pajero {m} [Spa.] [vulg.] = wanker {noun} [Brit.] [vulg.] (http://en.bab.la/dictionary/spanish-english/pajero)A famous case of an unfortunate choice in product names. Apparently these things were all dumped in Myanmar—they're everywhere here. I found this one on the streets of Yangon.You might not be able to buy the real thing in the west anymore, but they sell over 50 … [Read more...]
Leaving Yangon for Indawgyi Lake
I arrived at the airport in Yangon never having heard of Indawgyi Lake. In fact, I had no idea whatsoever where I wanted to go or what I wanted to do or see during my month in Myanmar. I figured I would start by taking a taxi downtown and finding a place to stay. I asked around to see if anyone wanted to split a cab, but apparently everyone on the plane had pre-booked the exact … [Read more...]
Bad English Sign at the Great Wall of China
This bad English sign of cable car rules at the Mutianyu section of the Great Wall of China near Beijing is pretty clear: change your underwear before visiting or risk breaking rule #6.You can read about my attempt at climbing the Mutianyu Great Wall of China.My Beijing guide has practical information for visiting the great wall; the guide for China has info on the … [Read more...]
Close the f***in’ window! – Commuting to work in Shanghai
One morning, as I was reading a book on the bus on my way to work in Shanghai, an elderly man in his 70s got out of his seat and started opening all the windows. He had a cold and in China when you have a cold, the best remedy is to open all the windows wherever you are, despite the temperatures (just above freezing in this case). When you combine the freezing cold drafts of … [Read more...]
Eating a Live Octopus in Korea ‘Oldboy’ Style
If you are a foreigner drinking with your friends in a restaurant in Korea and there are any Koreans in your group or working in the restaurant or in the general vicinity, chances are you will soon find yourself face to face with a live baby octopus. If you don't know where this is going you need to watch the Korean movie Oldboy.Basically don't give the octopus a name, … [Read more...]