Wine and "inkohol"

One of the things that I miss is a good glass of wine. Here in China it is hard to come by. And expensive if you can buy some.

My friends all enjoy a beer, but they too are keen to get home for a glass of real beer rather than the pale weak beer that is available here. In any case I do not like beer. I have tried it - but I just can't do it. I'd rather go thirsty!

Most of the restaurants at which we dine do not have much on the wine list, and if they do, you must buy a whole bottle. You can not get just one glass of wine. A bottle of wine is very expensive. So I generally just have tea or something, but it doesn't feel right. I'd just like one glass of wine with my meal!

Even in the bit flash hotels - it is not always possible to get this scarce item. And a bottle of wine comes with a huge price tag. Even the strange Chinese wine.

It has of course resulted in some "adventures" here. Especially since many of the menu's are all in Chinese and we are forever searching for the place that might just serve a glass of wine.

So recently at a restaurant with a group of teachers we asked about wine. The waiter pointed to a list of Chinese characters. "White wine?" I asked. Much nodding of heads from the waiters.

Shortly afterwards a waiter came and showed me the "wine list" again. With a serious voice she tried to point out that the "wine" was "inkohol" to which we all said, "ok, ok" and she left our table a little confused. Then the manager appeared. His English is a little better, but not much. With the "wine list" in his hand, he pointed to the Chinese characters and said "inkohol" and looked at me with grave concern. One of our group pointed to all the beers on the table and stated "inkohol". He left confused and concerned.

Shortly a small bottle of something that looked like pure Vodka arrived at my table. So this was their concern! It was hardly white wine, and they had reason to be concerned. If I drank this I would certainly cause a stir in their restaurant!

And so it was again, that I had to go back to my "fall back" option. Tea. But it is always a disappointment to me.

Oh, for a good glass of Aussie wine!