People

It's so easy to meet people abroad. Locals may befriend a foreigner for a number of reasons. Many locals are learning English and are eager to make non-Chinese friends. Many women seek a foreigner boyfriend, which has become fairly fashionable from what I've seen. If one can speak Chinese, it makes it even easier. The Chinese value their relationships as well, and they are strengthened over lavish dinners and night out at KTV. Having a local to be your friend and hangout with is pretty easy in China...

Befriending other ex pats is even easier. You walk into a bar, see another foreigner, and there's this moment of "huh". An instantaneous comradery forms simply because you are both in a strange environment. Where people are from, what they are doing there, etc., these are things you are actually interested while meeting fellow ex pats.

The sensation of socializing makes these people interesting to you. I feel that in America people are only genuinely interested in you if you provide utility to them. Sex, an image, money, maybe drugs; you are interested in people if they can bring these things to the table. Socialization for socialization's sake is rare.

Whereas before I just wanted to talk to anybody that could understand me, now all we seek is those who understand us and that we can use. I'd almost prefer it if all my friends would go with me to china so we can hang out there.