There are few bloggers that have graced the English-language China blogsphere (seriously – there must be a better way to phrase that) with such wit and hilarity as has ex-Yellow Wings blogger, ex-Sinocidal blogger and ex-laowai Meursault (aka Chou Chou).
Well, he’s returned — in writing at least — with a humorously cautionary guest post at MyLaowai entitled “Things Never To Trust in China“.
The list of 50 items is “entry #1 in an ongoing infinite series” – here are a few of my favs:
- A 50/50 androgynous student. Always assume the worst.
- Any declaration or announcement from any Chinese authority that begins with the words “For your safetyâ€.
- Shops that only consist of a man in a bomber jacket smoking a cigarette next to a fridge.
- Directions from a man who pauses for more than one second.
- The information plaques in museums.
- “And now on CCTV, news from our Tibet Correspondent.â€
- “Mei wentiâ€.
- The exact time in Xinjiang.
- Anyone who refers to you as “friendâ€, and especially anyone who refers to you as “old friendâ€.
- Chinese proverbs that suspiciously back up EXACTLY the point the person was talking about.
Thanks for mentioning this…almost forgot that site was still around (I’ve been out of it since moving away from China).
I saw your tweet about not being in China – had no idea you left. Long-term move?
You really do have to be careful of those androgynous students! I have a student who I was absolutely certain was a boy. Several weeks into the school year, she came to class wearing a dress and a bow in her hair. Now I know the truth…
Ryan, I left last month…planned on it for quite some time. And it should be long-term, though my mind may change if the job prospects don’t pan out. Of course, I may just try to convince my wife to move to Costa Rica instead.