Yellow Fever. [ yel'lo f'var]

1. A viral infection transmitted by mosquitoes in South America and sub-Saharan Africa

2. An intense attraction for Asians by Caucasians

It's the Mount Qomolangma of obstacles, the nightmare on bar street, the reason why single white females cry in their half-price drinks on Ladies Night as they're passed over for the long black hair and short skirts of their Chinese sisters. As the bar chanteuse croons, "I've got the fever" the male expatriates sing lustily in reply ".yellow fever!"

"I'm a reasonably attractive, intelligent woman who, like these guys thought out-of-the-box and came to China. And we share the same native language. Why those girls over me?" laments a single white female. Why indeed. China has long been known as a single (sometimes married) white man's playground while at the same time being a single white woman's wasteland.

Las Vegas bookies give better odds on a nickel slot machine hitting the jackpot than a single white female meeting and marrying a single white male in the Middle Kingdom.

What is it then that attracts expatriate men to Chinese women? Is it their petite size, willingness to submit to their needs, eagerness to help their men succeed? Duh, yes.

Rightly or wrongly, Chinese women fully expect their husbands to be the provider and will take a backseat in order for them to be successful. Of course, for the male expatriates, dreams of lives like a bed-of-roses are abruptly pierced with thorny predicaments when meeting future in-laws. But differences aside, many such couples press ahead with the multiple bridal ceremonies and receptions. Chicken breast is on the wedding menu for guests in his hometown, while the head and feet are served up to friends and family in hers.