I went from living in a place where stuff like this happens.
To living in a place where stuff like this happens.
It's been an eye-opening experience.
Here's what I've learned about life here so far.
1. Spitting is not a bad habit. It’s brilliant.
2. British people drink even more booze than you thought they did.
3. UK health and safety regulations do not reflect those in China.
4. Shoes aren’t just for people.
5. Nightclubs don’t have to involve struggles with awful bouncers.
6. Even dive bars have table service. You’ll never be able to queue for a drink again.
7. You can afford a cleaner even if you earn half what you did before.
8. Your house will cost you half as much as your old one. And will be twice as big.
9. Visiting the supermarket feels more like visiting the zoo.
10. And your plan to “buy local” is a charade you’ll repeat every week.
11. If you’re into football, Saturday nights turn into wi-fi and 3G searches.
12. Despite thinking you’d be out of the loop, you speak to your friends back home all the time.
13. Traffic lights don’t mean much.
14. You can stumble home at any time and feel totally safe because people aren’t lurking to mug you.
15. Although for pretty much everything you need to do there are six forms to fill out.
16. But it’s worth it, because living in a Chinese city is invigorating, exciting and intoxicating. And because you’re living somewhere that looks as amazing as this.
