Tuesday, May 6, 2008

Chinese Signs

China is trying to welcome foreign tourists in many ways. One way is the increasing use of English on signs. Unfortunately, they often lose something in the translation. Like this sign:



I'm glad there wasn't an emergency at this hotel, because this confusing map might have caused me to scatter incorrectly.


This sign caused us to ponder what suddenness was and we decided to avoid it at all costs.



Smoking is quite common in China especially among the businessmen, but it was nice to know that we were always in non-smoking rooms.







This sign was near the river and I'm thinking it was anti-littering.





This sign was encouraging people not to walk on the grass. I think. Maybe.









At all the tourist destinations we saw star-rated toilets. These were not only clean, but they frequently had toilet paper and western toilets.
Speaking of toilets, all over China you see these toilets. The Chinese prefer them because you don't touch anything and we all used them with no problems, but some Westerners had trouble with them and were constantly looking for western toilets.

One enterprising restaurant had this thoughtful solution for their western patrons:



One evening we had a drink at this bar. We wondered if our drinks were poured from Mason jars.

But, after all the hub-bub of shopping and sight-seeing, it was always comforting to pass through a civilized airport. Thanks China, for showing us such a good time.

10 comments:

Sue Krekorian said...

Oh, I love the signs - and the portapotty seats! Do you think they do a rambling version, too?

Mary said...

The signs are a riot, and I am loving the virtual tour!
xoxo,
Mary

Anonymous said...

thank you for sharing your trip so beautifully. i don't feel like i need to make the trip! and that makes me happy:) jkj

Miss Jean said...

Thanks for stopping by my blog. You are very close to where I live in Escalon. My daughter works for an architectural firm in Stockton. Small world. Your trip must have been amazing. Those signs are a riot! I'm not so sure about those toilets!!

Tara said...

I am chuckling, chuckling, this was great!
:0)

MeMeMe said...

thank you for sharing the unusual things.... the potty reminds me of the potty in Indonesia, which is much worse!!!!! Just a hole in the ground eeeewwww. It was in the provice though. I just could not do it you know?

Anonymous said...

The signs are wonderful. I think you made the best of interpreting. I am so glad you took the sign pictures to share with us.

life in red shoes said...

That toilet thing would do me in! Thanks for sharing your trip.

kari and kijsa said...

Laughed out loud at the signs! Loved traveling in China through your photos!!

blessings,
kari & kijsa

Tara said...

I am doing a giveaway for my 100th post, stop in!