Up close, these goldfish were rather unflattering creatures, not unlike bulldogs spliced with distended potbellies and kite fins. From afar, in the greenish fluorescent restaurant lighting they glowed like alien beings that emanate RGB fire. I rather liked that there were no bubbles in the aquarium - made the fish look like they were swimming in the lobby air space.

A restaurant staff spied me taking pictures as if I've never seen goldfish before in my life. He sidled up to me and asked, "Would you like to try our special goldfish stew?" I eyed him dubiously, not sure if he was pulling my leg. If he wasn't, then should I should appear appalled, betraying my touristy greenness or blase, like a seasoned world-weary traveller? Either persona I adopt, however, would have gone to pot if he was really pulling my leg. I had no way to win.

He chuckled and walked away.