just acting up ! What was your experience ? Ken88
  24. I send my wife to school to learn English. I paid for a 6 month course. She quit after 2 months. She says that there is no way that she can ever learn English! She said the only way is that I have to learn Chinese! How is your wife/gf handling English? (PS : We IM 2-3 times a week using an interpreter. And this interpreter is alway on standby. I think that is spoiling her!)
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