Yuri Doric: Tourism

I have begun reading a book by Joe Bennet titled Where underpants come from. It’s basically about China vis a vis the raw materials and production required to produce underwear (pants, in England).

Although taking place in China the first three pages reflect many of my feelings and observations in Vietnam.

It’s informative, easy and fun read; as good as any way to introduce yourself to China and, as the author writes, “realize what a slab of unthinking prejudice” we might harbour; one “born of ignorance”.

After a joyful meal in a restaurant, filled with poor chopstick skills and spilled beer, he makes a sobering and poignant observation: “I reflect that I couldn’t imagine a restaurant in England or New Zealand (and I cannot imagine one in Canada or America—Yuri) taking such unmalicious collective interest in a solitary monoglot middle-aged Chinaman. Or enjoying such uninhibited fun with him. Or making him feel so plain bloody happy.”