Arriving at dark safely in the right hutong at the right hotel, this was enough for us. We were ready to get some rest, and be ready for the next day. But, after a full day on our feet in Tian’an Men Square and the Forbidden City, we needed to have a real sit-down meal. A barbecue place near the corner where our hutong met the street beckoned: lively company and cold beer sealed it, and we stepped in.

Between gestures, a smattering of English by the wait staff, and a calculator (the device of choice to negotiate price, as we learned), we were seated and served right away. Way too much food, but way so much fun!