Hutong

From here the next port of call was a bike ride through the Hutong area, where the place looks like a slum, but it's not.

The people don't display their wealth on the outside, so some of the houses were quite nice.

We learnt that the number of beams sticking out above the entrance indicate the social standing of the person living there. 4 beams was pretty good going!

and the stones at the entrance gate indicate the profession. Squares would be something academic and circles something military. This dude only has level 2 status though.

We had a lovely lunch in one such home where the family had temporarily converted their home into an eating establishment. It's all part of the tourist thing and I think they get paid for opening up their house.

This woman was cycling alongside our ride trying to sell us things. There's no escape!

Heading back to the coach now.

Don't drink and drive people.

Unsure what this is about.

Inside another house and I was blown away by the detail in these prints that the man of the house draws in his spare time.

The family were always happy to pose for photos despite Colin's unfortunate mutation. He died shortly after this was taken.

This didn't come out very well partly because I was trying to take a picture of the live duck she's carrying without her realising. I failed and I didn't need a translator to know she wasn't happy.

"OK. So you've touched my thigh. My turn now"

Chinese cars can fly...just not here.

Getting to experience this part of the city was great but I felt a little uncomfortable with the whole bike ride thing, partly because of this Banksy piece that was in my head the whole time...