We got off the subway in the Beijing Olympic Park, home of the 2008 summer Olympics. The first thing we noticed was how big and open the area was. The second thing we noticed were the Olympic rings off in the distance.
The next thing we noticed was a group of women dancing. At the time, we thought that they must be practicing for some type of performance, but we later found out that the older generation of Chinese like to exercise in the park in the morning, and dancing is a very popular type of exercise.
We walked toward the Olympic rings for a few minutes, but quickly realized that this area was made to accommodate a lot of people and is really spread out. And we really didn't know where we were going. So we decided to try and figure out which direction we should be heading.
We eventually found a map, and realized that the birds nest where the opening and closing ceremonies was held was in the opposite direction. So we turned around and headed toward the birds nest.
This building was a hotel during the Olympics, but now some of floors have been leased out to IBM. Very cool building.
The national indoor stadium
As we walked toward the birds nest, we noticed an outdoor arena set up for speed skating practice. And there were a lot of people using it.
And finally, the birds nest.
Looking back toward the torches. It doesn't look that far, but this area is really spread out!
We walked on through the park, just taking in the sights.
The Olympic wall, showing who took gold, silver and bronze in each sport and where they were from.
It was huge!
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