Oriental Tart Master

Indeed.

We were looking for the well known tourist attraction People's Square. I assumed it would be this huge wide open plaza, cobblestoned and full of people. But I guess it was actually just a nice green park like area.

First we were approached by two Chinese people who wanted to talk to us. They told us about how one had been to Australia, and how they met at "English corner" in Beijing where people go to speak to other people in different languages. Seemed rather nice, then came the punchline. We're going to a tea ceremony. That's the scam they warn you about on the forums, you go to a tea ceremony with some friendly citizens and the next thing you know you are seeing a second menu with higher prices and you are paying for your "new friends" as well. Then the heavies escort you to a money machine so you can withdraw the several thousand yuan the meal costs. Well, two dudes don't want to go to a tea ceremony anyway. So we all went on our way.

Then we came across this place. It probably sold other stuff, like.. oriental tarts. I was distracted by the platters of piled high deep fried battered crab.



One of the aforementioned piles of deep fried battered crab.



A serving of crab, which cost 10 yuan.



The skewer of crabs.



It was appealing to buy, but not worth it. The chinese may have the patience and skill of getting the crab meat out, but I found the endeavour rather futile. After gnawing at it for several minutes, I gave up and bunged what was left in the bin. Goodbye deliciously frustrating crabs.