Liuzhou Laowai

Cassava Cars

Thursday, 3 April 2008 1:51 P GMT+08

If anyone has noticed a strange smell around here it may because ...

Bike Ban

Tuesday, 1 April 2008 1:43 P GMT+08

In a long overdue statement released today, Liuzhou Government has announced a total ban on electric scooters to take effect at the weekend.

More information is coming to light about the traffic accident yesterday in which ten people died. All the dead and injured were passengers in the van which collided head on with a coach. No one on the bus was injured.

The Power and the Glory

Thursday, 27 March 2008 9:44 A GMT+08

Liuzhou Government (i.e. Liuzhou branch of the Chinese Communist Party) have held 'elections' to choose various leaders. Of course, quite who gets to vote and who gets to stand is not mentioned, but you can be sure it ain't

No Comment

Wednesday, 26 March 2008 1:01 P GMT+08

Have I ever mentioned the utter idiocy which Liuzhou displays in allowing untrained, unlicenced, uninsured, unbrained idiots to charge up and down the roads, sidewalks, pavements, squares etc. on silent killing machines? Possibly, in passing.

The Daily Grind

Friday, 14 March 2008 1:52 P GMT+08

In their customary fashion, the local authorities have been taking one step forward and two back.

Haven't the Foggiest

Monday, 3 March 2008 11:57 A GMT+08

The local drivers have been demonstrating their driving skills again. On Saturday morning, there were eight separate accidents on a one kilometre stretch of the Liuzhou – Nanning highway. 34 vehicles were involved when they hit a bunch of fog.

Taxi Tantrum

Friday, 29 February 2008 3:23 P GMT+08

The locals are amusing themselves again. It doesn't take much to attract a crowd round here. People stop and gawp at anything slightly unusual. This one got a bit out of hand, though.

Trapped

Thursday, 28 February 2008 2:50 P GMT+08

A strange little story from Liuzhou.

Street Murderers

Thursday, 28 February 2008 11:27 A GMT+08

I may have mentioned these horrible machines before. According to the local authorities there are 150,000 of the ?street murderers? in Liuzhou and the number is increasing.

Idiots

Thursday, 14 February 2008 12:55 P GMT+08

Idiots

Guangzhou Railway Station, January 2008

Monday, 4 February 2008 10:29 A GMT+08

Here are a few shots taken in and around Guangzhou Railway Station in the last week or so.

Fantasy Train

Sunday, 3 February 2008 8:37 A GMT+08

Do they think we are all mad? Do they really expect us to believe this nonsense?

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Hot air in Freezing China

Friday, 1 February 2008 4:58 P GMT+08

The whole country is paralysed by the worst weather in 50+ years. Half a million people trapped in one railway station. Millions more elsewhere. But don't worry. The Premier, Wen Jiabao has it all sorted.

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Travel Disaster

Monday, 28 January 2008 2:25 P GMT+08

I’m sorry to go on about this, but it is cold. I’m told that this is Guangxi’s coldest winter since 1951. I wasn’t around then. I didn’t exist. So I have to believe them.

Toast

Tuesday, 15 January 2008 10:15 A GMT+08

The picture above is from today?s local paper. Clearly a story about the criminal irresponsibility of parents who protect themselves while on motorcycles but leave the welfare of their children in the hands of the gods.

Don't Buckle Under

Thursday, 27 December 2007 10:35 A GMT+08

I'm intrigued by a new set of signs which have appeared on my route home. They are very sensibly advising people not to drink and drive and to use the seat belts provided. And not a drop of Chinglish to be seen.

Time Trials

Sunday, 23 December 2007 11:10 A GMT+08

Every evening, Liuzhou Televison runs a short piece after the news 'naming and shaming' traffic regulation violators.

Sea of Holes

Thursday, 13 December 2007 9:44 A GMT+08

I don't want to go on about this, but I hope the nutters who decided to build Liuzhou's underground shopping mall in the town centre have read this article. It gives examples of bits of China which have developed holes where there shouldn't be holes

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Dig it!

Tuesday, 11 December 2007 11:11 A GMT+08

In 2003, Liuzhou?s government decided to rebuild the city centre. This included changing the traffic routing system. A reasonably efficient one way system was developed throughout the downtown area. So, they decided to destroy it.

Line Dancing

Monday, 10 December 2007 12:57 P GMT+08

I have, on occasion, been described as ?negative?. A scandalous libel! I am merely healthily cynical. And, only occasionally, something occurs which fails to justify my cynicism (for a moment or two). I then smile happily (for a moment or two).

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Wheelbarrow Etiquette

Thursday, 8 November 2007 12:07 P GMT+08

What do you do when you are carting around some household junk and, while crossing the road, spot a friendly looking card game going on in the shade of a tree?

Going Underground

Monday, 5 November 2007 8:34 A GMT+08

They have finally, totally taken leave of their senses

Zone Alarm - Updated

Sunday, 28 October 2007 1:04 P GMT+08

I am horrified to discover that in my absence from Liuzhou, standards have slipped. So far have they fallen that I may have to take emergency action!