Chances of finding a stereotype are a billion to one

One of the great things about living the expat life in China's international cities is the multicultural environment they offer. I have discovered, like I have with the Chinese people, that no two Indians are the same.

Because of their lengthy histories, expansive lands and varied people it is impossible to stereotype a Chinese, an Indian, or anyone else for that matter.

I sometimes like forging foreign stereotypes in my mind, because it's easy. All Russians drink vodka and read depressing poetry, all Americans are loud and proud, and all French wear berets, carry sticks of bread under their arms and are arrogant.

It's a simple view and it's wrong.

My new Indian friends have forced me to re-evaluate my blinkered thinking and helped me better understand the nuances of my fellow global villagers.

Ravi is passionate about cricket and will spend days glued to a Test match, even when India isn't playing. In summer, he likes to hit thousands of golf balls at one of Beijing's popular driving courses and shoots the breeze with fellow expats.

O.P. Rana has no interest in golf, but is the first to raise his hand to any badminton game on offer. The devoted family man also makes a racket about Indian cinema, not the Bollywood stuff, but instead the classic films of the 1950s, especially the flicks made by master director Satyajit Ray.

I really wasn't tuned into Ray's films before I met my Indian pals, but I now know this director is a genius. He has helped me see that the world has more dimensions.

Marisha doesn't care too much for cricket, or badminton but loves hip-hop. You'd most probably find her at one of Beijing's happening nightclubs.

Now she's relishing her new overseas experience, and is becoming more aware of the world outside, just like many of us expats. She just met the Mexican ambassador. "How cool," she beams.

My three different Indian friends have three different personalities, lifestyles and views on life.