> When you go to China, take a sense of humor, an open mind, and
> whatever you absolutely cannot do without(This differs for everyone,
> of course.)

> When I was in China, I was fortunate enough to meet my wife. We have
> been together two years- married one, and we couldn't be happier(I
> say this, but each day we do become even happier.) Next, we will both
> be teaching in South Korea.

> But don't go to China looking for a wife- I didn't but am very glad
> that it happened.
> Again, the sense of humor and the open mind are required if you wish
> to enjoy the experience.

Karl:
Dalian is said to be one of the cleanest "city" in China. I enjoy my stay there for only half a year.
As you are going to teach medicine, you might be in the medical school. That's up on a hill facing one of the beautiful beach not too far away, and a huge park and exhibition ground. But the traffic is awful there. Buses and elevated cable cars are right in front. Watch yourself.
But beware of the management. I was offered a contract of a year, but by the time I arrived at the Maritime U. they had given my job to someone else. Since it was not my fault, and they lost the argument. They could only give me half. I was settled in one of the dirty carpeted hostel room without any facilities. Before the classes began, I was told to pay RMB 280 a day. I stayed there for 14 days before the classes began.
The landscaping in the "city" and the seashores are marvelous. I enjoyed hiking very much there. The beaches are free in the morning before 8:30. Some of the shorelines are toll. As I mentioned, the CITY is clean, but don't tramp to the suburbs, or swim in the sea. Garbage were dumped along the suburb roads. Waste from numerous fisheries were dumped right back to the sea. There was a pretty beach right in front of my school, but a sewer drain from the neighbourhood was also poured right beside. There were people swimming and fishing there, but I, though swimming is my hobby, never ditch in.
Basically, you may find everything. There is a Wal-Mart and many other big stores. There is also a cafe for foreigners by a foreigner. Have fun and enjoy your stay!
Alex