Preparing for the Olympics Games of 2008, it is commonly accepted that Beijing had gone through the most outstanding makeover in modern history. There are more construction projects in Beijing than in any other city around the globe. The face lift is an amazing achievement as it is spectacular. Living in Beijing for well over two years, I can say that the change is massive and comprehensive, and the results are outstanding. Beijing moved itself forward by a century in just a few years.
In fact, in the last few years, the world’s largest airport terminal was built here. Beijing Capital International Airport holds quite a few titles. The largest airport terminal and the largest enclosed public area to name a few. But there are a few more records the city now holds. The largest swimming facility, and the largest (also most spectacular, almost futuristic) National Theater for the Performing Arts. The Bird’s Nest is a unique structure, and even the Olympic Village, with the torch shaped building and the train of shorter buildings just behind it, resembling a dragon, is nothing short of breathtaking.
The amounts of money, engineering, talent and sheer force invested in preparing Beijing to the Olympic Games of 2008 are mind boggling. It is obvious that China wants to re-introduce itself to the world. That introduction, in my opinion, is going to be spectacular. (I know that I’m using an unusual amount of superlatives. Breathtaking, spectacular – multiple times, outstanding, mind boggling. But in all honesty, my description falls short of the reality. I feel the limitation of words in writing this post).
Yet the weather, for some reason, refuses to cooperate. The clear day index for June in Beijing was 1. I remember that day. It was a Sunday, and there was blue sky hanging atop Beijing. Everyday, we wake up to some gray matter in the sky, with low or no visibility, precipitation on a daily basis, thunder and lightning. It’s miserable. Like London all year round. But I wouldn’t be completely surprised if a rabbit does jump out of the hat on August 8. A rabbit in the shape of a clear blue sky, dry pavements and roads, sunny skies, without a shred of a cloud, smog, fog, or pollution. I have learned to expect the unexpected.
In the meantime, though, being the comic that I am, I came up with a list for all athletes planning to participate in the Olympic Games of Beijing 2008.
1. I’m not sure whether Nike makes galoshes, umbrellas or raincoats. They should consider though.
2. Include some blindfold in your training regimen.
3. Bring a state-of-the-art GPS system with you, just in case you get lost.
4. Bring a large bag of bread crumbs.
5. Alternatively, bring a large bag of pebbles.
6. Consider a guide dog and a cane.
7. Instead of running, use a taxi, but make sure that it has an odd/even license plate depending on the day of the week.
8. Train barefoot, it may help you feel the track.
9. No matter what your sports is, train in swimming.
10. Beware of seeded clouds, they get nauseous in the first trimester.
Jokes aside, I don’t know why I feel that way, but I do. On August 8, 2008, the Beijing sky will be blue, clear, with no shred of a cloud, no pollution, no rain. The air will be clear, smooth and sweet. Why? Because.
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