Tuesday, December 14, 2004

Christmas When I first came to China about 5 years ago December was just a month like any other. Except for an occasional decoration in western shops there was no sign of Christmas. But things are changing. Although the Chinese press was officially reminded last week not to write too much about Christmas (it's still a christian holiday and the government wants to avoid a hype), everywhere on the streets you can see decorations now. The China Bay office building has a huge xmas tree in the lobby (actually it was too big, they had to cut the top off, so it looks a bit weird). Windows are covered in fake snow paint, Jingle Bells can be heard in every store and in my favourite Chinese restaurant all waiters wear Santa Claus hats. Christmas is no offical holiday here, but it seems the urban Chinese will create a holiday atmosphere themselves. 2:36:46 PM    comment []

Fast(er) food Two weeks ago I posted a note about the 5th Kentucky Fried Chicken that opened within 1 km from my house (see Dec. 1). This morning I walked from the post office to the China Bay office, and what did I see: KFC no. 6 opened. And of course this one was full as well (at 10:30 AM). Too bad I am not a very big fan of the chain, although I like a MoXiKe roll every now and then (not available outside China). 2:21:04 PM    comment []

Manmade Chinese beauties A few years ago beauty pageants in China were seen as something evil for society, but that has completely changed. The last two Miss World pageants were held on the Chinese tropical island of Hainan, and suddenly everywhere city has its own pageant. Last month Mr. Shanghai was held (no, I didn't win...), and this weekend China will organize its first beauty pageant for women that have undergone plastic surgery! There are 19 finalists left raning in age from 18 to 62. Yes, that's right, the oldest finalist is 62. That must have been a very good plastic surgeon. According to local newspapers over 90 foreigners applied but 'none was chosen because either they weren't serious about the contest or or had language or scheduling problems'. 1:50:45 PM    comment []