As an Aussie/Kiwi dual citizen in China, I wonder why you don't consider moving to Asia. Sydney, where I was born, is ridiculously pricey, and while the harbour is beautiful and the city fairly green (in parts), it's not really that international and the quality of life doesn't actually match the image once you start paying taxes and cost of living. That said, it's a safe choice.
Where in Asia? You might be a dual Chinese citizen, but most of us are certainly not, and the language would be another barrier. Singapore and HK have a lower language barrier but there's still the issue of visas and they are not exactly cheap. Japan is lovely but has the same issues of visa and language. You could sit on a beach in Vietnam or Thailand but if you're going to do that you may as well live in a country town here.
I'm not a Chinese citizen, I'm an anglo-Australian. I just happened to prefer living in Asia since about 12 years ago. By all means, if you don't enjoy risk taking, language learning or being in another culture, then stay in your home culture and pontificate about how great your country towns are. If you want the reward, you have to take some risk. All visas issues can be solved with persistence. Life is what you make of it.
Wow, you're reading a lot into my comment that I didn't intend. I have nothing against any of those things. I am just pointing out that you don't just "move to Asia"; there are tradeoffs to be made.
> then stay in your home culture and pontificate about how great your country towns are
Really uncalled for IMO. I have lived and worked extensively in Japan and Thailand and visit the region multiple times a year. Like most things in life there's no such thing as a free lunch and one must weigh the pros and cons of moving. My simply mentioning that there are, in fact, cons, is no cause at all for you to go on the attack.
I'm not on the attack, I'm just sayin'. For example, Singapore is a bastion of fascist conservatism, plain and simple. The fact you even mentioned it as a potential destination shows that you are either hyper-conservative or that you haven't had much long term experience in the region. Visiting and living are two different things. I agree there are pros and cons to everywhere, but comparing a beach in Asia to a country town in the west is in my opinion ridiculous. Each to their own though. IMHO, the developing world is where it's at.
You're not on the attack, you're just sayin' that I'm "either hyper-conservative or [..] haven't had much long term experience in the region". Right.
I mentioned Singapore because it's a city in Asia that speaks English, thus making it substantially more accessible. It's also a clean, modern, livable city. I probably wouldn't live there but I know plenty of people who do and it's hardly a bad place, especially for a startup.
I am just trying to point out that your views are demonstrably obtuse and your arguments absurd, given that you are claiming to have experience in the region.
The award for least Asian city in Asia certainly goes to Singapore.
My interest is in not dissuading other readers from considering moves further afield to cultures significantly distinct from their own. We are an extremely lucky group and have this option, it is a shame to see people fail to consider it. I wish you the best of luck whatever your own preferences are in life.
