Turnoi, interesting point, certainly puts things in perspective for me, and I'm sure, others on these boards.

I agree about not feeling at "home" in China, even when knowing something about the history and the language. I've studied the language pretty solidly and would call myself relatively fluent, even understanding some of the local dialects, but I still get told the all familiar to the laowai line : " You can't understand China, because you are not Chinese" or my old favourite when having a whinge about a relatively minor thing: "If you don't like China, go home" :)

I figure working in an african or european country, would be far easier, at least culturally.

Cheers and cold beers for your post!
Al