LostinChina

What do you all think will be the impact of the Olympics in 2008? Other than construction everywhere, do you think they will make improvements in things like the bathroom situation?

Thanks!

Neil_Oz

Yes, I'm sure the public toilet situation will be improved, and much else. When we were in Beijing in late 2004 new subway construction was under way near our hotel, and we were told the metro was to be extended to the games site. The authorities will be pulling out all stops to display China's progress and present a picture of a dynamic, progressive society. They'll certainly be looking to topple Sydney's benchmark games effort.

They're even working on eliminating the often hilarious Chinese-English mistranslations ("Chinglish&quot on public signage. First cab off the rank was a change from the entertainingly labelled "Racist Park" (!!) to "Ethnic Minorities Park".

fuzzylogic

Well - I can tell you that the toilet situation was much improved between 1997 and 2006.

The real question is - do you think it will make much difference to the people displaced by all the building that's going on to "beautify" the city - most of which seems to be in the form of hideoous nondescript blocks.

Sad to watch a country sell its soul - or what is left of it after Mao. Isn't there a better way?

Or maybe, I'm just wondering what's going to happen to "us". Can the "west" keep up? Can the "west" invent a new gadget fast enough - either useful or trivial - to take the place of the last one - production now moved to China?

Your answers, please, to be submitted on a single piece of foolscap by 1900 GMT 05/01/2207 - or you can respond here.

And lostinchina can write a 1000 word essay on why toilets are the most important thing ever. Special prize for that.

LostinChina

Thanks, Neil for your input! I'm sure there are lots of changes to have China present it's best. I would think waiting to travel there in 2008 would be horrendous due to the crowds.

Fuzzy, I agree that there is a tremendous loss in China's history to be replaced by all the high rises. That is too bad.

Neil_Oz

Crowds are a fact of life in China. I suspect it won't be any worse in Beijing (population over 13 million) during the Olympics than a normal May or October holiday week, and we've survived the latter. Of course it will make a difference to accommodation availability and prices, and it will be very busy in the popular tourist spots.

We didn't have a real problem with toilet facilities. If all else fails you can usually duck into a hotel, Starbucks or whatever.

I hear what you're saying about the hutong, fuzzy, and I'm saddened too. But I'm not sure that many Chinese would trade the assurance of life's necessities for "soul", a concept that has little meaning if you're starving to death. That was a recurrent fact of life until very recently, and despite his later slide into despotism I think that Mao will eventually be given some recognition for his part in beginning the long process of reform.

LostinChina

Thanks for your input, Neil. I recall you were extremely helpful 2 years ago when I was inquiring.

I noticed some of the posts mentioned a lot of pollution and obviously smoking is quite common there. Has that been cleaned up any recently?

fuzzylogic

Lostinchina - smoking is as prevalent as it was - long may it remain so to confound the smoking police.

And just a titbit for the smoking police - you inhale more potentially dangerous carcinogens from cooking over a barbie in 5 mins that you would in a lifetime of passive smoking. Propose banning all barbies/brais immediately! A law must be passed, and I hope to see all politcally correct citizens out there policing it.

Look - the pollution - which is appalling - is caused by industry and a huge boom in private cars.

Souns a bit like ...

Shanghainese

fuzzylogic: I agree smoking is not the main evil of pollution, tho HongKong is banning smoking in public places.

I felt it was almost a status symbol in China for smokers, especially passing out expensive brands.

Neil_Oz

And be prepared for a few surprises, like people lighting up in the elevator. You have to adjust some of your expectations in China.

Neil_Oz

I meant to say that while it's as well to be aware of the bad as well as the good, please don't spend too much time focusing on the negatives. China is an amazingly rich experience and the people outgoing and friendly.

LostinChina

Thanks for all you input!