Greetings From Nantong, China!

The Old Codger's Guide is a web site for people that have an interest about living in Asia with particular emphasis on China or Thailand.  Your host is The Old Codger, a somewhat cranky, often a bit cantankerous, always opinionated and at times, an adventuresome old coot who is originally from America.  Today, he is living unsupervised and without proper adult supervision in Nantong, Jiangsu Province, China. 

Before landing in Nantong, The Old Codger spent about 4 years in Udon Thani, Thailand where, about the only reputable thing he did was to teach English at an all girls school.  Before moving to Thailand, he had married a young Thai girl in a village wedding.  Things didn't exactly work out for a number of reasons and they "divorced" Thai style.  Sometime after that, The Old Codger woke up one morning after being in a village the previous afternoon and evening, and discovered that he had once again been married in a village wedding.  That marriage lasted only a day and a half before it was annulled, Thai style.  All that he got out of that marriage were two pillows and a bunch of bananas.  It ain't easy being The Old Codger.

About a year after that marriage, The Old Codger found himself heading to Nantong, China, despite not knowing a bit of Chinese or anyone there.  He was going to give another try at being respectable, this time teaching English at a University.  In his first month, he obtained an amazing education about Chinese culture, Nantong food, and surviving without speaking any Chinese.  It was an experience that certainly tested his patience and creativity.  But, then again, it ain't easy being The Old Codger.

There is no doubt about it:  The Old Codger likes to have a few Tiger Beers from time to time.  He never knew how much he liked Tiger, until he met a new girl, who is named Tiger.  As hard as it may be to believe, Tiger owns The Tiger Bar in Nantong.  Of course, Tiger serves Tiger Beer to The Old Codger in The Tiger Bar.  You expected any less?

You can join The Old Codger on his tours through Asia and his experiences in Thailand and now China.  His Letters from China give readers an insight and a different perspective into living in China.  Join the Old Codger's Forum to talk with him and others who have both a fascination and a love for Asia in general, and in particular, China and Thailand.  Or, if you are interested in teaching, don't miss the Teaching in Asia section for advice and factual information.  And of course, if you are interested in coming to China, see what Nantong has to offer in the Nantong Guide.

Through The Old Codger's Guide to Living in China you can vicariously live and experience life in a different culture - without leaving the comfort of your home or office.  Continue on to the next page for complete access to The Old Codger's web site.