The Bird Nest 2 years later

Was it a green Olympics?

Check out this story I did for GroundReport.com.

Bye bye Beijing

By the time you read this, I am probably on my way back to the U.S. I've had an incredible time here and am a little sad to leave. I've seriously considered living here long term and I think this trip has solidified my decision.

Beijing is like a prepubesent kid who is growing faster than his body can handle. So many things have changed in Beijing that locals don't even know how to get around. In the past year, shopping malls, restaurants, bars, and tourist attractions have popped up faster than Hollywood divorces. And what happens to a kid that grows too fast? Hormone inbalance and mental instability. I feel like that's the state that Beijing is in right now. It's still balancing the ancient and the modern, the old and the young, and the right and the wrong. What a great time to watch Beijing grow up.

When I get back to NY, I will post all the pics and videos that I didn't have a chance to upload. I promise!

Shit(s) Happens

It is true that a number of people experience The Shits (TS) when visiting China. This could be caused by a number of factors including change in environment, ingredients, water, soil, or cooking style. But eventually the shits go away and you're able to fully enjoy all that authentic Chinese food has to offer.

In fear of TS, the US Olympic team has brought their own food and rented out a cafeteria at Peking University (Beida) for their athletes. Although I understand that TS may not be so timely when you're diving or jumping hurdles, I still find it a shame that these athletes have come all this way and not to experience such great food!

My suggestion for visitors is to slowly ease yourself into Chinese food when you visit China. Start with one small meal of Chinese food and 1-2 meals of food you're used to (you can always trust a McDonald's or Pizza Hut). Then, work your way up to 2 meals of Chinese food/day. By day 4, you should be able to have one grand meal without any stomach troubles.

Friends in Houhai

Had the chance to catch up with some NY friends as well as to meet some new friends. We were all thankful for Facebook.

Even at 3am, we were able to have an interesting conversation about the concept of Chinese patriotism. Will expand on it later for those interested.

Olympics baseball: U.S. vs Netherlands

We got tickets to see the Olympic baseball game between the U.S. and the Netherlands. Yes, I'm wearing the wrong shirt for this event.

We didn't stay for the whole game because it started to rain. But when I was leaving during the 5th inning, the U.S. was up 5-1. I didn't recognize any of the baseball players but they were definitely cuter than the ones from the Netherlands.

Take a closer look: Water Cube and Bird Nest

Thanks to a relative, we were able to get our hands on tickets to the Olympics Green. These tickets are only available to friends and family of those affiliated with the Olympics. Although I was unable to go into many of the structures, at least I got to see some up close and personal! I was especially impressed by the Bird Nest and it's intricate structure.

Olympic fever

It seems that everywhere you turn in Beijing, someone is watching the Olympics...like at the mall...or on the subway. And dude, check out this kid's rockin' haircut.

Coming out of the wall...or the closet?

You tell me.

Walmart excites me

I made my cousin stop at this Walmart in Beijing. Although its signage and layout is very similar to the Walmarts in the U.S., the Beijing Walmart offers some specialized products including Chinese baked goods and roasted meat.

Walmart is not necessarily considered a discount store. Its prices are very comparable (or even higher) than most other supermarkets. So I guess the Chinese aren't as excited about Walmart as I am.

Kelly introduces the Olympics mascots...in English

I can't understand half of what she's saying but she still so darn cute.

Rowing with Nini

We watched rowing at the Shunyi water park. It was a hot and humid day but we still had the energy to pose with Nini!

The Bird Nest

Ahhh, finally a clear enough day when I can get a nice view of the Bird Nest. Ladies and gentleman, there it is!

Going green worldwide

I thought these environmentally-friendly bags were just trendy in New York. Looks like they're super popular in Beijing with a wide selection of designs and styles. In an effort to go green, supermarkets in Beijing no longer allow plastic bags so shoppers are encouraged to bring these fashionable totes.

My new friends

V for Victory

My friend Yashih from New York is currently studying Chinese in Beijing. She was nice enough to invite me to a Princeton alumni party for Princeton Olympic athletes. My friend Joe from Colorado just happened to call me on the same day, so I inivited him along. He brought two of his friends, and we met more people along the way. So next thing you know, we had a whole non-Princetonians clique goin' on.

From left: Ryan (a TV host from Boulder who happens to share my same birthday and hosting agent), Jordan (we met at the party; starting at HBS with Yashih in the fall), Joe (my friend from Colorado who currently lives in NY).

V is for "Victory" or "Very Fobby"

Olympics, here we come

After months of trying to find tickets and entering a lottery system here in China, we finally got tickets to ONE Olympic event. Rowing. Stayed tuned for exclusive footage and photos!

Big screen building

Apparently this futuristic looking building was built specifically for the big TV screens on all four sides to show Olympics footage. Not much inside. And oh, you can land helicopers on the roof. So 007!

The Olympic Mascots

I explain the 5 mascots here, not sure the video still works.

Countdown to the Olympics

Just one more day until the opening ceremony!