In Beijing

I finally made it to Beijing, flew from Sydney to Singapore in one of the new 380 planes, there were about 30 from the tour group on this plane, very impressive facilities on board, seems more room, flight entertainment very good, I can see why all the airlines what to get one.

Weather was very foggy/hazy when we flew in, wasn't really smog, it was white not dirty looking that I have seen on TV, very warm already at 8am, standing around waiting for our bus to take us to the Hotel you started to feel it, I wore my Kathmandu pants that have the zip of legs, so they were zipped off pretty quickly and won't get a guernsey until I fly back.

Our Group is in 2 hotels that are joined together, I am in the older of the 2, room has reasonable facilities, from what I have heard from other people and even at the Athletes village, I don't think China has heard of 'soft' beds, mine is fairly firm, but with long days coming up I think I will still sleep well. There is an internet cable in the room, so that is great to keep in touch with the world.

Tonite I am off to the opening games party at the Beijing 'Australia House' which is just a large room in one of the Hotels (not ours) that has been setup for all Australian supporters, they will have big screen TVs, sell Australian food (Pies & Lamingtons) and beer, it is suppose to be sponsored by Channel 7, I am told that they may cross to there during the Games.

I haven't got any tickets for the first 2 days but will probably go back to Australia House to watch the Basketball & Sundays Swimming Finals.

Cheerio for now Roger