Seriously... how does this happen???

I know it's a bit vulgar... but I couldn't resist. How does this happen? Ok, here's my theory.

"乾貨" is pronounced "gan huo" and it means "dry goods". Now let's look at the word:
"幹" --looks very similar to first word right? It has same pronunciation (gan) but is spoken with a different tone (and in some cases, does mean the "f" word). However, in Mainland China they use a simplified form of writing, and I'm assuming that the way to write "幹" and "乾" is the same (干). The translator translated the wrong "gan", thus creating the wrong translation.

Was that at all interesting to anybody?

Granted, the Chinese word does have that meaning in some situations, but I hardly think the "F" word would appear in any dictionaries! Right? I think the person hired to do the translation was having a bit of fun, thinking no English speaker would ever lay eyes on the signs. Haha!

I did not take these pictures, they come from somewhere in Mainland China (I repeat- NOT TAIWAN) -- quite funny nonetheless. 我覺得很有性趣! 哈哈 ;)

Helmetless kids in Taichung City

Everyday I am shocked at the number of kids being driven around on scooters by their parents! I've even seen moms driving with one hand and holding newborns in the other-- in the streets of Taichung City no less! Maybe out in the countryside, around the farm, quite streets is ok, but I've seen some really stupid driving moves here in the city. With the amount of crazy drivers here, I'm afraid this really gets to me. This afternoon I was out walking and I snapped a couple pictures of the ones that held still long enough for me to whip out the camera!


This is a typical scene- when they're big enough to stand, they take the front area of the scooter. Often there will be older kids sitting behind the driver as well.
If you look closely at the front of the scooter, you will see their helmets have been carefully placed in a basket for safekeeping during the trip. hm.

Happy New Years!

Cool sleepy Buddhas at Jin Se Si in Hualian
Big Daoist temple in Hualian. There are smaller versions of this that pop up everywhere.
Day 1- at the trailhead.
There are suspension bridges all along the trail, they give very beautiful views of the mountains!




They have pretty nice cabins set up out in the mountains.

Here are some pics from my little trip to Hualian...


He Nan Si, where I stayed the first few days