Ningbo

 In September 2017, Andy asked me whether I could work at the adult training centre in Ningbo which I was reluctant to do because I barely knew how to get back to Shanghai, let alone Ningbo. It was an opportunity I was reluctant to take, but did so, feeling obligated. 

I booked my train tickets, which was around 1 hour from Hangzhou. My initial impression was that it was more industrial, but much less people than Hangzhou. It also seemed to have less Western brands, as in Hangzhou there was a Starbucks in every street corner, while Ningbo didn't have this, with mostly Chinese chains. 

Consistently voted as one of the most 'liveable' places in China, it has a much lower population, so it was possible to actually get a seat on the subway and never seemed over-crowded. It also had more British influence, with spellings such as 'centre' and 'theatre', and probably due to the branch from Nottingham University, bringing academics from the UK. Churches was also a common occurrence, with ringing bells too, giving it a more 'European' atmosphere. 

During one of my days off, I went to Annvita, a 'middle class' European style 'Tearoom', as suggested by Alfred and got a Roobios. I got the 'cream caramel' flavour, apparently from South Africa, but it tasted more like fragrant hot water rather than tea, without milk too. At 60RMB, I thought it was also a little too expensive, but I loved the experience and atmosphere. 

One night Alfred took me too 'Laowaitan', which was a square filled with bars and restaurants and popular among expats. Here I was able to experience the 'nightlife', and expats in particular enjoying blending into Chinese life. I also met Alfred's hairdresser too, who tagged along. 

I loved Ningbo, and Alfred had become a really great friend, even spending my spare time with him and his friends, while they even paid for coffee from Starbucks, dinner, lunch, while we went on a drive to the sea and just on an 'exploratory' tour. I loved Ningbo and could definitely see myself living here too, even considering staying. 

After considering taking up a job in Ningbo I decided not to, mostly because of the large amount of documentation involved in transferring a visa and moving all over again just seemed to be such a pain, and they also tried to give me less money justified by the fact that the cost of living was supposedly lower. Although I liked the atmosphere, I decided to remain in Hangzhou instead and was happy to be back, but well-worth a visit for a British expat.