From Guest Blogger Jeff Stone: Just a few years ago, malaprops -- the ludicrous misuse, or mis-translation, of English words -- were a common and hilarious sight all around Beijing. During the first couple of days in Bejing this year, we saw precious few - proof, I thought, that the Chinese had gained a full command of our language. Not to worry! Susan and I found a trove of them in the menu of a restaurant near the arts district "798." Bon Appetit! At a section of the Berlin Wall, we encountered a blind man being guided by his friend -- both of them wearing t-shirts from the Berlin marathon which, presumably, they had run the day before. The friend would read extensively from the exhibition kiosks before leading his buddy to the remains of the wall, guard tower and apartment blocks so together they could feel them. As I watched, it occurred to me we need an alternative term for how a blind person experiences the wonders of the world, since "sight" "seeing" clearly doesn't cut it. Any suggestions? If you thought Berlin was reborn on October 3rd, 1990, with reunification, you were mistaken. Berlin is being reborn daily, as you can see documented here. Construction absolutely everywhere -- above ground and underground. The blue pipes that snake through the historic district are carrying away water from the excavations. According to our rickshaw tour guide, Berlin means "swamp." Very interesting. |
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