I really can't believe that in 13 days I'll be headed to Beijing for The Olympics. I'll be posting updates daily and praying for some good celeb sightings! I'll admit I'm nervous about the flight. I'm really putting my "My Fear Of Flying Will Never Stop Me From Traveling" mantra to test. Luckily, I have an appointment with my Dr. next week to get some "nerve pills" as my grandma calls them. Once I've got my nerve pills I'll be just fine. While it doesn't sound like I'm going to get a TRUE picture of what Beijing is really like, I think it's going to be better!
These photos are of the stadium and the airport.
Beijing is bending over backwards to make their city appealing to foreigners for the Olympic summer games starting August 8. The 43 billion dollar event called for a new stadium, architectural airport terminal, and new transportation lines.
Beijing is notoriously polluted and the Chinese don't want contestants choking, so they are cutting the city traffic in half. Work hours are being staggered, and if the last number on a car's license plate is even, they can drive one day, and the odd numbers can drive the next.
Forty million pots of flowers were ordered and a forest TWICE the size of Central Park was created near the Olympic stadium to improve air quality. Restaurants are setting aside smoking areas and taking DOG off the menu.
90,000 taxi drivers got special training and etiquette lessons are flourishing. 17 million people took an online manners course that bans spitting in public and encourages people to stand in line politely for the bus. The government is chasing "undesirables" out of town - beggars, migrants, masseuses, fortunetellers, street vendors etc - for the duration of the event. 1.5 million people have been moved to make space for Olympic projects (and they don't dare complain.) DVD stores have been told to keep their pirated Hollywood movies out of sight. It IS endearing, in some twisted way, that they want to make such a good impression.
(Source: Janet Charlton's Hollywood)
Thursday, July 24, 2008
My Olympics Countdown!
Posted by Unknown at 7:54 AM
Labels: Beijing Olympics
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6 comments:
Wow! They really are bending over backwards and then some. I can't WAIT to hear your take on it.
Aww, so foreigners won't get a taste of real China, with dog for dinner and a "happy ending" massage?
Of course this says nothing about pee pee in your coke....
Ok Nikki here's what I need from you, on the 9th... make your way to a tv camera with a big ass sign that says "Happy Birthday Stacee"
I know you and Craig are a sign making people so use lots of glitter!
oooo - A chance for a possible Nikki sighting ...and a possible sign for Stacee's birthday sighting! Exciting stuff! I can't wait to hear your report on what it's like over there. Hope you have a GREAT time.
Oh my lord they are taking DOG off the menu.....cancel your trip. How are you going to survive over there now.
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