Lost in Translation

Lost in Translation
When people travel around the world either for business trip or on vacation, the major problem many people got is the language issue. Not only the language problem but also cultural clashes can also be a great headache for travelers.Going abroad can be very delightful and dreamy for anyone. But one must have a laugh as we explore poorly translated signs, unusual bathroom plumbing, creative transportation options and particularly bizarre food.

Lost in Translation: Male Man

Gentlemen: Should you find yourself in need of a restroom while traveling in Shanghai, you’ll be pleased to know that relief is on the way. Comic relief, that is. This sign is likely to have you scratching your head and wonde

Lost in Translation: Turkish Baths

What could be more delightful than visiting a spa on your vacation? And what could be more embarrassing than not knowing what to wear at the spa? While you may be comfortable traipsing about naked in your hometown spa, you’ll want to put on slightly more garb at a Turkish bath. The appropriate apparel is a cotton wrap. At some fancier establishments, such as Les Bains de Marrakech in Morocco, swimsuits are mandatory.

Lost in Translation: Subway Insanity

Subways are confusing enough without adding language difficulties. If you used this subway ticket machine in Osaka, Japan, would you know which route to take and how much to pay? And if you managed to figure that out, would you know where to get off? See you in Osaka. Maybe.

Lost in Translation: No Ladies at Any Time

Female travelers the world over know the value of finding a clean, well-lighted restroom — soon and often. But if you saw this sign in Cornwall, England, would you be delighted or just confused? If we didn’t know any better, we’d think that Monty Python’s Flying Circus was in charge of signage for Cornwall bathrooms. Presumably, the lady with a full bladder will need to seek out the “No Men at Any Time” sign. Good luck with that.

Lost in Translation: Enjoy English, Enjoy Yourself

This sign advertises a language school in Yangshuo, Guangxi Province, China. The translator, however, could probably benefit from a few more language lessons. While the English majors of the world will tell you that mastery of words, grammar, spelling and punctuation will earn you a great job and the respect of your colleagues, we hardly associate mastery of the English language with “enjoying yourself.

Lost in Translation: High-Tech Toilet

Once upon a time, a commode required nothing more than a flush. Which of the 11 buttons on this high-tech toilet in Tokyo allows you to complete that simple maneuver? When it comes to the other 10 buttons, the mind boggles. Does a wonderful symphony begin drowning out all the other noises in the bathroom? Does one of the buttons allow you to request more toilet paper? We confess; we are flushed with confusion.

Lost in Translation: Please Don't Litter Up

Citizens of Beijing can be proud that their city is taking steps to combat the scattering of trash. But when it comes to this “Please Don’t Litter Up” sign, we find the translation to be a bit messy, indeed. We can’t wait to see how the Chinese would translate “Give a Hoot, Don’t Pollute.” 

Lost in Translation: Poultry to Go

We’ve heard of take-out chicken, but this is ridiculous. If you’re traveling by taxi bus in Antananarivo, Madagascar, don’t be surprised to find turkeys, ducks and chickens in baskets on the roof. And you thought you’d already seen plenty of colorful characters riding public transportation.

Lost in Translation: What Is a Camera Horse?

This sign at the Three Gorges Museum in Chongqing City, China, is probably discouraging you from using flash photography inside. But we’d sure like to know the definition of “camera horse.” Could this be a new kind of webcam for watching mares, foals and stallions in action? Sounds like hours of fun.

Lost in Translation: The Bidet

Remember that scene from “Crocodile Dundee” where Mick tries to figure out what a bidet is for? In the end, he proudly announces to his companion that it must be for “washing his backside.” Wash your backside if you must, but frankly, this plumbing fixture was invented in France for washing the genitalia and buttocks. You’ll typically find bidets while traveling in France and southern Europe, South America, Egypt, Morocco, some parts of Asia, and Arab countries such as Saudi Arabia, Lebanon, Jordan and the United Arab Emirates. 

Lost in Translation: Arabic Stop Sign

You’ll find signs like this one in the Atlas Mountains of Morocco and all over the Arabic world. Fortunately, the traveler does not need to know Arabic to figure out the meaning of this sign. So pay attention, stop pushing on the slanted pedal — and stop.

Lost in Translation: Something on a Stick

We all love something tasty on a stick, especially when attending a state fair or a music festival. But you’re probably thinking of kebabs, satay or corn dogs, aren’t you? In Beijing, the diner can look forward to some pretty amazing creatures on a stick. Seriously, what could be better than deep-fried scorpions, starfish and seahorses? Make mine extra crunchy.