Kate’s travelogue

Houhai Hot Pot

Houhai Hot Pot

Dining outdoors at Houhai Lake in Beijing - 2008

Strolling Around Houhai Lake

Strolling Around Houhai Lake

Beijing, China - 2008

Houhai Lake Rickshaw Drivers

Houhai Lake Rickshaw Drivers

Beijing, China - 2008

Tranquil Xochimilco

Tranquil Xochimilco

Floating Garden Shop

Floating Garden Shop

There's no need to leave your boat to shop the greenhouses of Xochimilco -- floating vendors will come right to your deck

Primary Colored Boats

Primary Colored Boats

Family owned boats serve as both floating shops and transportation from one side of the canal to another

Shades of Apocalypse Now

Shades of Apocalypse Now

Hot food vendor at the Floating Gardens of Xochimilco

Mariachi Madness

Mariachi Madness

Singing, dancing, comedy -- these mariachis do it all!

Float-In Ice Cream Vendor

Float-In Ice Cream Vendor

Float on up for a scoop of hand-cranked ice cream on the canals of Xochimilco

Floating Cocktail Vendor

Floating Cocktail Vendor

Margaritas rimmed in a chili powder mixture -- served off a boat floating on the waters of Mexico City's Xochimilco Gardens