The work that has evidently gone into preparing Beijing for the Olympics is staggering. Beautiful it is not, but the city is immaculate, ordered, calm. What is most impressive is the pride shown and responsibility taken by individual citizens.
For example, yesterday we stood on a street corner for a few seconds whilst consulting our map: two separate individuals came and politely offered help; the day before we asked for directions and a woman teacher who was clearly on her way somewhere (else) walked with us for a kilometre to show us the way.
I like this article on the Guardian's blog, which concludes:
“It is the public on the streets (of Beijing) who do most to make a stranger feel welcome, the officials here are all about no-smoking zones, security checks and no access. For all the billions of dollars, brilliant stadiums and absorbing sport, these Games would be rotten if the Beijing public weren't what they are: friendly and welcoming, tolerant but spirited.”
I also found the readers' comments interesting, particularly with regards to London 2012.
Image by Julia Lloyd Design. Ask us for Julia's contact details. (C) Julia Lloyd 2008.
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