Unless you’re a resident of Sydney (or Athens, or Barcelona perhaps), it’s hard to imagine how the residents of Beijing must feel about the Olympics. Probably they’re not all xenophobic, but even so, the thought of being overrun by patriotic hordes of every race and tongue – 99.9% of whom don’t speak their language – must be daunting. I don’t think I’d like it. But I don’t live in a city, so it’s very unlikely to happen to me. Ever. Thank goodness.
Photo by Gene Zhang
Anyway, anyway, anyway. The reason I’m saying all this is because the Chinese government recently issued a set of guidelines. It's all about what Olympic visitors should and shouldn't do, and if you’re heading to Beijing you probably will want to know these things. Or some of them: there are 57. I couldn't find a full English translation; let me know if you have better luck. The odd piece is available on the internet – and you'll be relieved to hear that not everything is draconian. Some items are hepful, such as what to do if you’re struck down with a stomach bug (here's fervently hoping you aren’t).
Certain things have been listed as banned: drunkenness, for one. I’m aware that no Australian sports fan would sink into such a condition; I’m telling you this in case you’re travelling with someone of a different nationality. Pornography and gun-toting are also, unsurprisingly, banned. And don’t get it into your head to protest about any of this, because protests are banned as well, unless you've obtained official permission.
Photo by Micah Sittig
And while not wanting to sound draconian myself, I need give you a nudge: if you’re lucky enough to be Beijing-bound, have you organised your Chinese visa? The sooner you do so the better, because things are tightening up for the Games. Check this information out on the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade.
In the meantime, why not jump-start your sightseeing plans by looking at the places of charm in Beijing on The Official Website of the Beijing 2008 Olympic Games. Looks good, doesn't it? That's a corner of the "Bird's Nest" Olympic stadium above; by all accounts it's amazing.
And on the cutsie side, here’s proof that the Chinese are getting ready to, er, pander to their visitors according to ChinaDaily.com.cn. Note the awed non-hush of the onlookers.
Finally on the Olympic theme, Chicago, Tokyo, Rio and Madrid are competing for the 2016 games, and I don’t know about you, but I’d like to see them go to Rio. Just imagine the atmosphere.
Photo by dps