One very strong cultural difference here is the way people wear masks when they are ill, to prevent other people catching the infection. Quite a nice sentiment I think, and practical.

According to friends that were here during SARS, it was a deeply unpleasant time. Imagine spending a whole day and not see anyone’s facial expression, and dealing with the fact that on the MRT (subway) system you were riding a most efficient germ distribution system, but you still had to get to work. Nasty.

Some of the masks, though, are pretty damned cool. It has to be said.

Zip It