I'm about one week out from receiving my Chinese Visa. My letter of invitation from BOCOG (Beijing Organizing Committee for the Olympic Games) arrived last week and was forwarded, along with my passport, to the Chinese Embassy in Washington. I should have it back this week.
I plan to spend the next two weeks reading up on the Triathlon. I understand how to compete in the Triathlon, but don't understand all of the rules so far. I have been looking into the venue, the historic Ming Tomb Reservoir (see above) north of Beijing. I feel fortunate to be working outdoors during the games this summer, although staying hydrated and keeping burn-free will be my priorities!
Last week, the Chinese Government released a list of 57 answers to foreigners' most popular questions about visiting China this summer. The government released the tips for foreigners on the
Beijing Olympic site. Although the list was only written in Chinese, I found a translated text.
I read through the 57 topics and pulled out 12 that I thought were the most relevant.
1-China will not automatically grant a visa because you bought tickets to the Olympics.2-Although a visa has been granted, not all parts of China are presently open to tourists.3-Items that could "harm China’s political affairs, economy, culture, or morals, such as publications, undeveloped film, pictures, recordings (music), movies, cassette tapes, videotapes, laser discs, computers" may not be transported into China. 4-Foreigners must carry proof of identity at all times. "Police responsible for foreign affairs at public security organs above the county level shall have the power to examine the passports and other identity documents of foreigners in the course of their duties."5-If anyone "burns, damages, inscribes, stains, stomps on, or uses other such methods of defacing the Chinese national flag or national emblems of China," will be punished for the crime.6-If a tourist is staying in a Chinese resident's home, he/she must register with the local police department within 24 hours of arrival.7-For the sake of a "civilized appearance," "sleeping in airports, bus or train stations, docks, sidewalks (including overpasses and underground walkways), green areas in the city, and other public places is strictly prohibited."8-China forbids the display of insulting slogans, banners in sports venues. It also forbids the display of any religious, political, or ethnic slogans or banners in Olympic stadiums.9-To hold a rally, demonstration, or protest, you first have to apply at the Public Security Office. Without permission, you may not hold a demonstration. Anyone who starts or plans an illegal protest and does not listen to orders to stop such activities, will be punished.10-Foreigners suffering from a mental disorder, sexually-transmitted disease or cannot guarantee they have enough money to pay off their expenses in China cannot enter the country.11-If you get sick from eating at a restaurant in China, the incident should be reported to the health department. If you receive poor quality food, you can complain to the local consumer protection association.12-Olympic tickets can be legally resold. The resale of tickets to the opening and closing ceremonies must be authorized by the Beijing Olympic Organizing Committee.
Here's a great look at the "Bird's Nest" Stadium that Ted wrote about in a previous post. This is a great view at night. I'll be writing about Chinese dining in the next few days.
Hello!
While we are in Beijing we will be taking a Chinese Culture class which is part of the reason why we are arriving in China so early. This class, along with sightseeing, will keep us pretty busy leading up to the Olympics!
