Saturday, July 12, 2008

Olympics Start August 8th

Did you know that 8 is supposed to be a lucky number in Chinese culture? The word for eight in Chinese sounds similar to the word which means prosper or wealth. 2008 Summer Games starting on 8/8/2008 is not a coincidence.

Somehow, I don’t think this year has been all that lucky for China. The earthquake in Sichuan killed 87,000 people.

But, I did start talking about the Olympics. My MBA group and I had a very rare chance to visit the Olympic square before the Olympics. This area is completely sealed off by fence now, with tons of security around, no one can get in or our without permission. However, Linda our MBA coordinator just happened to be childhood friends with one of the deputy directors of the Beijing Olympic Games. Our bus was escorted by the official Audi car inside the fence after the women made a couple of calls. We were showed the Olympic museum, allowed close to the opening ceremony site, walked around the Olympic square, etc. The site was amazing, I felt so privileged (we where the only ones there outside the working crew and security!). Can’t wait to see Olympics now on TV and say that I was there.

(Top) In front of Olympic Aquatic Center where
the Olympic pool is. You can see they built
the building to resemble bubbles of water.
(Bottom) In front of Beards Nest, where the opening and closing ceremonies will be held. Also, all the track and field events will be here as well.


The bottom floors will be occupied by selected media.
The top floor is where the Word dignitaries, presidents
and such will be seated for the Opening Ceremonies.

4 comments:

Anonymous said...

is it hard to get ticket if I want to see the games?

Matt and Daniela said...

Forget the buildings-- what a cool outfit you are wearing!
-- Daniela

Alla said...

Vandersell: If you haven't gotten tickets yet, it may be too late. They have been selling for a year+ now. Check the official site, you may be able to still find something...

Good Luck! Let me know if you actually attend the games.

Alla said...

Thanks D, glad you like the color Orange. :-)