Gary in Tianjin

Written by Expat.com team on 05 June, 2014

Two years ago, Gary, a 63 years old retired American citizen, settled in Tianjin, China, with his wife. Nowadays, he keeps himself busy reading, cooking and gardening...

Introduce yourself: where do you come from and what are you doing nowadays?

I am Gary, a 63 years old retired American living in Tianjin, China. I just had my 63rd birthday, and yes I was born on Mother's Day, so many years ago. I come from the United States of America, California, Los Angeles area. I was raised in a small city called Arcadia, some 30 to 35 miles from downtown Los Angeles. I retired early at age 62 from my chosen profession of general contractor in the construction field. I could no longer work in construction, because in 2007 I had 2 total knee replacements.

Why did you choose to move to China?

We chose to come live in Tianjin, PRC because this where my Chinese wife, Yirong Li (Cathy is her American name) grew up and is totally familiar with everything. She has a really nice family here, they are really close. In fact, we met at church in 2004 and got married in December of 2005. Moreover, we couldn't afford to keep living in Southern Calf. it was just so expensive, that is, rent, groceries, automobile, and so on.

How long have you been in the country?

This time we have been back in Tianjin for just about a month. We had moved back here in March of 2012 up until March of 2013, but had to return to the USA some time back because of my Dad's health. We own a beautiful 2 bedroom apartment, in Qihua Li, that is on the ground floor.

What were the procedures to follow to move to China?

It was actually quite simple. I filled out the application for a Chinese visa online, then took it to our travel agency, where for just $30 they took care of getting the paperwork to the Chinese visa office. I didn't have to drive to downtown Los Angeles, real nice. Once we arrived here, my wife and I went to the local police station, by Sunshine 100, and filled out the appropriate paperwork for staying here longer than the 60 days allowed on a visa. Soon I will go and apply for an extension on my visa, like I did in 2012.

Was it easy to find a home in Tianjin?

Accommodations were real easy for me coming to China. We own our own apartment in Qihua Li, and it was ready for us to return to.

How do you find the Chinese lifestyle?

It is very nice to be around, after coming from the hectic, fast paced life style of Southern California, especially in a upscale neighborhood such as Arcadia. I think the people here are much more informal, laid back in every day life. People here are much more family oriented than in America. I don't mean we don't love and care for our families in America, I mean in America we are more independent, keep to ourselves more than people here in China do. I see all of the grandparents taking care of the kids, families getting together much more often and longer than Americans generally do. They have strong, very supportive, caring family ties here in China. I like in Chinese culture how so much revolves around food, whether at home or at a restaurant. A meal here can be a very long affair, sharing dishes, lots of social interaction.
In general, Chinese people are very friendly, hospitable, and giving. If you are a guest, you will be treated very well, shown a lot of respect, hospitality. Chinese people are very giving people in general.

What surprised you the most on your arrival?

Coming back to Tianjin, after being gone for a year, is just how clean the city seemed to be. It seems like it is much cleaner than when we left in 2013, less trash, littering, buildings fixed up more.

Any particular experience you would like to share with us?

We had a friend come to visit us from America, who was in China for 2 months. She took a bullet train down from Beijing, something we can't seem to build in America, and stayed with us for 2 days. We took her sightseeing for one whole day, going to see the European section, Italian town, walk along the river, staying until the lights came on along the river. Also had a very nice dinner at a small restaurant. The subway dropped us off a few blocks from our apartment, we were home in no time. The weather was beautiful, and she commented how much she liked it along the river. She said it felt so clean, air was fresh, and much less crowded than Beijing. She said the city was much cleaner than Beijing and much less crowded.

Have you been able to adapt yourself to the country and to its society?

Yes it was very easy. I like the people here, how friendly they are, and so eager to talk in English about America and China. I have found no shortage of people who speak pretty good English, and walk up and introduce themselves, and want to talk to an American. Of course, they will modestly say their English isn't that good. The people here generally like to be outdoors, doing exercises in the morning, board games on the street corner in the day time, and dancing/exercising during the nice evening hours. One thing that is really hard to adapt to though is the sheer number of people, and then the people spitting all over the place. Cut out the spitting, and you've got a really nice environment to be around.

What is your opinion on the cost of living in China? What are the differences with the US, your home country?

I feel that the cost of living here is better than what you have to deal with in the USA. It was especially high in pricey Southern California, with the high housing costs, high gas prices, and groceries going up. I feel that it is easier for an expat to live here in China cost wise. In my case for example, my retirement money goes a whole lot further here than it did in the USA.

How do you spend your leisure time?

Mainly on things that really interest me. First of all, I have more leisure time here than I did in the USA. I am a Christian, and I like to spend as much time as possible reading the Bible. I also like to cook, really just American food. I'm a good cook following a recipe, and then tweaking it a little here and a little there. I don't like plain food, whether it be a sandwich or spaghetti. I also like to garden, and just this week we went to a flower market and purchased some flowers, tomatoes, and pots, soil. Got everything planted, praying that the tomatoes do well. The flowers look great and will be beautiful all summer long. I like to go sightseeing in Tianjin,because everything is so different than where I came from in America.

Any advice you would like to give to soon-to-be expatriates?

Relax a little bit, in some cases a whole lot. Don't judge people and life here against what it is like where you just came from. It is different here than in Arcadia, California, but that doesn't make it bad. It just means it is different.
Also, try to learn a little basic Chinese, something you will use in every day life. Like when we went to a restaurant for my birthday, I Iooked up on Google translate how to say to my sister's -in-laws 'Thank you for the dinner'. It made them feel nice, appreciated. It can also help you to say something nice/pay a compliment to someone. A kind word will get you a lot further than some rude/unkind words.