Close But No Cigar (1)

First in a series of vaguely entertaining snapshots of life as I slowly catch up on my stories and photos.


This is a fancy schmancy mall not far from the British School. I worked in the library Monday and Wednesday each week and would bike from our home in Yulan to the school (about 40 minutes going the longer, ostensibly safer route). If I needed something fancy schmancy (like a birthday gift, or the rare treat of some fresh western style bread), I could park my bike in the basement, fluff out my hair (from under my bike helmet) and shop in fine style. Assuming anything I purchased could fit in my bike basket, of course.

What does it mean? Obviously, no shop lifting. But I haven't worked out what they were trying to say literally. Debbie is pretty good at puzzles, so we'll let her have at it.

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Close But No Cigar Disclaimer. I somewhat uncomfortable being entertained by what is commonly refered to as "Chinglish." Reason being, of course, that if I were trying to write signs in Chinese, one can only imagine what sort of nonsense I would spout. That said, some days when the air is so thick you can walk on it, you have just survived another Taxi Driver Obstacle Run, and managed to avoid being flattened by the number 19 bus again, a sign like this can make you smile. So, no making fun. Just a mischevious grin that says, "Hey, excellent effort! But no cigar for you."

Comments

[Debbie Hanson]

They correctly spelled a couple of words....that's gotta count for something!