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Thank you for that Charlie. I am now seriously considering Hep B. My liver has undergone enough torture over the years. I doubt it could take a chance meeting with something as unfriendly as that.
The bigger the quake, the bigger the aftershocks (and the more of them). Check out this map of north-eastern Japan two years ago…
Hi all,
Hope you’re all ok. I’m not in Chengdu, but I have lived through earthquakes in Japan. Just to add to a few comments above, there is no point in trying to get out of a building during an earthquake. You only put yourself at increased risk and many people are injured when they try. But the bottom line is that in a really big quake, you have little hope of making it to an exit anyway. You simply cannot walk across a floor that is thrashing around like an out-of-control carnival ride. Every earthquake is different. Some are powerful and sustained, others are short and explosive. If your building is shaking violently, all experts recommend you take cover and wait until the shaking stops. Then you should turn off gas and exit quickly to assess the situation.
An earthquake kit is a very good idea if you are in a seismically active zone. Keep a backpack near your best point of exit. Some essentials not mentioned above but which should be included are bottled water, flip-flops, a torch, face masks, money, and passport. The worst thing about disasters is that they never unfold in a predictable way and you are forced to make decisions quickly in circumstances that are completely unfamiliar. Your first experience of a life-threatening earthquake might be crawling in pitch black across upended wardrobes and broken glass as smoke fills your apartment at 2 in the morning. Be prepared folks! You increase your odds of survival significantly.
Thanks all for your input!
I’ve read a lot of different opinions about which banks are best, but as long as I can transfer money somehow, I guess I can work something out. China sounds like Japan somewhat regarding credit cards; for all its modernity, most Japanese merchants will not handle credit cards that are not issued by Japanese banks. My chief concern is merely that I don’t know what my my financial situation will be in my first month or two after arrival. My company will cover the cost of a lot, but I will have to front up with the cash first before being reimbursed.
Stellar post Chris, you covered a lot there, thanks! You too Federico. Regarding VPNs, does that mean I can organise one in Chengdu? And if anyone can recommend any apartments offering fiber optic that would be awesome. I’m thinking of living south somewhere around the 3rd-2nd ring road for around 5,000 rmb a month if that’s possible. I don’t need big and fancy accommodation, just fast internet and a place that’s close to a laundry and some restaurants!
As for a small scooter/motorcycle, this sounds like the way to go. Can anyone suggest what sort of cost this is likely to entail? I’ll probably get a bicycle too, but for commuting, I think I’ll need something powered.
Thanks again!
Bob
Thank you everyone for your replies. I’m feeling more positive about Chengdu by the day, especially after a news report on tv tonight about Beijing’s toxic chemical smog. The climate in Chengdu seems quite good too; not too hot in summer and not to cold in winter. Perhaps I’ll take up hiking…
Anyway, nice friendly forum. I might have a few more questions to ask of you in the coming months. No doubt I’ll also cross paths with a few of you when I get there too.
Cheers!
Bob
I’m curious though Brian, is that what brought you to Chengdu, or is that just how you’ve reconciled yourself with having to live there? I know I’ll find a way to enjoy it when I get there, but for the moment I’m still thinking it’s down the list of places people would rather live in China…
