China Funsights

Finding humorous images or pictures was never a challenge in China. We were constantly looking at each other with a 'did I just see what I saw' look on our faces. We were met at our local grocery store by the promise of a 'surprise' but never found out what it was. Of course, there had to be a wine named after the Great Wall (but where was the Forbidden City Chardonnay?). The grocery store aisle signs weren't always that helpful but they were entertaining. It was interesting watching clerks lining up to get a pep talk. Is this how you pick up a date in China? Many stores hand out freebies to customers but in this particular store there were up to a dozen in any area shouting into their personal microphones which made for quite a racket. We found the name of this cream puff store chain intriguing. Every child is royalty here. Why push a shopping cart when you can cruise around on a 'stuffed toymobile'.

 

Chinese signs are always entertaining. Some food signs are a little more descriptive than necessary. We also got a kick out of how many interesting food combinations one can come up with. Official tourist signs often have their own mistakes. It is cheaper to visit the Mosque during the 'sluck' season. Capitalism has arrived big time so for a price you can now get up close and personal with a Terracotta Warrior. We enjoyed the wording on the Great Wall sign as well as the 'complaining' telephone hotline. We were surprised to learn that corn and other vegetables such as peas are not only used to make juice but also ice cream. (Yum?) A rather creative name for a Chinese cafe.

We had to wonder where all the 'special' people got their glasses. Why don't we have signs like this for our police force? Would you rather stay at 'Your Loveing Hotel' or 'Fawlty Towers'? Can you guess which two brand names these symbols are copying? Playing Scrabble with Chinese words would be a hoot. Is there anything that this sign hasn't disallowed? We were always looking for 'friendly' toilets.

The streets are great places to see interesting and funny things. So is this what is meant by 'Baby on the Road'? High, high, high heels were everywhere (Chinese women must not suffer from vertigo). We saw plenty of backseat driving on motorcycles. Pajamas aren't just for wearing to bed. Anytime is a good time for a phone call. Notice the lack of a divider between the Recycling and Non-recycling (maybe it will just sort itself out). You have to wonder how many people really understand what their T-shirt says. On hot days Chinese men love to show off their 'sixpack'. We were puzzled by smokers who would wear masks to protect them from the smog. Can you spot the one subway rider reading a non-techie device (it's an old-fashioned hard copy called a book)?

Chinese people love to pose (most of the time). Take a good look at the sign on the aquarium to the left of the smiling boy. Even foreigners get into the 'V thing'. I'm sure the folks in the Deep South would love this T-shirt. Warriors who broke the rules had to do pushups. Meeting chickens at the bus station and turtles on the street told us we were far from home. Even princesses have to check their messages regularly. And now for my two favourites (I saved the best for last). Does this 'blackbook' have more than one number? And can you guess where this last sign was posted? (Here's a clue - only men will see this sign).