Wow. What a great start to our adventure in Suzhou. So far most everything has been wonderful. From our pickup from the airport to our new apartment to the school organisation, everything has been (as Ruth says) as smooth as carnation milk on a laminex bench (links included for non-Australians).
We are very lucky to be moving with Jane and Lachie et al as well as Gavin and to have Chris and Jen here as well, working in the school has made the transition much easier. We've met some great people too. The air pollution is not the best, but not the worst either. And Suzhou works like Singapore. That is, it works. Good public transport, clean streets, parks, even road rules that seem to be followed. All in all, this feels like a very good last minute decision.