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.