OFFline bloggers

Around Hangzhou's lake, groups of mostly old men gather in circles. Usually one held court while the others listened. According to a local, this is a favorite pasttime of retirees, who congregate in public to talk about government affairs and politics.

I put my digital camera over my head to take this shot. Unfortunately, the flash went off, immediately turning the group's attention to me. They started yelling and shouting. My companion, Yangbin, assured them I was an out-of-towner who meant no harm. He said they were concerned I might be an undercover cop. A real scary-looking one.