The 2008 Beijing Olympics Games is arriving really soon. It’s in August, meaning there’s just few weeks away. I bet some of you are flying all the way to Beijing to watch the spectacular event and to bring back some souvenirs for friends and family.

- 2008 Beijing Olympic Games mascots -

The Chinese are really going all out in the souvenir department. Besides the cute mascot toys and products, and the popular mascot themed gold and silver bar, they have recently came up with a new collectors Beijing Olympic themed 10 yuan banknotes. The new banknote features the Bird’s Nest set against the backdrop of the Temple of Heaven, replacing the portrait of the late Mao Zedong.

- Collectors banknote (10 yuan) -

- Collectors banknote (10 yuan) -

Talking about souvenirs, this reminds me of the souvenir my boyfriend bought for me from Beijing quite some time ago. It’s a hand drawn map of the city including the Forbidden Palace.

- Beijing souvenir -

- Hand drawn map of Beijing -

Very classy. It sure beats all the typical souvenirs like jewelry trinkets, magnets and key chains right?

The Bon Festival is a Japanese Buddhist custom which is held annually to honour and to show gratefulness to one’s ancestors. In Japan, this old tradition and festival lasts for three days and includes a dance known as Bon-Odori (Bon Dance).

- Bon Odori taken from http://www.pbase.com/alexlim/ -

Today, the Bon Odori Festival is celebrated not only in Japan but in other countries including Malaysia. This Saturday, 12th of July, Malaysia will be celebrating it’s 32nd Bon Odori at the Panasonic Sports Complex, Shah Alam.

Date: 12 July 2008
Time: 5pm (Gates Open) to 9.30pm (Closing Address)
Venue: Panasonic Sports Complex (formerly Matsushita Centre)
Lot 4, Persiaran Perkilangan, Seksyen 21
Shah Alam,Selangor
Admission: Free
Phone: 03-2274 2274 (Japan Club of KL)

Of course Penangites will also get the chance to have some fun on the 19th July.

Date : 19th July 2008 (Saturday)
Time : Begins about after 5:00pm-6:00pm, Ends around 11:00pm
Venue : Esplanade
Admission : Free

NOTE: Only flat-canvas shoes or sports shoes are allowed onto the field.

- Map to the Stadium (click to enlarge) -

If you have nothing to do, don’t sit and wallow in your boredom. Head out to the festival because this festival is more like a cultural event in Malaysia with lots of Japanese food, music, dance and not to mention cute ladies in Japanese Kimonos.

- Girls in Kimono taken from http://kyng8.blogspot.com/ -

The place is normally packed with people from all over, especially families. But not to worry, there’ll be distributing cute Bon Odori fans to cool you down.

- Drummer boy taken from http://kyng8.blogspot.com/ -