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Chilling out in Water Cube worth the cold
Preview of swimming venue got us into Olympic spirit
Waking up early on a chilly Saturday morning, traveling for more than 30
minutes, finally finding a suitable parking space in the middle of a construction
area, and walking down the road in sub-zero temperature with our children in
tow were all worth our effort in our desire to be one of the first to experience
how it feels like to be inside the Water Cube.
The Water Cube, as the National Aquatics Center is popularly known, was
officially inaugurated on January 28 and will be the venue for swimming,
synchronized swimming and diving competitions for the 2008 Olympic Games
here in Beijing.
Waking up early on a chilly Saturday morning, traveling for more than 30
minutes, finally finding a suitable parking space in the middle of a construction
area, and walking down the road in sub-zero temperature with our children in
tow were all worth our effort in our desire to be one of the first to experience
how it feels like to be inside the Water Cube.
The Water Cube, as the National Aquatics Center is popularly known, was
officially inaugurated on January 28 and will be the venue for swimming,
synchronized swimming and diving competitions for the 2008 Olympic Games
here in Beijing.
While the
façade and
vacant spaces
around the
Cube still need
finishing
touches, work is
almost done
inside, save for
some stalls
façade and
vacant spaces
around the
Cube still need
finishing
touches, work is
almost done
inside, save for
some stalls
So when the opportunity to purchase tickets
for the China Open Swimming Competition
came, we made sure not to miss the event.
The China Open was the first test event in the
Water Cube, barely a week after its
inauguration.
The Water Cube is situated right beside the
Bird’s Nest, as Beijing’s Olympic Stadium is
nicknamed.
We can’t help but simply stare in awe and be
mesmerized as we walked towards Beijing’s
latest architectural marvels.
for the China Open Swimming Competition
came, we made sure not to miss the event.
The China Open was the first test event in the
Water Cube, barely a week after its
inauguration.
The Water Cube is situated right beside the
Bird’s Nest, as Beijing’s Olympic Stadium is
nicknamed.
We can’t help but simply stare in awe and be
mesmerized as we walked towards Beijing’s
latest architectural marvels.
Strolling along and standing amidst these two symbolic structures was
almost like having a feel of the excitement of the upcoming Olympic Games,
except that it was freezing that day.
The Water Cube boasts an imposing bubble-like structure from the outside,
which, according to descriptions, changes its hues to red, green and pink
when lit at night. While the façade and vacant spaces around the Cube still
need finishing touches, work is almost done inside, save for some additional
stalls for the gift and snacks shops, and perhaps more indoor ornaments.
Most of the staff who assisted us from the entrance, through security up to
our seats spoke good English, the toilets were clean, and signages for
directions were clear.
We thought that these are all indications of better, if not much improved
service during the actual Games.
The main attractions were the state-of-the art pool and diving platforms and a
gallery that sits more than 15,000 spectators. It is said that the quality of water
in the pools are almost potable while the whole structure itself lives up to the
standard of an environment-friendly venue, where sophisticated energy
saving equipment and expertise will be used and applied, especially during
the Games.
The China Open Swimming Competition was participated in by more than 35
teams – Mexico, Germany, Poland, Hong Kong, Taiwan, Korea and China to
name a few.
By gleaning at the flags displayed representing participating counties, our
son was a bit disappointed to learn that there were no competitors from the
Philippines.
So in most events, we ended up cheering “go, go China,” which majority of
the audience chanted in their native Mandarin, while some proudly waved
their flags. During each award ceremony, we couldn’t help but share in the
pride of the winners.
Our experience that Saturday already gave us a sneak peak of how events will
take place inside the Water Cube, come August.
And while we are still hoping to get tickets for any of the swimming
competitions for the actual events, another wonderful, pre-Olympic event we
look forward to the grand opening of the Bird’s Nest scheduled for next month.
The Bird’s Nest will be the venue for the opening and closing ceremonies
(which we are resigned to watch on television) and most competitions in
athletics, as well.
In the meantime, we are on the alert for further announcements on ticket
sales for test events in the Bird’s Nest.
almost like having a feel of the excitement of the upcoming Olympic Games,
except that it was freezing that day.
The Water Cube boasts an imposing bubble-like structure from the outside,
which, according to descriptions, changes its hues to red, green and pink
when lit at night. While the façade and vacant spaces around the Cube still
need finishing touches, work is almost done inside, save for some additional
stalls for the gift and snacks shops, and perhaps more indoor ornaments.
Most of the staff who assisted us from the entrance, through security up to
our seats spoke good English, the toilets were clean, and signages for
directions were clear.
We thought that these are all indications of better, if not much improved
service during the actual Games.
The main attractions were the state-of-the art pool and diving platforms and a
gallery that sits more than 15,000 spectators. It is said that the quality of water
in the pools are almost potable while the whole structure itself lives up to the
standard of an environment-friendly venue, where sophisticated energy
saving equipment and expertise will be used and applied, especially during
the Games.
The China Open Swimming Competition was participated in by more than 35
teams – Mexico, Germany, Poland, Hong Kong, Taiwan, Korea and China to
name a few.
By gleaning at the flags displayed representing participating counties, our
son was a bit disappointed to learn that there were no competitors from the
Philippines.
So in most events, we ended up cheering “go, go China,” which majority of
the audience chanted in their native Mandarin, while some proudly waved
their flags. During each award ceremony, we couldn’t help but share in the
pride of the winners.
Our experience that Saturday already gave us a sneak peak of how events will
take place inside the Water Cube, come August.
And while we are still hoping to get tickets for any of the swimming
competitions for the actual events, another wonderful, pre-Olympic event we
look forward to the grand opening of the Bird’s Nest scheduled for next month.
The Bird’s Nest will be the venue for the opening and closing ceremonies
(which we are resigned to watch on television) and most competitions in
athletics, as well.
In the meantime, we are on the alert for further announcements on ticket
sales for test events in the Bird’s Nest.
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letter from beijing