August is here already! I should have written something yesterday, as yesterday was the first day of August. I noticed yesterday morning on my way to the office that all restaurants, hair salons, supermarkets, groceries and convenience stores hung up Chinese traditional red lanterns, Chinese knots and Chinese national flags. It has created a festive atmosphere.
More amazingly, the air was really clean on Friday, August 1. I have seldom seen this degree of cleaniness in Beijing. Maybe the traffic controls have been effective. Maybe the government has closed down more factories, or maybe the long-anticipated wind finally arrvied and swept away the dust.
I am of course continueing my cheerful mood. I don't about others, but I would guess that people have mixed feelings. Small vendors may hate the upcoming Olymipcs, as they may have been ordered to leave the street. Restaurant owners may not be happy either, as it is claimed that fewer visitors come to Beijing due to tightened visa regulations. Regular citizens may be annoyed by the security check in subway stations, odd-even number plate driving restrictions and inconvenience caused by the shutting down of many small street markets.
On a positive note, the new subway line 10 was opened, and the airport express train connecting Dongzhimen and Beijing International Airport was put into use. The 2nd Airport Highway was completed about a month ago and already helped separate traffics from the existing Airport Highway. I think regular people will benefit from these projects in the long run.
My colleague and I are discussing what to wear on Friday to showcase our excitement. Chinese red is perhaps a good choice, and silk could be an appropriate material to wear. I recommend one particular Englishman to wear the same.
What shall I do next week?
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