08 08 08 Part II

(Fireworks over Aquatic Venue)

Well, our trusty co-worker Kevork talked us all into going into Beijing to eat dinner and try to see the opening ceremonies from outside the Bird's Nest. We met a couple of other AP staffers at the Main Press Center and walked to a restaurant that specializes in Peking Duck. We found out that most of the restaurants were closed around the Olympic area..maybe for security or maybe because they ALL wanted to see the show! Kevork found a restaurant that looked open but was told that we couldn't get in. He kept talking until a man walked up, looked at his credential and waved us all in. We were led upstairs to a private dining room where police and security folks were eating. We think the place was closed to the public and only serving the police and other important folks. After many beers and duck, chicken, fish, broccoli (they serve broccoli even with breakfast!), it looked like the table next to us (led by the man that let us in) was celebrating a birthday. A woman brought a cake and then splashed icing onto a man while everyone at the table laughed. We jumped up and took photos and everyone was enjoying the time. The opening ceremony was about to start so we watched some there with all the employees and others. The table next to use started toasting and we were joining in. The man that let us in waved his arms and the waiters brought us more beer...on the house!

(Kevork toasts China with restaurant owner)

We had a couple of toasts and thanked the man (who we think was the owner) and were on our way. We walked back down toward the stadium and were turned away about four blocks away because we didn't have the proper "sticker" for entrance through security. We walked back and around to another security check and they finally let us in and we ended up watching things from the parking lot of the area between the stadium and the aquatic center (which is a really cool building).

(Kirsty and Chuck with performers from Opening Ceremony outside Bird's Nest Stadium)

We finally made it back to the hotel after midnight...tired and hot, but it was fun.

Now...it's time for the real work to begin.