Hello everyone,

Its been just over two weeks since our arrival in Beijing and there are a few words to describe what I’ve seen so far immense, extraordinary, incredible, impressive and large.

I know it sounds like I am saying it just for the sake of saying it but Beijing is constantly, even in the two weeks I have been here.

For example I arrived at my working venue the Workers Stadium where I will cover Olympic football and in the first week there was still construction work being carried out. A week later and the 64,000 capacity venue looks completely different esecially the interior where our offices are.

Although there is still time before the games start it is amazing to see how a major capital city is still with only 21 days before the Olympics start putting the final touches into its venues. Hopefully this won’t happen in 2012.

However I have also visited the “Birdsnest” a 90,000 capacity venue and the watercube and these works of architectural art will live with Beijing for a very long time.

Also the Beijing Olympic Organising Commitee for the Games (BOCOG) arranged a few volunteer training days for us before our shifts actually start at our respective venues. These sessions were organised for all international volunteers which was in total 280 students consisting of Americans, Australians and our 24 Brits.

The one thing that is standing out in my mind since I have been here and have witnessed Beijing before the games is the international significance the Olympics brings to a country and the effort a host nation has to put in not only in hosting the games themselves but construction, redevelopment, environmental plans and a plan for the future after the games have finished.

Also with respect to us volunteers BOCOG have treated us very well taking us on tours to the Summer Palace, Ming Tombs and most importantly the Great Wall. I have to admit I have never seen such panoramic views and if anyone gets the opportunity China is well worth the trip.

One final wonder that everyone should see and taste if they do make the trip to this side of the globe is the famous Beijing Duck. I have been here, as I’ve said just over two weeks and have had the pleasure of it on four seperate occassions with constantly improving chopstick skillsand each time it keeps on getting better.

Anyway Its off to work in the morning and my first full day of work I will keep you posted and will upload photos of the Great Wall, Beijing duck and another sneaky slice of poultry I tried. Wild Pigeon!

See you soon