How has your life changed in China

After moving to China from Canada, your life changes in every single way. Like most places you move in the world, psychologically we change and adapt to suit the environment you move on or to. Often times when people begin to notice the change it is too late; possibly because of the fact they don't like the changes they have made, they move on.

My mood is jaded to say the least but optimistic about the future. I take it as it comes, feeling no entitlement to anything (obviously) but making sure that I am respected just as much as the national standing next to me. Guest or not, I pay taxes. Environmentally, things will get better. (guess that answers mood and frame of mind :p )

Family is a strong aspect of my life, I miss them, we don't talk often as I work so often but with my fiancee's family we try to regularly visit as they try to visit us when they can. Family is huge and always will be, probably a lot of the reason that I decided to come here to be honest.

I work with all my friends here. The only people who I don't work with that are my friends, I see at the bar, or when I purchase things from them at the market. A pragmatic relationship that becomes a little more friendly.

I am a teacher, my job is crazy...unless you are also a teacher in China, you wouldn't understand.

I try for at least two hours of vigorous exercise a week, usually able to do more. I use a Xiaomi watch and set step goals, I also take the stairs instead of escalators. Health is important to me but work and my fiancee come before gym time.

Socially, bars and teams are my dedicated social interaction times. Go for a pint on Friday; play hockey for two hours on Tuesdays.

I have only been here for 3 years. In the time I have been here, I have seen that there are less homeless people in the bigger cities and none in these smaller villages. What happens to them? Where do they go? Good question. What happens to the people who are not registered under the Chinese government? Good question...not my place. But as a foreigner, it looks alright, my standard of living is around the same with what i would be paying at home, maybe a bit cheaper...yes I like to live it up here in China.

10-I would not be the same person if I had stayed in Canada and never left.

C. Bono