We passed this fisherman on our way to dinner, and he was still here when we got back.

EAP China! Robert Klein 

It really felt good to just relax in the humidity for awhile.

EAP China! Robert Klein

They do a really good job of fitting into the neighborhood, though, I must admit.

EAP China! Robert Klein

It's just like an American starbucks. Everything is written in English, they have that cute little chalkboard, and even the prices are tied to the US dollar! In fact, for the price of a frappucino, you could eat a nice dinner for two, including alcohol.

EAP China! Robert Klein 

Xingbakekafei! That's right, it's Starbucks in Houhai!

EAP China! Robert Klein 

Houhai reminds me so much of Oakland's Lake Merritt.
EAP China! Robert Klein

Here's to you, Matt!
EAP China! Robert Klein

This one goes out ot Matt Diamante, my favorite Tintin fan.
EAP China! Robert Klein

They're following me, I swear.
EAP China! Robert Klein

This stretch has the most expensive restaurants I've run into yet in Beijing, except the famous Brazillian place "Alameda."
EAP China! Robert Klein

No, we got to ride these boats. Take that Peking Duck people!
EAP China! Robert Klein

While we did end up taking a boat ride, it wasn't on these monstrosities.
EAP China! Robert Klein

I think my mom (she's an artist) would love this store.
EAP China! Robert Klein

Smokes, tea and booze. What more could you ever want?
EAP China! Robert Klein

Never did I think that China might actually bear a pretty strong resemblance to Chinatown. Who knew?
EAP China! Robert Klein

Sold, for 30 kuai!
EAP China! Robert Klein

Zhe zhang duo shao qian?
EAP China! Robert Klein

What's funny is, if that black and white cartoon came out in America, some Berkeley "race consciousness" class would be denouncing as proof of America's inherent racism.
EAP China! Robert Klein

Bargaining for memories of communism.
EAP China! Robert Klein

I do think the bars overestimate locals' ability to pay. On the other hand, I believe this was on a Monday.
EAP China! Robert Klein

This is where the tricycles live. Like a lot of China, it's very different just on the other side of the threshold.
EAP China! Robert Klein

As a Star Trek fan, I love seeing Chinese cars. These TNG communicators are everywhere.
EAP China! Robert Klein

All the bars along Houhai were rebuilt 3 years ago to help provide a tourist boost after SARS.
EAP China! Robert Klein

As a Star Trek fan, I love seeing Chinese cars. These TNG communicators are everywhere.
EAP China! Robert Klein

Oooo. Open.
EAP China! Robert Klein

A pre-English translation tricyle.
EAP China! Robert Klein

Wang Hutong surveys his subjects below.
EAP China! Robert Klein

This area has lots of western oriented restaurants. Posting this reminds me of how badly I want a burrito right now. If any of you are visiting me, please, bring me a burrito!
EAP China! Robert Klein

Hmmm, Mao and porn. You know you're in the tourist ghetto when...
EAP China! Robert Klein

This is the end of our ride. If you're tired of tricycles, don't worry, there's no more!
EAP China! Robert Klein

Awesome! Just freakin' awesome!
EAP China! Robert Klein

It's times like this when you realize you're really in Beijing.
EAP China! Robert Klein

That's a lot of tricycles.
EAP China! Robert Klein

"Where you at?" "I'm at Daxiangfenghutong. Where you at?"
EAP China! Robert Klein

If you're wondering why I took this picture, take a close look at the inscription above the address.
EAP China! Robert Klein

Walking by the GongAn station on the way to meet back up with our bikes.
EAP China! Robert Klein

This part of the palace is beautiful, though you'll want to have remembered your bug spray. Note how the bridge is made to look like a boat.
EAP China! Robert Klein

That's the emperor directly to Jessica Luu's right. You see the emperor a lot around Beijing tourist sites. He also waved to us from the top of the gate at Tian'anmen.
EAP China! Robert Klein

That's me. And yes, I know I've gained some weight, but all the biking I plan to do in Beijing is going to help me, I'm sure of it!
EAP China! Robert Klein

Chillin' in the alleyway.
EAP China! Robert Klein

Our saleswoman prepares oolong tea, flanked by a row of "modern" scene-changing tea cups all for sale.
EAP China! Robert Klein

I must admit, this is one of the nicest gift shops I've ever been to.
EAP China! Robert Klein

Look how excited we all are! Just count the cameras!
EAP China! Robert Klein

This is the "teahouse" that is actually a gift shop. But it doesn't become obvious until the end of the "Traditional Chinese Tea Ceremony", when they demonstrate the "newer" types of tea mugs that change color when you pour hot tea into them. Then you realize every single thing on the wall has a price tag.
EAP China! Robert Klein

I'd love to come here at night sometime.
EAP China! Robert Klein

We're like ants, crawling all over this place!
EAP China! Robert Klein

This picture is a little blurry because he started to fly away.
EAP China! Robert Klein