You may have seen the five Olympic Mascots on TV. They are called Fuwa, which literally means "Good Luck Dolls". They are coloured like the five Olympic rings and each represent one of China's four popular animals, plus the Olympic flame.
They are named with rhyming two syllable names, which is a common way of expressing affection for children in China. The names are Beibei (the Fish), Jingjing (the Panda), Huanhuan (the Olympic Flame), Yingying (the Tibetan Antelope) and Nini (the Swallow).
When their names are put together "Bei Jing Huan Ying Ni", they form the phrase "Welcome to Beijing". Cool!
Despite what you may have heard about Beijing and pollution and smog, they have been trying very hard to make this a "Green" Olympics. While walking out on the Olympic Green, there are a number of buildings for corporate sponsors. Here's one that took the Green message to heart (yes, that is grass, or something like it, covering the building).
The Chinese love Ping Pong, if it isn't their National Sport, it should be. There are over 70 Chinese nationals playing ping pong in the Olympics - for other countries! Even as a recreation they take it seriously, and they even play it outside in the parks. Here's a link to a funny story about a foreigner who made his fame playing ping pong in the park.
And lastly, those of you who live in southern Ontario are surely familiar with CityTV, now owned by Rogers Cable. Their slogan used to be "CityTV Everywhere", so imagine my surprise, while riding the subway and staring at the embedded LCD display used to convey information and entertain while you ride.
Wow, they really are "Everywhere"!
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3 comments:
"Bei Jing Huan Ying Ni", they form the phrase "Welcome to Beijing"
That is so cool,I didn't know that!
Thanks for the little video.
The Beijing mascots are pretty cute,I'm particularly fond of the little panda bear.=0)
Do you remember that weird looking creature at the Atlanta games...Izzy? As in Whatisit...more like WTH were they thinking!!! OY!
We only have a week left...I don't know what I'll do with myself when it's all over!
Thanks for taking us along on your journey!
Alicia =0)
Hi Sean -
I'm a classmate of Fay's from Queen's. We're going to China in October with school so she shared your blog with us. It's just beautiful to read. Thank you so much. I can't tell you how great it is as a reference as we get ready for the trip!
take care
Martha Bennett
London, Ontario
(also a former UW grad although I didn't make it to Whistler until years later)
Hi Martha! Glad you are enjoying the blog. I went to the Great Wall yesterday, it was awesome. If you come to Beijing and go to see the wall, make sure you go to Mutianyu (it is less busy/touristy than the other close one). Also, take the cable car/gondola up to the top, and take the toboggan/slide down. That way you will be walking mostly downhill (it is tough slogging on the uphill parts).
Cheers - Sean
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