Nose - Welcome to the Heart of Europe

 

Visiting places in Asia, it is easy to feel like an outsider. On second thought, one may be fascinated by a world with commonalities where not expected. And yet there is a striking optical difference right in the middle of the face!

 

When we look at it objectively, we may come to the conclusion that, yes, Westerners have different facial features. And so in China, foreigners are also called “da bizi,” which is “big nose” in Mandarin. In case of Korea, we find “kojanyee” as a joking expression about the “long noses” of Americans. In Japan that would be “takai hana” for “high noses.”

 

Why Westerners actually grow bigger facial features cannot be said for sure. Perhaps, large noses have developed due to climate conditions or the need to breathe in more oxygen at a time. Many Westerners may be proud of their impressive noses. A noble hook nose is even referred to as “Adlernase – eagle’s nose” in German. Let us remember this: If creatures with bigger noses were superior, the elephant would be king of the world!

 

Find more adventures in Asia in my book “BU DONG – When Strange Things Become Familiar!”