There was a ceremony tonight at Tianamen Square, supposedly Yao Min and Jackie Chan among government leadership were present. However, once we arrived, we soon found out that only the special people were able to watch, and unfortunately, we could get nowhere near the square. Drum and Bell towers blocked our view, so we decided to leave... bummer. I think the atmosphere was too polluted to fully enjoy the fireworks anyways...
The Beijing government and people certainly are preparing their hardest.
For example, here is a map of the Beijing ditie (subway)system AS IT IS TODAY- exactly 1 year till the Olympics:
Notice the Green dot in the upper left-hand corner, that is where I live. About a 20-minute walk from either Xizhimen or Chegongzhuang. There are only 3 lines. The Red line goes straight through Tianamen and most points of tourist interest. The Yellow line, which is fairly new, goes near the Olympic Village.
Today's subway system is not very convenient and barely even scrapes the top of the barrel.
Now, please look at the subway as it will be in exactly ONE YEAR from today:
I have a hard time believing it myself. The government is really putting the pedal to the metal to get these things done before the games commence.
Is it possible? Actually, yes. I have laid witness to bridges and buildings randomly popping up and completing within my 2 month stay. It's truly astonishing.
Let the games begin.
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