Yes, I know a few people who have been invited into “joint ventures” with some of these “sharp operators”. On reading the fine print of the proposal, one realises how the takings are to be split. The Aussies take all the risk and the Chinese take all the money.

One day I’ll tell you about how business in China actually works. Not the basket of roses its made out to be. Number of employees sacked for corruption… how factories really work… and on and on…

Mind you - lots and lots of very pleasant Chinese everywhere you go. Just lots of sharp operators as well

Take a read of some of the earlier entry in my colleagues blog: thenewmans.id.au.

I’ll be there in a couple of weeks - generally its not too bad, but in the crowds you are advised to never keep a wallet in a back pocket, use a front / side pocket, and keep a hand in there or very close by.

Last time I was there I had no trouble at all - apart from being hassled constantly to buy things.

Mrs Fitz said she felt quite safe walking in the streets. But maybe she WAS the victim of a pickpocket.

You want to talk to some of the people who work in our China office. Pickpockets, thefts, rip-offs, scams are rampant.

It’s simply that there is full employment. Everybody has a job. They might not pay much, and there might not be much to do… but when an occasion like this arises there will be a swarm because… its something to do!

Hey, Happy Birthday for Friday! The big 2-5.

I don’t mean to run down our own boys in blue; there are many dedicated people there. They’re just under-resourced.

Also, perhaps Chinese police have more time on their hands because, after decades of Communism, the crime rate is now remarkably low. Speaking (quietly) to some of the locals, one gets the impression that punishments more than fit the crime. (More of that later…)