The Big Bang Approaches

Today is the opening ceremonies of the Olympic Games and I waiting for it to get started. Its 11 am Beijing time and the ceremony starts at 8 pm. I've moved out of the village and have been staying at Lien's place in the west end of the city. Since I'm no longer accredited, I'll be watching the ceremony with the Canadian visitors at the British Columbia Pavillion, beside Tiananmen Square. The pavillion is where Canada Olympic House will be holding its activities during 'high security' times during the Olympics.

Canada Olympic House (COH) is where family and friends of Canadian athletes hang out. The COC runs this, as a way of taking care of people that the athletes might otherwise worry about. Now, the athletes can focus on performance and COH will feed and care for us. Its a good idea. Unfortunately, its main location is within the security zone, so only accredited people (not us) can get in. So, they acquired BC Pavillion (promoting BC and the 2010 Winter Olympics) for the night. Light dinner and refreshments will be made available, so we're set. Well, I'm taken care of.

The rest of the family will be watching the event at my aunts place. This way, they get to watch it in Chinese on CCTV and I get to listen to the show in English. Its easier for everyone and I get to switch off and be my anti-social self for a few hours. Yes, my iPod is charged.

Yesterday, while returning from an epic journey to get accreditation at COH, we were intercepted by the property manager. Someone had reported that a foreigner (me????) was staying in the building. We were politely sent directly over to the Police Station to report my presence. Papers were filled out and reports filed. Eventually, we were allowed to leave but the called back 2-3 times for more details. They had a hard time with my current lack of accreditation. Fortunately, I had taken the precaution of getting a regular visa, so I didn't get escorted to he airport.

Will post more later. Gotta do some stuff.