Finding an appartment

Well the most important order of business was to find an appartment. As in most countries of the world today, this can be done quite easily with the help of the internet. There are generally
listings in the native language and then again in English for ex-pats. Of course as we all well know for the non native speakers the prices are generally higher, but hopefully the accomodation a little more to the western taste.

A few tips I was warned of before I began. Firstly make sure that the landlord will be willing to
come with you to the police station to register your residency. Second, it is standard practice in Beijiing to pay three-six months rent in advance plus the usual deposit of one month held in guarantee of misuse, non payment etc.. Agents fees are also common, one month extra to be paid if you should use an agent and of course whether the appartment faces east, west, north, south - as to the coolness of the flat.

What I have found the most difficult in the first days was the pollution, being now told that it is
common for westerners to be sick (cold, cough, flu) in the first week as you become (unfortunately) to the smog and pollution. A humidifier is a must, or air cleaner that looks something like an air conditioner. Having tried the public toilets and discovering a basin like you find in your shower tray, a normal wc was a must. There are generally no showere trays in the
lower priced appartments or stop for the water flowing out of the door, but this is common here.

So, to look. I sat on the internent making list upon list. Priority was at first distance, then price and of course the state of the appartment. My budget was limited as I had now to remember that I would be living off their currency and not us dollars! Another factor for me was not to have to pay agents fees if possible ,as this would push up my budget to the limit. I had only come with a small amount and this had to stretch till pay day.

Coming at this time of year was not the best, as before the holiday the general public is either
getting ready to travel back home ot wanting to save their funds for presents and entertaining.
This means that the wages too would be smaller than necessary to live comfortably, save and send some back home - whatever was necessary at the time.

In the end, believe it or not, after having made a number of appointments, that included also sharing, I chose the first!! The building itself is located opposite a gym that is to be used during the olympics, so I had to make sure that the contract would be tight (in case they would become
one of the natives willing to rent out their property during the games). Another point was those
listed above. The premises on the outside look like most chinese residences and the interior a little crummy. There is a security lock on the outside door and some sore of guard/warden who sits in a little office at the entrance of the compound.

The public toilet is just outside the compoud gates and although this may sound negative, has actual positive elements. There is a constant stream of people in case of danger; most of the gentlement that make use of this facility are taxi drivers, convenient when you are in a hurry.

As you step into the building the light does not always come on automatically and you have to stamp your foot for it to light up. The floors go every third number, so your appartment is set in between the floors, you can either climb up or down depending on your stamina ability.

The appartment itself was in good condition. Centrally heated, air condition, all facilities, a normal toilet and shower that spills all over. It was not too small and of course the deciding factor, someone else was interested in it too - so I took it! What happened next, I'll tell you later.