Chris Ebbert, Innovation Advisor
I have lived in nine countries, and also in China, for several years. It was a lovely experience, and I really enjoyed living there. Here’s why:
- it’s safe; you get a break from the constant barrage of violent crime and assault that really ruins the experience of living in the English speaking countries for me; you walk anywhere, any time, in any city, and the worst thing that could happen is that someone pickpockets you or you come home and the place was burglarised; but there will be no shootings, no drunken punch-ups, no street weirdos asking for change or trying to convert you to their religion. You can walk the streets of the city in peace.；
- the cities are glorious. China’s urban environment is absolutely bombastic, in ways that delight me; I studied architecture, and I love science fiction movies. There is a sense of “Blade Runner” in Chinese cities - huge structures, designed to impress, coated with patina, buzzing with life, and all of it is accessible; shops, restaurants, parks… an incredibly inspiring environment. Abundant with fantastic places to hang out in.
- it’s comfortable; you rent any apartment in a high riser, and it will be modern, air conditioned, with amazing views, fully equipped with a great kitchen, bathroom, TVs… and affordable, too, unless you choose fashionable hot spots.
- it’s full of opportunity. You can literally fall from one amazing job into the next by just walking down the road a few metres. There is so much going on there, and people are doing projects and developing stuff and building things… it’s a playground for guys like me, an industrial designer and lecturer on innovation and product development.
- the food will spoil you for life. Ever since living in China, authentic Chinese food has become my evaluation standard for any cuisine. Nothing compares to the sheer abundance of wonderful things you can eat in China. And I have lived in France, so that means something.
- the people are genuine, warm, and fun. But they won’t impose. So, you can have very pleasant, daily dealings with people who will never get too personal, and they actually have very inspiring views on life and living that can make a difference to your own if you manage to find someone who has the time and inclination to sit down and chat with you. And then, you will also encounter pretty interesting expats - it’s an adventure.
