HK's an interesting city, from its vibrant city life, fast uptake of technology to its distinctive culture and tri-language society. But we'll start with something at home first -
I saw this at Melbourne Airport.
You can do that? You can trademark colours? So I can never use that colour anywhere commercially, even if its part of a picture? I wonder how close an alternative colour can be before it infringes on the trademark...
I was coming back from Ngong Ping 360, and this sign was on the window of the bus:
Wow, a bit strict don't you think? What if I wanted to ask where the bus was going? Is a copper gonna come out from now where and arrest me or am I gonna be served with a court summons?
Turns out they forgot to translate an important bit of the notice - when the vehicle is in motion.
While we're talking about buses, here's a new development on the local mini-buses:
Its not a very good picture, but see the big LED in the top left corner with the numbers 19 on it? That's not the bus route number, its the speed that the driver's driving at. Why did they do this? Apparently, mini-buses used to speed a lot (especially in the late late hours like 11, 12 and 1) and afraid of a safety incident, the government acted and made sure that all the passengers knew the speed and could complain if the bus was going too fast. Interesting solution.
I found this sign in a shopping mall:
Didn't get a chance to check it out, but I suspect its a restaurant, given that direction is a restaurant area. I wonder what they serve there...
The local maccas there is running a promo for Chinese New Year as they do every year, but this year they're giving away...
Softhard prosperity pals? The only thing I can think of that's softhard is well... you know. Nothing got lost in translation either - that's what it says in Chinese too, but buggered if I know what they're referring to.
I usually give the smaller restaurants a reprive when it comes to English because, well, the English skills in the general HK public isn't very good.
But this I had to make an exception for:
Phosphate? I'm not sure if I really want to drink that...
Alright, last one from restaurants - here's one from Haagen Dazs, which should know better given its a respected American international corporation (yes,
its American - the name section in the linked Wikipedia article is worth reading).
Not quite sure what sort of favours you're referring but the ice cream sure looks tasty... I'll take one!
BTW, I've got some things the not-so-adventurous-but-sweet-toothed should try (seriously):
Sweet banana rolls
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Sweet mango rolls
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(and if you've never tried oysters, take my advice - don't. They're disgusting, and that was a cooked one I accidentally tried.)
Think Club X and what do you think...
Turns out HK's Club X is just a clothing and cool toys store. Then again, HK doesn't really need Club X's - pornographic material is freely available in every newsstand and HMV and other DVD stores, and sex-related equipment can be bought at the local market (complete with sleazy old guy selling it) or a shop in the shopping centre.
HK's known for its great train system, courtesy of the
MTR and
KCR. In fact, MTR was even a part of a consortium that was bidding for Melbourne's
next gen smartcard system (next gen my arse).
You'd think they'd attract employees who kept up with the trends and know the English translation -
Look up a recent Chinese-English dictionary if your not sure, geez.
If only Telstra would dream up promotions like this...
Ironically,
PCCW is actually part owned by
Telstra if I remember correctly (they may have sold it...).
And finally, something for you to think about -
Is it a 'lighted cigarette' or a 'lit cigarette'? Both forms seem to be used on the net; is one British and the other US?