EPASZ must have a chip on his shoulder. His standard of English suggests that he is not fully au faire with the western style of life.
Should you equate the western style of life with Shekou, where most of the expatriate pilots live then it is all there. A three-bedroomed modern air-conditioned apartment will cost about US$1,000/month plus light and water. Cable TV and ADSL are simplicity to arrange.
International stores? Take your choice. Wal Mart, Carrefoure and B&Q are within a $2 taxi ride, as are ultra modern shopping malls. The local Chinese shops sell just about everything at ridiculous prices compared with the West. Close by are Chinese supermarkets where an incredible range of fruit and vegetables cost peanuts and if you are a seafood addict then you are in Paradise.
Hanker after home cooking. Two delicatessens specialise in European and American products so you are never short of your favourite cereal or sauces. A real butchers shop supplies real steaks and real sausages and bacon, none of this American streaky stuff.
Too lazy to cook at home. There is always MacDonald’s, Kentucky Fried Chicken, Pizza House, Papa Johns, Starbucks plus a host of international restaurants including the best Teppiyake restaurant outside of Japan. You can have few beers at a local bar and shoot pool and darts or go to an Irish bar and sink Guinness.
Want to keep your swing in? A driving range virtually on your doorstep and fifteen golf courses, one floodlit and four of Championship standard, within twenty miles.
Two international schools educate the kids and when they go outside with their rollerblades and skateboards you know that they will be SAFE, as you will be any time of the day or night.
It is not quite the same as western life. You’re not likely to get mugged, murdered or your kids abducted or molested. They shoot people that do that.
This is a part of Seaworld, the recreation centre of Shekou.
