Olympic Pollution

Nothing very noteworthy has happened this past week so I'll write this blog about what's going on in the city and area around us. In Hong Kong, the heat is coming back! It's sweaty, humid and we got our 1st level 3 typhoon on Saturday. The ratings go 1, 3 and then 8. At a 3, it poured and the wind smashed against our 27th floor apartment and it reminded me of a light storm in Troutdale, Oregon. Nothing like a real Troutdale howler so I wasn't too concerned and even went for a jog. It was like taking a warm shower in my clothes and no crowding on my jogging path. Some could say it was perfect. Others could say I'm insane.

Olympics and Hassles
One of the biggest news stories is China's preparation for the Olympics and all the buzz about their pollution. When we were in Beijing, I didn't really notice the pollution being any worse than anywhere else, but then I'm used to Hong Kong which also has its own bad pollution problems so maybe I'm not the best judge. (Above is the pic we took of a few Olympic buildings in January)

In China, the big stink is about whether the air quality will be clean enough for all the athletes. The China government has already started shutting down some factories and they will require even more to temporarily close in the 2 months surrounding the Olympics. Fortunately for me and the company I work with, this doesn't affect us or any of the factories we work with...yet. The Chinese government can make plans and change orders at a whim so as the Olympics get closer, we'll have to see what they end up doing. Already, it like they are going to restrict car travel around Beijing which I can't imagine going over very well in the USA.

Speaking of pollution, when we were in Seoul, they talked a lot about the "yellow dust" pollution days. The yellow dust is
blown over from the Gobi Desert and apparently each weather forecast includes a mention about how bad the yellow dust is that day. I didn't notice it while we were there, but Bill and Hyouen said it could get really bad and it's something that bothers allergies, asthma and causes all sorts of problems. (Here's a yellow dust pic I got off the internet. Must've been the highest rating day when they took this!)

Restricted Travel
Another thing they are doing in preparation for the Olympics is to restrict local Chinese travel between cities. For example, the girls in our Shenzhen office won't be able to visit a trade show in a city about 1 hour train ride away unless they get birth documentation and clearance from their home village which is a big fat hassle. Plus, I've heard there is criminal checks happening and who knows what else.

For us foreigners, they've put a stop to granting multiple entry Visas. I had a 6 months Visa so I could come and go between Hong Kong and China unlimited. It expired mid-April and now I have to apply each time I need to go over the border. I have to go this week and again next week. It's okay, but just a pain.

(Bailey relaxing on the couch)

Hong Kong is not immune to the Olympic hassles. The equestrian events are taking place in Hong Kong (something to do about getting horses into HK vs China being easier). As a result, the city has already started doing some practice drills and prep for the event which blocks off traffic and snarls up an already busy city.

Ahhh, these are just the gripes, by August, I'm sure I'll have all the good Olympic stories to share.