En route to the Beijing Olympics

I was in Beijing three years ago, and even with the city being a few years away from hosting the Olympic Games, there was a certain buzz about the place already.

Pulling out of the airport, there were trees laced with silver lighting, illuminating the airport expressway.

Terracotta Warriors aside, my sister and I were coming off a horrid couple of days in Xian (I almost got bitten by a rogue horse in the Xian countryside), thus this simple decoration was a welcomed delight.

Fast-forward to 2008 and now being only one month away from the opening ceremony of the Games of the XXIX Olympiad, the Chinese capital is raring to go.

I touched down a week ago and was immediately hit by the heat. The trees were not there anymore, adding to the many changes that have happened since my last visit.

We were ushered straight to the National Stadium, otherwise known as the Birds Nest. Its uniqueness is something most of us have not seen before, and when coupled with the translucent Aquatics Centre, makes for a brilliant photo.

Most cars are plastered with official stickers, and once the alternate license scheme kicks in, we are told the pollution should let up slightly. Some of the volunteers have commenced work and their enthusiasm is unbridled.

The Chinese team was out at the Velodrome last week and we almost lost an arm from hanging over the railing when the cyclists flew by.

I can imagine what the atmosphere will be like come August.

The German team showed off the slalom circuit out at ShunYi. Based on the practice session, this event is sure to thrill.

For the tennis fans out there, the courts are purely awesome. From the two main stadiums to the practice courts, the players will have a great time pre-Flushing Meadows.

For the spectators, remember to bring a hat and sun block – you’ll be baking out there.

Love this article? Nominate it for The Roar’s Armchair Sports Writer Award. Or vote now for this week’s nominated articles.