Lost in Translation 2

I'm back with another "lost in translation" countdown. . .

5.  As the mother of young children, I wish that ALL food came with a crumb-less option.  Sadly, this bread didn't live up to the advertising, it was merely crust-less.

4.  This sounds like it should be found in a forum as opposed to a kitchen:    

3.  Please, dab gently with your napkins so that you can avoid needing this cream.  (Thanks to my friend Jane for this picture!)

2.  There are many times that a sign gives you the feeling that maybe Google translate has gone slightly awry.  I'm not sure if the discounts have caught on fire, or if you can purchase fire at a discount?  

1.  Other times you get the feeling that Google translate has gone more than slightly awry.  These pictures were taken by Ian Lockley at a gas station restaurant in a place called Raz Al Khair, that is a little north of Jubail.  This feels so typical to our area--a lot of the menu makes sense, but then. . . .

I'll take an order of 'Dump the thickness of' with a side of 'Brick Pad'.  How about you?

Lost in Translation

When more than one language or culture is involved, there is always room for confusion. . . 

5.  Does anyone know what 'browsing chairs' are?

4.  I don't know about you, but when I shop I want discounts, not legal responsibilities.

3.  Note to self:  When reading the directions on food packaging, the baking temperatures are given in Celsius, not Fahrenheit.  

2.  One day at work lunch Ben was served "chicken with herpes".  I hope they meant "chicken with herbs"?!

1.  And for the top translation chuckle, check out this sign from a little juice shop in the mall.  (You can click on the picture to see it enlarged.)

Which juice drink would you order?

Pre-Impressions

It's always interesting seeing things through the eyes of children.  Before we moved, we of course talked quite a bit about Saudi and some of the things the kids could expect, what would be different, what would be the same, new rules, etc.

1.  After watching a promotional video about Saudi that a friend lent us, Erik--with total sincerity--said "Mom, that is so cool that you get to dress like a Ninja!!"

As a quick side note, as a non-Muslim foreigner I don't actually have to cover my face or hair.  So I don't 'get' to wear the whole 'Ninja' outfit.  However, I do have to wear the black dress--called abaya--when I am out in public.

2.  After Ben arrived in Saudi, he took pictures of what would soon be our new home so that the kids and I could see it.  Elizabeth's comment?  (Unfamiliar with what a beday is. . . )  "Mom, why are their sinks so short?"