The reception was not too expensive as I arranged a meal for about 25 close family (relatives of my ex-wife who were living in the resort), in a Thai restuarant. But tat was a long long time ago.

As for contingency planning with my new wife, I will have to go back to the UK at some time as I need an eye operation on both eyes - no it's not the quick-fix for better focus. I'm still considered domiciled in the UK for tax and NI purposes by the tax office and had to pay back a rebate of over £3,000 when I went home.

Is China becoming more difficult for foreigners? Well a local TV news item about two weeks ago showed a graph where the expat population is increasing by 10% or so very year, so it is still a destination for many.

I'll post a longer piece about my experiences with the local PSB when I get my residence permit in a few days. Now that was difficult for no obvious reason.