harbin had had a large russian population for a long time and its influence was evident in the availability of strong dark tea and a brand of gasp-inducing vodka as well as in the architecture ; we settled for the tea , served with two large cubes of sugar , after we checked into our hotel near the still partially frozen lake and relaxed for a time in the lobby , a large high-ceilinged room with an ornate chandelier and several overstuffed couches and chairs arranged around low brass tables .