THE day is here! Today we would get the chance to watch the long awaited 2008 (Beijing) Summer Olympic Opening Ceremony. Albeit the opening practice being leaked, the opening ceremony at the already famous Bird’s Next Olympic Stadium, Beijing is sure something to look forward to. One thing to be sure of is that the event would be full of special effects and fanfare. I’m wondering whether there will actually be a portrayal of a flaming phoenix soaring above the stadium. Well, knowing the Chinese, it might even be one of the most spectacular Olympic openings we have ever seen to date. Much grandeur will be involved.

- taken from http://nra402.wordpress.com/ -

As expected, the opening ceremony is going to be launched on 08/08/2008 (which is today) at 08:08:08 pm. 8 being a special significant number to the Chinese which means wealth and prosperity, it is only natural to mark the beginning of the grand event with number 8. Talk about feng shui!

I’m definitely going to camp in front of my tv for the live telecast. To the supermarket for a truckload of chips!

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?