Since I started working for the Beijing Olympics, in early 2002, the greatest help I received was for sure from the Sydney 2000 team. They also gave a tremendous support to BOCOG.
Many Australian companies have successfully participated in major projects, one being PTW the architect firm led by John Bilmon who over the years became a good friend. PTW is the lead architect for the famous Watercube and the Olympic Village. It was nice to see again John during the ceremony on 9 August.
Also present were Sandy Hollway, former CEO of SOCOG and David Churches, the two “Olympic Ambassadors from Australia” as I call them. All became good friends and we had private dinners with John, Sandy and David during their stay. We will miss them now that the 2008 Olympics area reality but hope to keep in touch.

During the Austrade/AISES Australian Sports and Events Industry Reception some other famous VIPs attended, such as Simon Crean, the Australian Minister for Trade and Ian Thorpe the famous swimmer who retired in November 2006. The event was chaired by Phil Ingram, the Senior Trade Commissioner of the Australian Embassy in Beijing.
Many other Aussie friends were there and I will really have to visit their country one day…
The Business Club was set up in the Hilton and served as contact point for Australian businesses. Job well done.
[thanks to Daniele Mattioli for some of the pics supplied!]

According to China Daily, “Several foreigners accused of trying to sell tickets for the Beijing Olympics at overinflated prices were escorted to the airport and asked to leave the country over the weekend, a police spokesman said late on Tuesday. Between Friday and Sunday, police questioned a total of 276 “scalpers”, 37 of whom were foreigners. The majority of the suspects were trying to sell tickets at inflated prices in areas close to the main venues, including the Bird’s Nest, Water Cube and the Beijing Olympic Basketball Gymnasium.”

As it happened I went to the Bird’s Nest yesterday night, with family and friends and saw the signs. And the scalpers everywhere inside the subway at Beitucheng. There was even a foreigner on the street (near the security checkpoint) holding up a big sign in Chinese and English “I buy tickets”.
As usual, the police just intervenes “sometimes” to show TV they do something. And then, nothing. Same for all the pirate copies everywhere. Even under the eyes of the zillion security people at the security checkpoint where they sell “Olympic flags”. I don’t think those are legal either. Oh well, all for the good cause and my friends even bought some.

We also tried the food at the National Stadium to see if the unanimous complaints are valid. Most funny were the lunchboxes we bought: you have to unpack it carefully, pull a string to activate chemicals who produce real hot steam to warm the food. Imagine the mess and the risk of getting burned. Volunteers were very helpful in assisting puzzled customers (like us). But what an amount of waste, not exactly “Green Olympics”. Quality very soso. Inside the Bird’s Nest, the usual waiting lines but it took less time than during the rehearsal. Quality of food: lousy. Pity for a city that has such great food.
The hotels now have taken out their calculators and the results are not good. Occupancy rates overall are DOWN compared to last year. Can you imagine? Of course, if people are not allowed to come to Beijing and can’t get tickets or you have to pay a fortune, no wonder. Don’t blame rain or “security concerns”.
I never managed to get ANY (official) ticket. During the past weeks I had so many tickets available that I only used a very few. At least I am very happy I could join the fun. Next one is the finals of boxing. Next door, yep, lazy me.

What’s the connection? None actually. But at The Place (Dongdaqiao Lu) the Coke people set up a special Olympic center to receive the normal crowd. Seems it was very popular as the performances were always solid sold out in advance.

The Danes had another great idea, the renamed The Den: “The Den Mark”. It is officially their meeting place but anybody is welcome. The pub is well known – as a sports bar but also as a pick-up night spot. But right now, the “extra activities” have been shut down by the police. If you want to have the “extra” fun you’ll have to wait the Games are over. Can’t have it all.

I first went to the Belgian embassy where we were able to watch the Belgium – Nigeria football match, thanks to BARCO. Renaat Morel was there to pump up our spirits with Belgian beer.
No luck, Belgium was beaten to pulp by Nigeria, 4 to 1. I even did not watch the sorry end, went home, changed into a Brazilian T-shirt and headed for the match Brazil – Argentina in Gongti.
The crowd was huge, security checks rather smooth, buying a drink was easier. But the instant replay was still broken and the Chinese LED screen sucks.
The crowd (over 50,000) was divided between Brazil and Argentina. Chinese fans enough but not exactly with a Brazilian passion. At least, you feel safe.

Well bad luck again. The Brazilians were up to nothing and lost 3 to zero.
The irony is, now my favorite teams will face each other in Shanghai on Friday 22. With Brazil having scored 2 red cards, maybe Belgium has a tiny chance. But our hope is VERY low.
Went home, viciously attacked a bottle of Scotch and watched HBO.