Markets.

Of course, there are many markets in Beijing. Two of our favourites have to do with local street food. Interestingly, in order to bring the regional cuisine to Beijing, and in the sense of novelty, right by our hotel are two street markets offering unique regional Chinese foods. Okay -- I say food, meaning something to eat -- however in these markets, food means something else. As you can see in this picture food is essentially anything you want it to be. The best part is that sometimes the food need not be cooked or dead -- in fact the scorpions in the market are skewered, but not dead. *shudder*

So, in light of all these interesting delicacies -- I'm going to eat grapes. Simple, vegetarian and dead. Classic Beijing snack -- fruit on a stick covered in simple syrup (sugar)!