Currently Playing: Nothing But The Radio On - Dave Koz
The Beijing Olympic Stadium sure looks like a stone's throw away from our hotel on the tourists' guide - But it's really not. The map showed that the stadium was 5 streets away from where we are - But I guess the scale isn't large enough to show the many smaller streets we would be crossing in order to reach the Olympic Square! =(
We reached after an hour's walk (Thank goodness for the cool weather!):
The stadium, set against the sky that is so blue it seems artificial. Breath-taking!
Roads at the Olympic Square are lined with beautiful flowers.
A closer look at the interesting IBM building in the distance.
Entry to the stadium requires a ticket - Security's pretty tight at the entrance, even 2 years after the Beijing Olympics:
Inside the stadium, at-a-glance:
For the architectural or civil engineering buffs, it's interesting to note that PTFE and ETFE polymers (Plastics!) are the materials used for its roof. And the external mesh structure that gives the stadium the characteristic look of a bird's nest, is actually concrete, and not steel!
The mobile gong used in the opening ceremony performance of the 2008 Olympics.
Huge fans like this were used to create the visual effect seen in the backdrop for the opening ceremony. Wonder how heavy is it to wave this thing around?
A bird's eye view of the soccer field and tracks:
The external structure of the stadium looks as if it had sprouted out of the ground with great vigour to reach towards the sun:
'Huge' is an understatement when it comes to describing the size of the Olympic Square. It seems to stretch forever!
The Olympic swimming complex where many world records were broken is just around the corner:
The swimming complex uses the same plastic material of the stadium roof for its exterior and promises to look as good as Day One for years to come.
Just can't help but just sit and stare at that blue sky...
A huge block of jade that is known as the 'First Rate Jade of China' can be found at the Olympic Square:
More views of the stadium from the square:
And what better way to celebrate the weekend with beer and a meat fest? =)
The Hans restaurant is kinda like Brewerks - They have their own brews! Mild barley for me, please!
The servers simply strut around with grilled meats and seafood and pile them up on our plates!
