Three types of expats.....

Expats in Shanghai.

It has been a really interesting experience, becoming part of an expatriate community on the other side of the world. I have met all sorts of people, many who I would not have had the pleasure (in most cases) of meeting had I not made the international move.

Expats not impressed with the food selection!

Expats enjoying steak and red wine!

After much discussion with many people here, it has been decided that there are three types of expats ................

Expats celebrating Christmas!

The adventurers - Those who move overseas to travel and experience new things. These people save all their hard earned dollars and are off on new adventures whenever the opportunity arises. They try everything - new foods, new languages, new people - and aren't afraid of any of anything! Expats in nightclubs!

The career people - These people move to an overseas destination to further their career. They have one thing on their mind - getting that highly sought after job on their CV and learning as much as they can in a professional way. They are frequently scouting the internet for their next professional destination.

Expats enjoying birthday dinners!

The exiles - These people move overseas because living in their home country is too difficult, maybe because they don't get along with their fellow countrymen. Often, they are running away from some sort of issue. Funnily enough, most of the exiles I know here are men. Most of these men come to places like China, hoping to find an Asian woman - obviously they can't handle the strong, independent and assertive women of the west! Exiles are generally lovely people, but often have slightly distorted views on reality.

Expats farewelling other expats!

So judging by my tales of all my fellow expatriates here in Wuxi, can you categorise us all????? Something for us to all think about as I look forward to another weekend of fun in Shanghai and continue my dreams of a possible (but not practical) trip to Barcelona next weekend!