It must have been a 5 star 7-11. There is no other explanation.

I made the mistake of going into 7-11 during lunchtime.

Now I know what you're thinking. You are thinking to yourself, "Self, going into 7-11 is never a mistake." True. 7-11 is a fabulous place with its endless array of tasty snacks, chilled drinks, newspapers, and slurpees. And while there are no slurpees in a Chinese 7-11 (no ice being a big factor), 7-11 is a true testament to globalization at its best.

But going into a Beijing 7-11 at anytime between 12 and 1300 hours is hazardous to your health. It is not recommended if you have high blood pressure, claustrophobia, if you are or may become pregnent (not advised while in 7-11), or if you desire to maintain sanity in general.

Today I was doing research in Guomao, the World Trade Center district. After some productive research where I rode around finding the areas where security guards would chase me around to kick me off my bike, I decided to take what in China translates into a "Coca-Cola Light break." I strolled over to the 7-11 and opened the door to find about 60 people crammed into the corner where the fast food is sold, and another 20 waiting in line to purchase their food.

7-11 was the most popular lunch spot in all of the World Trade Center.

7-11.

I was stunned. Sure, at home 7-11 also sells fast food. But that hot dog is there so that you can make bets with your friends on just how long it's been rotating on the heater ($20, June 1973). You know better than to eat that. And remember when they started trying to sell other kinds off food in the shape of a hot dog?

And with endless awesome and ridiculously cheap places to eat in Beijing, why in God's name would you eat at 7-11? Being taller than everyone present, I managed to catch a glimpse of the food. It looked like normal Chinese food. Not particularly bad but not particularly awesome. Granted this stuff looked edible, but I don't get the draw. And it wasn't a bargain either. The price range was 15-22 kuai, or about 2-3 dollars for a full meal. Cheap by our standards, but being here for almost 6 weeks now I'm pretty used to 22 kuai being breakfast, lunch and dinner.

In China you can't let things like people in your way deter you. So, I was...not deterred. After 6 weeks in China I am very comfortable with nudging, pushing, and out right throwing people over my shoulder in order to get where I am going. I squeezed over to the drink case and grabbed my 18.6 oz Coca-Cola Light, and turned to make my way to the line through the mass of humanity. Using my backpack and my core strength, I rotated my body back and forth to knock back anyone that tried to push ahead of me in line. After successfully defending my space I finally make it to the front counter, paid for my Coca-Cola Light, and made a run for it. I made it outsite without major injury and turned around. I cradeled my Coca-Cola Light with two hands as I stared back at 7-11 in dismay.

It's 7-11. What is the big damn deal?