We have left Beijing. It is a fascinating city - interesting and overwhelming. The one thing that struck me was the complete and total innundation of "Beijing 2008" (aka the Olympics). I can't wait to watch this chapter in China's history unfold. While Beijing has some luxuries, it also has many...idiosycracies that will be...challenging for the Western traveler (and athletes).
1. Water - No one drinks the water. Everything will need to be purified from the drinking water to the athletic ice. A test run with the Danish rowing team ending in the entire boat leaving with diharrea.
2. Pollution - I can't imagine many records will be broken when the athletes are inhaling smog as they race around Olympic Stadium. The government is trying to get all of the coal burning factories to shut down 3 months before the games to clear the air. I don't know what the liklihood of success is.
3. Language - Few people speak English. Volunteers are already out and about "practicing," but language skills are limited even at top restaurants and hotels.
4. Credit Cards - Credit what?
These are the biggies, but fairly substantial in the grand scheme of things. Dave also pointed out that Beijing infrastructure is going to be exceedingly difficult for the Paralympics (traditionally following the Games) participants to navigate.
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did you notice the appalling footwear choices by Chinese men and women? Did you barf in your mouth after seeing middle aged women wearing calf-high nude stockings and high heels?
They need to do something about that before the olympics!
I'm jealous, Jess -- you're making me want to get out there again.
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