Eight Things Olympics Visitors Shouldn’t Ask
Recently the government released eight things Chinese shouldn’t ask foreigners. Well, we at Cup of Cha have put together eight things visitors to the Beijing Olympics shouldn’t ask Chinese people:
- When it says “duck’s blood” on the menu, what is it really? (And why is blood solid?)
- Why does Taiwan (ie, Chinese Taipei) have its own flag at the Olympics?
- You’re not really scared of black people, are you?
- With whom would you prefer to have dinner: Jack Cafferty or anyone French? (Don’t click on that first link in China or your internet will go blank for 30 seconds.)
- Why can’t I see any blue on Beijing’s blue sky days?
- Can you put me in the no smoking section? (Note: some restaurants, like 川办 actually have them now!)
- Why were so many guns needed for the peaceful liberation of Tibet?
- Do you know how to get to [insert well known landmark here]? (Note: this only applies to cab drivers.)
So, these are the things you should not ask in Beijing if you want to have a pleasant stay. I’m sure Cup of Cha readers can come up with more creative ones, but this is a start.
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Mike responds:
Posted: July 23rd, 2008 at 11:22 pm →
I like number 5. Good post.
George Ding responds:
Posted: July 24th, 2008 at 12:21 am →
“No seriously, where’s the toilet paper?”
Bill responds:
Posted: July 24th, 2008 at 12:36 am →
Where can I find a clean washroom ?
Why do we need people telling us to que up ?
Is this bag/watch/camera/painting real ?
Beijing Olympic Games 2008 » Don’t talk about sex responds:
Posted: July 24th, 2008 at 9:10 am →
[...] blog Cupofcha.com has a list of eight things foreigners shouldn’t ask Chinese when they visit Beijing for the Olympics. I particularly like, “Why can’t I see any blue on [...]
Chris responds:
Posted: July 24th, 2008 at 9:41 am →
To correct #2…All Taiwanese athletes will stand beneath the PRC flag. Taiwanese supporters will not be allowed to bring in Taiwanese flags nor cheer for Taiwan.
Will responds:
Posted: July 24th, 2008 at 9:55 am →
Haha, nice list. #2 and #3 are my favorites.
Josh responds:
Posted: July 24th, 2008 at 10:46 am →
@Chris,
I appreciate the correction, but please link through to the article I posted (and linked to) and you will see a very clear explanation from the IOC and visual image of the compromise flag that has been approved.
Yokie Kuma responds:
Posted: July 24th, 2008 at 12:39 pm →
9. Why are there cars om the sidewalk and people in the street?
10. Why do you talk louder on your mobile phone when it is long distance?
11. Why are you staring at me and shouting “Hellooooo”?
Yokie Kuma responds:
Posted: July 24th, 2008 at 12:51 pm →
12. And from a Feb 2007 flumesday.com post, where do I find this restaurant? http://www.flumesday.com/2007/02/27/the-rabbit-fucks-the-pot/