Hoo-Hah, Hou Hai

Have you ever been somewhere, or eaten something and said, "why didn't I know about this?",
or "why have I never eaten this before?"
That is how I felt when I finally managed to visit the Hou Hai. Set close to the vicinity of the Forbidden City, this area with a man made lake in it's center, surrounded by small 'artistic'
shops, bars and restaurants, is a true 'gem!'.

Bustling with activity, this delightful 'hot' spot both in the true and idiomatic expression of the
word, is set against the background of the traditional Hutongs. Here a massage can be
received, whilst you sit on a little stool for only 20 yuan; of course this is not professionally done,
but an experience nevertheless.

The labyrinth of streets can be enjoyed with a luxury pedicab tour and stopping to pause in all
the little shops, may leave your purse a little lighter, but you will be amazed at the bargains and
treasures you may be able to find.

Personally, I went in search of the 'Pizza'. Resisting the temptation to pedal out over the water
in a Swan boat, or be serenaded by a musician on a wooden 'old dynasty tourist' ferry, I kept to
my trail of finding the most highly recommended Triangle slice in the city. After questioning a
number of passers by and being greeting with a common chorus of "I'm not from around these
parts", or some such comment as I could only understand the body language and not the words
themselves, I finally stumbled across someone who knew the exact location.

Bookings are highly recommended, as it is almost impossible to get a seat at this small,
authentically set establishment, as the trays and aromas pass before your eyes and nose.
Not willing to admit defeat, my friends and I decided to take a take out. '10 minutes' we were
quoted. After 20 minutes or so, I went in search of our meal, to be told, that further time was
necessary as they went out to milk the cow in order to prepare the cheese! At last, almost
after an hour had passed, our boxes were packed and ready. At this point I decided to play
a little trick on the 'innocent' waiter and put in his hand only three-quarters of the sum necessary
to pay for the pizza. What he did not know, was that I had the rest of the monies and tip,
securely held in my other palm.

His face turned a series of colors, as he tried to protest that this sum was inadequate, I gestured
in return that the pizza was late and therefore he should forfeit the full price. After some moments
and seeing his anguish, I signalled in a childish gesture of waggling my fingers above my head
and making some childish noise, that this was just a prank and to his immense relief deposited
the remainder of the sum, plus tip in his outstretched palm. At this point, all the other waiters
burst out laughing and we took our now 'prized' possession and went to happily much next to the
lake's shore.

Here, we became the object of every one's interest, as all who passed stopped to ask for directions
as to where the establishment was situated! Next time, I shall enlist in wearing a neon sign, with
an arrow pasted on it and shall request a free pizza for my trouble!