BEIJING - IT'S FUN TO STAY AT THE YMCA?

Sanlitun is chock full of bars with bands playing cheesy eighties ballads and Chinese love songs, annoying touts and skimpily dressed bar girls. Yorky specifically disliked being hassled by the touts who would go as far as following you up the length of the street in order to get your patronage.

“If you don’t like getting hassled, just tell them you’re gay mate and they’ll leave you alone” Yorky looked unconvinced preferring a more confrontational approach which usually involved him telling them to fuck off.

“Look I’ll show you” I made eye contact with the closest tout.

“You want pretty girls? You come to my bar” he smiled sensing a potential commission.

“No mate, I only like guys, You have guys? Maybe somebody who look like you?” He took a step back involuntarily, suddenly uncertain.

“You no like girls?” he questioned. Shaking his head he smiled, turned around and walked away.

I was only slightly concerned at how easily he believed me.