The Microsoft Visual Hot Dog

We visited an upscale “Westernized” restaurant in Kunming, China which was pretty interesting.  Upon reading the menu, I just *had* to order this one…

—you read that right.  That menu item actually says: “Microsoft Visual hot dog”.  Oh, and yes, you also read the other item correctly, that you choose your choice of meat for a hamburger.  If it sits on a bun its considered a hamburger in China.

And, here’s the actual item…a gourmet hot dog sandwich:

Do you think it made Bill Gates proud?

Even though it was an upscale restaurant, the meal still only cost about $6 U.S.  And, you’re not supposed to tip the waitresses.  If you try to tip a waitress, they take it as an insult, and that you believe they are poor and need help.  So — no tipping in China.  Cool.  Job owners are simply expected to *do* their job and not expect anything else.  They do their job and don’t bellyache like Americans do.  Bellyaching means they lose their job.  No HR.  No long discussions or multiple warnings.  You suck — you’re on the street.

I have to admit it really spoiled me.  I’ve found myself becoming very impatient with folks in restaurants and stores since returning.  My wife has had to calm me down a couple times.  It really changes your perspective.  Folks should be thankful for having a job, instead of acting like they are doing YOU a favor by waiting on you.

BTW: No one ordered the peanut stews pettitoes.  Not sure why.