ANN CROTTY: My trip to Wuhan
Whether in politics or business, excess deference can be destructive
Now that I think about it, it could have been pangolin. I certainly hadn’t intended to order pangolin; I actually had no idea what I’d ordered. When the waiter asked what I wanted, I pointed at a picture on the menu of something I didn’t really recognise. When the food arrived, I still didn’t recognise it. I tasted it and still didn’t recognise it. But after one very tough, very chewy mouthful I asked for the bill, and as politely as possible headed off.
This is what happens when you can only manage a few greetings in the local language and you’re in the middle of Wuhan where almost nobody speaks English, much as in the middle of Cape Town hardly anyone speaks Mandarin. The people at the next table in the restaurant had tried their hardest to help...
Would you like to comment on this article?
Sign up (it's quick and free) or sign in now.
Please read our Comment Policy before commenting.
Subscribe now to unlock this article.
Support BusinessLIVE’s award-winning journalism for R129 per month (digital access only).
There’s never been a more important time to support independent journalism in SA. Our subscription packages now offer an ad-free experience for readers.
Cancel anytime.
Questions? Email helpdesk@businesslive.co.za or call 0860 52 52 00. Got a subscription voucher? Redeem it now.