Job Discussion Forums

[irelan]

I need some help here from those of you who are living/have lived in China for a while (yrs.?)

I don't see anyone talking about the mud slides/flooding taking place as we speak...After watching the news videos and reading the GZ embassy alerts about all the rain and typhoons yet to come till October, I'm questioning my decision to go at China all. I'll be leaving next week. But, the devastation is so dire and winter is on the horizon. What is the plan to help the victims?

Has anyone here been a victim of these weather conditions?

[Songbird]

I live near Guangzhou, and last year lived in Dongguan (couple of hrs east of GZ). Never had any serious weather issues. Was there up til a month ago (heading back this weekend) and we got a bit of heavy rain and lots of wind, but no flooding.

Worst weather I experienced here was in Feb/ March, when a weird condensation thing happened- seemed to ooze itself out of the walls and flood the floors (there wasn't any rain). The concrete buildings couldn't warm up fast enought with the sudden weather change so this was their ways of coping. During this time, as tempting as it is, DO NOT open the doors and windows! Makes it worse!

Bring winter clothes. It gets surprisingly cold in Guangdong.

[xi.gua]

I was in GZ a month ago and it was fine. Also have a good friend there that hasn't reported any problems. Granted a lot can happen in a month but i'm sure you'll be fine.

[powerrose]

Songbird - Did you try putting your AC on "raindrop"? It makes it chilly in the apartment, but it pulls a lot of moisture out.

We had water dripping off the ceiling!!

[igorG]

I've had wet walls in a couple of homes. Most local developers use cheap material to build but many locations in southern China need some waterproof material to build. Then, if you are on the top floor, you may see the poor roofing too. Also, bathrooms may have some cheap flooring and that could create some leakage too. I've had that ones and my above neighbor was so guilty and so freaking snobbish. Another issue is the AC that may drip and get your wall wet and later with some mold as well. A regular AC unit maintenance may help, but if you rent you may run into some unwilling homeowners. I'd suggest, if you come, do your homework on the issue of accomodation.

Summers are long, often into the end of September, and very hot and humid. I suggest, you bring some light clothes and then use the AC units carefully. Out of a hot into cold airconditioned place, you may get ill. You may get headaches or cold, or sore throat, if your body doesn't adjust to temperature differences (from hot to cold). Locals suggest drinking warm water and I think that that is a really good advice.

On natural disasters, there aren't as many in GZ's area as there are in many Indonesian, or Vietnamese cities. Serious mudslides don't occur in GZ, but make sure you don't live too close to a mountain in the area. I do live on a foot of one in suburban GZ and i can tell you that this residency's developer has most likely built a few appartment buildings illegally, because they've got rocks and rainwater endangering them on monthly if not weekly basis. I guess the residence have got some sort of "agreement" or discount. Typhoons are rear in GZ. I've been in one a few years back, but it was well advertised and so I could take care of myself.

The city is just fine if you can take the pollution. If you have any allergies, you may have issues there. Otherwise, depending on the location in the city, you will probably enjoy the varieties of food offered. There are plenty of restaurants, clubs and shops. Most importantly, however, your employment is essential for your cozy life there. If you get into some rotten place, you'll be frustrated. Mind you, a thick skin is to a great importance of a foreign teacher, but sorry for assuming you are coming to teach here.

Having said that, you may need to pass the foreign experts examination in this town, if you plan to work in this field. You will have to be considerate to the local experts and follow their leads then

I hope I have been helpful but if you need more info do use the pm function.