My huby and I will be moving to Changshu from Suzhou this up coming July and I am wondering whats around??
We will be living behind the Crowne Plaza in a new district and I was told that there isn't much around...
I love Japanese food and Suzhou has whole streets paved with Japanese restaurants + 1 big Japanese shopping mall with a supermarket in it! Will I have to live without???
I am generally not really one to go out drinking but is there a nice area you can sit by a canal and have a beer/ Jin tonic??
Whats the vibe in Changshu???
Is the expat com close? Are there any clubs such as photography, crafting, sport?? women's association? (there are a few here that I never attended but I fully regret that now)
are there foreign supermarkets?

We have been living in China for almost 2 years got pretty used to it by now. I am Israeli my husband is Australian and he will be the new director of guest services at Crowne Plaza (hence the apt). This month I am launching my first collection as a fashion designer but I will continue teaching (yes) English until that is established enough. (if you know anyone who needs a teacher let me know)

Cheerio!
Tal-El

Hello Tal-El,

Welcome to the Changshu forum ...

I do agree that living at the Crowne Plaza isn't the best place, but considering the size of Changshu compared to Suzhou, in 10 minutes you are downtown ...

For the japanese food, you will find a load of restaurants around here ... I can even introduce you to a english speaking japanese friend (a good mountain biker also by the way), who would be more than glad to give you all the tips on the japanese cuisine options you can have in Changshu ...

There is a meeting point for the Expat community : it is the Casamia Restaurant & Uncle Bob's Pub ... Italian food and a bar held by a hongkongese, Bobby ... The place has a nice terrasse where you can enjoy the view on Yushan mountain and sip beers and your favourite gin tonic ...

Foreign Supermarkets : In Changshu, there is :
- Auchan (2 of them, one very close to Crowne Plaza)
- Tesco
- Metro
- Wall Mart

For the clubs for photography, I am not too sure, but there might be some ... I take photos myself and enjoy also going to different places with friends ...

For teaching positions, the best chances you may have are at Changshu University ... The have also a Design Department ... It might be interesting for you to contact them because they need some english teachers who are specialised in design, in order to train some students before their studies abroad ..

Welcome once again and keep in touch,

Matthieu

Hey,

Welcome to Changshu, Matthieu has already updated u about changshu.. I hope u enjoy staying in Changshu.

Seeya
Vaish

Hello Matthieu,

Thanks for all the helpful info!
It would be great if you can introduce me to your Japanese friend.
If there aren't any clubs as such I am sure I/anyone else who wants to will come up with some good idea. so no problems!
I will enquire with the university about any teaching positions available, however if you come across other places that are potential employers do let me know.

Cheers,
Tal-El

P.s. I can't post from the mobile version only if I get a privet msg I can reply.