I was excited to see this week’s Photo Challenge theme on Signs. I’ve always had a thing about signs and what they have to say about different cultures. I actually have a section on my blog devoted to them. They offer little insights and clues into a culture’s priorities, buying preferences, or sense of humor. Sometimes all three. I love noticing what they have to say about where I live, or at least the questions they raise. Often they leave me stumped too.
Take today for example: Stuck in a small developing world airport, I was delayed for hours, waiting around inside a concrete box with no internet connection, a dead battery, nowhere to charge, and no book… People watching ran its course. I studied the bad paint job. I kept looking at the broken clock. I peered regularly out the window hoping to see our plane land. After a while it was just me and the signs staring back at one another. Here are the two that graced the airport’s walls today:

The Greenply company manufactures commercial plywood. Quite why they would have a public stance on bad language is a bit of a mystery? In fact, what they are trying to say is a bit of a mystery too. After hours of uncomfortable staring at an otherwise blank wall, I’m still not clear on the point? Suggestions welcome!
Whoa–I’m a retired English teacher and that first sign has me stumped. Would be fun for students to deconstruct that one!
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I know. A real head scratcher! I’m going to have to ask someone what it says in Nepali.
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