As always, a cutesy Asian icon. Endangered species center in central Taiwan.
Monday, October 06, 2008
abandoned???
I wish Taiwan would try to preserve this sort of "cultural resource" before it fades away or turns into a 7-11...
Taipei 101
Always felt that the Mainland Chinese must wince every time they see a Japanese firm on Taipei 101 during New Years (e.g., they consider Taiwan part of China and dislike the Japanese in general).
Sunday, October 05, 2008
Tuesday, September 30, 2008
"Drink Tea" for "Closed" - classic Taiwanese Engrish
It is assumed one drinks tea when you are closed? FTW?
"To Run Business" for "Open" - classic Taiwanese Engrish
This sign is seen EVERYWHERE in Taiwan! You would think that someone over the last 18 years or so I have seen this sign would have corrected the English by now.
Taiwan's overflowing garbage cans
Still wondering why the Taiwanese -- with their high population density -- don't use larger trash cans....
Friday, September 26, 2008
Juices + Pink Pickled Stuff
Wonderful juices at a Lebanese restaurant. Plus some pickled pink stuff. And a setting sun and the breaking of Ramadan fast upon the customers.
The exotic (to some extent) juices are a real treat after a day of fasting and due to the general desert dryness of Riyadh.
I had some of the raisin juice. Yes, raisin juice. They take raisins and rehydrate them. Then create a juice. I did not care for it. Sicky sweet. A bit like cough syrup. However, I am told it is an acquired taste.
My favorite is a mix of kiwi and orange.
The exotic (to some extent) juices are a real treat after a day of fasting and due to the general desert dryness of Riyadh.
I had some of the raisin juice. Yes, raisin juice. They take raisins and rehydrate them. Then create a juice. I did not care for it. Sicky sweet. A bit like cough syrup. However, I am told it is an acquired taste.
My favorite is a mix of kiwi and orange.
Siwak
During Ramadan, some people purchase small fragrant twigs called "siwak". Below I have a high-end version. The idea is to brush one's teeth during the daylight fasting hours to keep "fasting breath" away.
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Setting sun through Lebanese restaurant
One can see the setting sun and people lining up to buy food for the breaking of the Ramadan fast.
7-11 - Taiwan's logistics and e-commerce hub
Taiwan's ubiquitous 7-11s are the de facto logistics and e-commerce hub in Taiwan. Taiwan has the world's 3rd largest network of 7-11 stores.
Wednesday, September 24, 2008
Arabic sweets in Riyadh
A friend took me to one of the best desert shops in Riyadh (I'll get the name later). He loaded me up on a variety of sweets. Yum!
We indeed must liberate Taiwan
We indeed must liberate Taiwan! -- says the old Communist propaganda poster. Seen in a bookstore on YongKang Street, Taipei, Taiwan.
McCain and Obama on YongKang Street, Taipei, Taiwan
CNN on display at a bookstore on YongKang Street in Taiwan. If Taiwan could vote, who would the Taiwanese vote for and why?
CKS up, Taiwan democracy taken down
The Ma Administration was taken down all the displays related to Taiwan Democracy and is back to displaying Chiang Kai-shek (CKS) only.
Both flammable and inflammable, Taiwan
This truck in Taipei County displayed labels indicating its gaseous goods were both flammable and inflammable. FTW?
I kept my distance.
I kept my distance.
Saturday, September 13, 2008
Chinese class - Feng Laoshi - Oberlin College
This was during 1988 - 1990. Not sure when. The late Teacher Feng. And Jin Laoshi I believe. I want to say this was taken at Asia House.
Sunday, August 31, 2008
Friday, August 29, 2008
Thursday, August 28, 2008
Drive to Riyadh's First Chinese Restaurant.
Slice of life view of a drive to Riyadh's First Chinese Restaurant:
Wednesday, August 27, 2008
Construction in Bahrain
The scale and scope of construction ongoing in GCC nations continues to be staggering. Video of construction in Bahrain:
Tuesday, August 26, 2008
Camels & Convoy
Surreal juxtaposition -- Nik playing Convoy while we pass camels in Saudi Arabia on the way to Bahrain.
Monday, August 25, 2008
KSA Human Rights Commission
The Saudi Arabian Human Rights Commission is across the street from my hotel. Guess I can go there if I have any problems?
Krumz Bistro - brunch in Bahrain
Krumz is a great little bistro in the capital city of Bahrain, Manama. Full English breakfasts (in addition to other items) and alcohol if you want it.
Sunday, August 24, 2008
Bukhari cuisine
Bukhari are apparently Muslims from parts of Asia (e.g., India) who settled in Saudi Arabia after pilgrimage here. There are restaurants that serve a sort of fusion cuisine as a result. Very cost effective and delicious.
Mr. Sabih Khan of the UK enjoys in this photo and a photo of garnishes.
Mr. Sabih Khan of the UK enjoys in this photo and a photo of garnishes.
Monday, August 18, 2008
SaudiLifeHack # 7 - Anti-sand damage car coating = sand + water coating
If you are driving long distances in Saudi Arabia, be sure to stop by your neighborhood gas station to have the attendants spray a water and sand mixture as a coating onto the front of your car. BUT be sure not to have your license plate numbers covered!
SaudiLifeHack # 6 - Flickr
Direct uploads to Flickr seem to be blocked here in Saudi Arabia — but using the Flickr Uploadr works.
Tuesday, August 12, 2008
SaudiLifeHack # 5 - Pouring Traditional Arabic Coffee
When pouring Saudi Arabian coffee, use the left hand at the base of the pot or kettle. Do not pour too much into the cup — that signifies that the drinker is glutunous and unwanted. Do not pour too little either which is also not respectful.
Sunday, August 10, 2008
Friday, August 08, 2008
Thursday, August 07, 2008
Camel Burger
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Had the (in)famous camel burger at the Crowne Plaza Hotel in Manama, Bahrain. Camel is a very, very lean meat. Not an ounce of fat in it.
"Buffet Lunch" in Bahrain
As submitted to The “Blog” of “Unnecessary” Quotation Marks. Given the wild and woolly nature of Bahrain, what's in that "buffet lunch"?
The skilled Filipino band at the Crowne Plaza Hotel bar, Manama, Bahrain.
The skilled Filipino band at the Crowne Plaza Hotel bar, Manama, Bahrain. I was testing a new software on the iPhone and was not holding the iPhone "head up" therefore these came out sideways...
Wednesday, August 06, 2008
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