Tidbits in Blogworld

Found a funny blog post about China.

Visas

Ouch, probably these have been the perfect two years to take a break from China. I couldn`t go five minutes into a conversation with any of the Laowais I`ve met in Bj without them starting to moan about the subject, and about how much of a hassle it`s become, being a Laowai in Beijing . I was thoroughly amused then, when dinner with two well travelled Chinese friends had turned into another session of moans about how hard it is to get visas to the U.S., the U.K., Holland, and (of course) Israel. Seriously, I doubt if the citizens of any western country (Israel least of all) can say anything about visa issuance policies, I mean, come on.

Generally, the change in visa regulation seems like a good sign of China growing up, being more selective and more ruled by law, and the procedure is bound to become clearer and more consistent. Too bad for those of you caught in the middle of this process though.


The politics of head-dresses

I once wrote an article (very boring, don`t bother) with this title, about minorities in Yunnan and the political statement they sometime make by wearing their different traditional head-dresses. in Beijing now, apparently, a new and intriguing minority is emerging: The mysterious Jian She Min Zu (建设民族) which is recognized by the wonderfully colourful safety helmets worn by the males at all times.

No, really. Construction workers wear their safety helmets ALL the time and I don`t think I`ve seen it in other parts of China. A fashion statement? Might very well be, or maybe just fear of another quake.