Olympic Blog: En Route to Beijing
Posted by Tania Tchea on Jul 9, 2008 | Print |
I was in Beijing three years ago and even with the city being a few years away from hosting the Olympic Games, there was a certain buzz about the place already.
Pulling out of the airport, there were trees laced with silver lighting, illuminating the airport expressway. Terracotta Warriors aside, my sister and I were coming off a horrid couple of days in Xian (I almost got bitten by a rogue horse in the Xian countryside), thus this simple decoration was a welcomed delight.
Fast-forward to 2008 and now being only one month away from the opening ceremony of the Games of the XXIX Olympiad, the Chinese capital is raring to go. I touched down a week ago and was immediately hit by the heat. The trees were not there anymore, adding to the many changes that have evolved.
We were ushered straight to the National Stadium, otherwise known as the Birds Nest. Its uniqueness is something most of us have not seen before and when coupled with the translucent Aquatics Centre, make for a brilliant photo.
Most cars are plastered with official stickers and once the alternate license scheme kicks in, we are told the pollution should let up slightly. Some of the volunteers have commenced work and their enthusiasm is unbridled.
The Chinese team was out at the Velodrome last week and we almost lost an arm from hanging over the railing when the cyclists flew by. I can imagine what the atmosphere will be like come August. The German team showed off the slalom circuit out at ShunYi. Based on the practice session, this event is sure to thrill.
For the tennis fans out there, the courts are purely awesome. From the two main stadiums to the practice courts, the players will have a great time pre-Flushing Meadows.
For the spectators, remember to bring a hat and sun block – you’ll be baking out there.
Tania Tchea is a tennis enthusiast and aspiring sports writer / presenter from Melbourne, Australia. She has experience working at the Commonwealth Games, FINA World Swimming Championships and other National Football Clubs, however her passion is tennis.
She has often been described as a Human Almanac of Tennis due to her strong knowledge of the game at a national and international level. Tania has previously worked for the Australian Open and Tennis Australia.
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Dianne | Jul 11, 2008 | Reply
Hi Tania,
Can’t wait to hear more about your experiences in Beijing!
Aaress Lawless | Jul 12, 2008 | Reply
Great post, Tania! Looking forward to reading more while you are in Beijing.
Tania Tchea | Jul 13, 2008 | Reply
Thanks girls! China is definitely a buzz now and not everyone is even here yet…