I’ve really enjoyed reading your blog (from begining to end) the last few days. My husband was very recently and unexpectedly offered a transfer to Beijing with his company, Caterpillar. For the last two years we have been living in Miami. We haven’t decided whether or not move to China. We are flying to Beijing to investigate next week.

I was wondering if you have any advice for me. We have two daughters, ages 10 and 12. They are in the 4th and 7th grades. We intend to checkout the neighborhoods of Yosemite, River Garden, Beijing Riveria, and Grand Hills. We also plan to tour WAB and ISB schools.

I would be very interested in any suggestions you have. Your writing sounds torn as to whether you would move to Beijing if you had to do it over again. I’m very worried about the pollution. Look forward to hearing from you when you have a free moment.

Tip: If you buy brands like Neutrogena or Ponds at Costco in big multi-pacs, you need to remember that these are promoted as premium luxury items here and can run a risk of being taken by customs from your shipment. 6 bottles of our Neutrogena face wash mysteriously disappeared from our shipment and I’m sure the customs agent’s wife was happy that night. We were able to buy a small bottle here but it cost 3 times as much here. So bring these items in your suitcase.

The number one craving amongst Americans is for Mexican food. Bring various Mexican seasonings and sauces if it’s something you eat regularly in the U.S.

I think a few years of exposure is probably worth the experience. I have a genetic history of early-death-by-lung-cancer and still thought it would be worth it even if I shaved a couple years off the end. I hope in the end, I still feel that way ;-).

But bringing young children here is definitely a measured choice. Kids are probably much more resilient than adults. Our daughter had asthma in the US and it isn’t much worse here. It even seems to be getting better. I’m even starting to think that a little bit of exposure to a dirty environment is a good thing as long as you don’t live in it forever.

Also, the first year’s pollution was severe which has permanently tainted our perceptions of the pollution. The most noxious fumes seem to come from the surrounding villages where each home burns a coal pellet every night to stay warm. These are big coal particles and can be filtered out with a HEPA filter.

I won’t be held liable for any future medical conditions if you decide to come, but *I* think it’s a worthwhile endeavor.

My greatest concern (if I get the job) is with the pollution, as you have pointed out as your “politically correct answer”. I’ve a 1yr old daughter and I’m not sure if it is the best thing for her to live in a heavily polluted city. However, the Beijing job is what I want for my career. If you are able to go back in time and decide once again, would you still go to Beijing (after experiencing the pollution in the city)?

btw, your blog is fantastic.There are so much info and it’s fun to read!

Before moving here, I thought I’d be able to live here forever too. I digress.

My short, politically correct answer is this in one word…

Pollution

My long answer is that I have a diminishing toleration for the fundamental problems relating to ethics, manners, hygiene and an appreciation of the things that make civilized cultures “civilized”.

But, maybe saying “nothing would make me stay here” is too strong. I’m not that idealistic and I do have a price. And again, this is my state of mind at the 1.5 year mark. Most people we know who last more than 3, end up staying for 5 more. Also, the way this world looks to a CEO may be very different than the one I see.

There is a 3rd year package from my corporation which will be a “real” package rather than a hybrid deal with a school. It might make my viewpoint change too.

But right now, it sucks to live in China.