Beijing 2008

A sense of national pride is still very much present in Beijing, as visitors from all over the world still make their trek to the site of the 29th Olympic Games. The iconic Bird's Nest and Aquatic Center (aka The Water Bubble) stands tall in a nearly flat urban area, for all to enjoy their magnificence. Perfectly paved roads line around the venues, still flying the majestic Beijing 2008 banners. You make your way into the Bird's Nest, slowly walking towards the centre, step by step. You can see more and more with each step, until the full view blows you away. To stand in the centre of the grounds, and to imagine all the fans sitting in the stands must be simply awe-inspiring for an athlete. Regardless of medals, for an athlete to have made it this far is an accomplishment in itself and is no less deserving of a medal.

Michael

The Forbidden City

Words cannot describe the emotion that runs through you as you stand in the centre of the Forbidden City. You see this place in photos, in movies, but like the Great Wall, photos cannot convey the sense of history and culture that embraces this gem from the past that experiencing in person can convey. As you walk up those final flight of stairs and through the magnificent double doors (one of the many), a feeling of awe strikes you as the glorious sight of the main courtyard floods your senses. 

Michael