I thought getting the appropriate visa to come to China was the difficult part....oh how wrong was I.
Once here my passport had to go to the local police to register me then sent off to get the Residents Permit. BUT there was more to come, off to get the health examination by the proper authorities and I now have the evidentary proof that I am fit and well enough to live in China. One was duly presented with the "Red Book" that tells everyone. Ah I thought, finally all is completed.

Of course not, as soon as I moved to a new city we went through the process yet again - except I didn't have to be re-examined - the Red Book was authentication. Registered with the Police and new Residents Permit issued.

Then the school said I should be recognised as a Foreign Expert given my qualifications and experience. Not a problem says I.....oops even more paperwork that had to go to Bejing but my school says I must be conferred with this honour. Foreign experts enjoy preferential treatment given by the Chinese government and will be praised or awarded for their good performance by the local governments or their work units. The highest award is the "Friendship Prize" given by the Chinese government.

So now I am officially no longer a foreign alien I am a Foreign Expert and have the certificatee to prove it. First time in my life I can honestly say I am an "Expert" and here is the document to prove it...ha, ha, ha,

The only true advantage apart from the prestige is if I need medical treatment. Most specialised hospitals in the cities have special departments for foreign experts where patients receive first-class attention.

So there you have it my friends.....I am an expert.......