Home from Home

Finally at last, I made it to the Hou Hai! This scenic beautiful spot, set not far from the Forbidden City, is set around a man made lake. The long
walk around the lake is lined by restaurants, bars, cafes and small boutiques, that are filled with unusual gifts and treasures.

Set in the alleyways behind the lake, are the famous Hutongs of Beijing,
streets and passages laid out like a labyrinth of adventure, as you wind your way through them, either on one of the beautiful classic pedicabs of
that particular area, or by foot, peeking in a doorway or window as you pass. The question as to whether the inhabitants are the curios or you, is
always a point of view in China.

It was only last week, as I was walking on the street past a beautiful young
woman in a turquoise blue mini dress, so lovely, but who of course was the center of attention, not her, no, the short, middle aged blond in yellow crocs!?

It was a gorgeous sunny afternoon and as work seemed to have tapered down a little due to the summer holidays, I felt like I had a 'get out of jail
free card' (monopoly) and so taking with me a couple of friends, we went
off to explore. Amazingly one of them who has been living in China for a
number of years, had of yet never been there, so it was fun to explore together.

For those who have only read of the Hutongs but have as of yet not seen them, let me describe them as the old areas of Tel Aviv and Jerusalem or
the 'alleys' of Brighton in England, places where you feel that artists once
lived or where small specialist shops can be found, surprisingly the prices quite reasonable and the wares different to the infamous 'markets' of Beijing.

As for food and drink, we were in search of Pizza and after a long, long walk and request for endless directions, found it and could be seen happily munching next to the lake, directing all the other pizza-wannabes!
Restaurants and bar prices I cannot say, but understand that there is one for every taste and pocket.

The lake itself is calm and peaceful and at night is lit up with the wooden
ferries that take private parties/or groups enhanced with a young musician playing traditional instruments. For those wishing to pedal, an
array of pedal boats, from large to small, even decorated with a swan are
available for hire, but that I will try another day.

For me, it was an afternoon/evening break and a reminder of home. For
I surely miss the 'Hutongs' of Jerusalem dearly, but this was as close as
I could get.