I don’t know what it is about statues and signs. It’s usually not enough for me to simply read or admire them — I have to find a way to have fun with them.
Sometimes it’s easy:
Poor translation or a lack of research often leads to a good chuckle, and this goes both ways.
But a statue or pictoral sign requires some effort and a bit of exhibition on my part. Either the locals are already staring at me (in which case, why not entertain them?) or they aren’t paying a lick of attention. I may be perpetrating a few stereotypes about Americans, but I do my best to avoid being rude or offensive. If I make a few people think that Americans enjoy a bit of silliness, then so be it.
Beefy (naked) men inspire me in some ways.
And animals inspire me in others.
Naked ladies bring out the kindergartner in me.
When it comes to a statue of a seated man, I like to at least attempt to sit on his lap. Unfortunately, I have a feeling that all the oversized seated man statues in China will be Mao. Treating Mao like Santa Claus *might* be considered offensive.
Stick figure signs inspire imitation.
Luckily, there will be no shortage of silly signs and statues for me to toy with in China. Aren’t these more interesting records of a trip than bland group shots in front of a mountain?
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