Before I left the Crossroads I had a chance to spend some days out and about seeing the people.
This is Chinese Chess looks different but is actually pretty similar to regular chess.
This is Mahajong which is actually a four player game and usually involves gambling.
The old men of the city often gather outside park gates on a nice day and play games together.
As always there are watchful eyes where ever you go.
This fellow is hoping for a balloon ...
... don't know if he is going to get one though.
This is Chinese Chess looks different but is actually pretty similar to regular chess.
This is Mahajong which is actually a four player game and usually involves gambling.
The old men of the city often gather outside park gates on a nice day and play games together.
As always there are watchful eyes where ever you go.
This fellow is hoping for a balloon ...
... don't know if he is going to get one though.Everyone here is good about getting in their exercise. 
You can always find little kids out with grandma and gramps.
The games look easy but don't be fooled.
Street sweepers are always hard at work.
These guys have been collecting little tiny seed pods off of a local tree. Every spring people gather them up and take them home to make a type of flour they cook with.
This is my favorite game but they did not get my business today. No worries, when business is slow they just read or knit.
and knit some more.
These little guys are waiting for someone to win them. Aren't they cute!
Kite flying is extremely popular and this guy is an expert.
Others are out in the sun catching up on some reading...
... hope he doesn't get too distracted and fall in!
If nothing else there are always places to just sit and take the day in.
If sitting is too boring then just join the dancing.
These guys were cutting the rug and drawing a crowd.
Even here there are wall flowers.
There is always one ham willing to play towards the camera!
All kinds of people come and go on the dance floor.
Mother and child watching the fun.
Doesn't matter how old you are, this guy's still got it!
I was glad this guy never got up the nerve to try and get me to dance, I hid quietly behind my camera!
Oh look, he found a friend to dance with.
These ladies were good too.
It's all in the wrists.
And the arms.
Quite the random group of participants.
These women are marching to a different beat.
They have a drumming group going and are out practicing in the park.
He's excited to be here.
Don't let the sun deceive you, snow had fallen the day before.
How many Chinese men does it take to catch a fish?
In another part of town people hang out in the shadow of the Olympic count down clock.
This is my favorite! A little afternoon water calligraphy.
A few bottles, a sponge, pole and water and you have a traveling art show.
Some are out on a date...
...others out with mom and dad.
This guy is just along for the ride.
Beep, Beep!
This woman is digging through the trash collecting bottles for money.
This women is selling newspapers.
The two women stop and talk, smiling in the sun despite their poor situations.
Three Muslim women out for a stroll.
Someone is always smoking.
It's not all peaceful, crowded streets...
...and construction.
What do we have here?
Goldfish for sale!
And no matter where you go, there is a fruit vendor (or 5) near by!
You can always find little kids out with grandma and gramps. 
The games look easy but don't be fooled.
Street sweepers are always hard at work.
These guys have been collecting little tiny seed pods off of a local tree. Every spring people gather them up and take them home to make a type of flour they cook with. 
This is my favorite game but they did not get my business today. No worries, when business is slow they just read or knit.
and knit some more.
These little guys are waiting for someone to win them. Aren't they cute!
Kite flying is extremely popular and this guy is an expert.
Others are out in the sun catching up on some reading...
... hope he doesn't get too distracted and fall in!
If nothing else there are always places to just sit and take the day in.
If sitting is too boring then just join the dancing.
These guys were cutting the rug and drawing a crowd.
Even here there are wall flowers.
There is always one ham willing to play towards the camera!
All kinds of people come and go on the dance floor.
Mother and child watching the fun.
Doesn't matter how old you are, this guy's still got it!
I was glad this guy never got up the nerve to try and get me to dance, I hid quietly behind my camera!Oh look, he found a friend to dance with.
These ladies were good too.
It's all in the wrists.
And the arms.
Quite the random group of participants.
These women are marching to a different beat.
They have a drumming group going and are out practicing in the park.
He's excited to be here.
Don't let the sun deceive you, snow had fallen the day before.
How many Chinese men does it take to catch a fish?
In another part of town people hang out in the shadow of the Olympic count down clock.
This is my favorite! A little afternoon water calligraphy.A few bottles, a sponge, pole and water and you have a traveling art show.
Some are out on a date...
...others out with mom and dad.
This guy is just along for the ride.
Beep, Beep!
This woman is digging through the trash collecting bottles for money.
This women is selling newspapers.The two women stop and talk, smiling in the sun despite their poor situations.
Three Muslim women out for a stroll.
Someone is always smoking.
It's not all peaceful, crowded streets...
...and construction.
What do we have here?
Goldfish for sale!
And no matter where you go, there is a fruit vendor (or 5) near by!
