Being as paranoid as the government here, I can only guess the slowdown in Internet speed over the past 3 days is due to “revamping” the network to filter out polluting thoughts. In this technically advanced country, having such a dramatic breakdown in Internet access is no coincidence. As a result, work in the office takes lots of patience.
GSM coverage in Gongti area has become erratic since months and I urge callers to dial the fixed line as the signal vanishes regularly. Some say, all because of the Olympics (SMS is now also being filtered…).
Of course, without GSM and Internet one more reason to give it up, close down business and go to a Thai beach.
The latest about Beijing shutting down everything: supermarkets (Bonjour and alike) not too far from the Olympic Green will have to close down. So, athletes and visitors will have to figure out where to shop. Of course, all IF we have that many visitors as people are being discouraged to visit Beijing. No more visas. Stay home (but NOT in Beijing) and watch TV. As for family members of athletes: you can watch in the comfort of your home. You are not welcome either, you might actually disturb your stars. No visas, no tickets.
I am seriously thinking of shopping in advance and stocking up on beer, water, canned food and other goodies before the city becomes a barren land.
The new slogan for the Olympics:
“Olympics are great without (real) people”
No people, no traffic, no pollution and reduced security risks. With hundreds of thousands of police, army, “city volunteers” and alike, enough of a crowd.
I am becoming one of the growing group counting the days for the Olympics.
When they will be over.