Old men in speedos, ducks in the lake, rickshaws encircling the water, Mao entrusted bicycle shops. Observations of a Saturday spent at Houhai Lake in the heart of Beijing. A day off means a day out so three other friends and I wandered to this spot to enjoy a stress-free day. Since I had already been here for our first week of study abroad orientation it wasn't a new site, but I realized a little too late that it is better at night than day. Most of the doors were padded with locks, even though some of the shop signs read that they were open.
As we walked, looking at the sleeping men in store fronts, carts, and sidewalks, we stayed silent as well. Not admitting it to each other at the moment, but we all knew we were thinking of the same thing. Home. As fun as it is to enjoy a day exploring Beijing, a day at the lake isn't the same as a day getting wet at an outdoor pool. Looking around, we saw the signs of summer and we knew we were missing a great Iowa summer now that the flood waters have subsided. Pictures on facebook are enough evidence. In a month, when we do arrive home, the sweet corn will have been eaten, watermelon will be past its prime and pools will be closing.
We avoided the topic to stay positive and to enjoy our lunch of spicy beef with green beans and sticky white rice. Later we found the snack alley and savored syrup candied fruit on a stick. Because if you can't be home, you might as well immerse yourself even more in the current local favorites.
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