A windy afternoon at the “bird’s nest” and “water cube”

It is so cold. I am shivering even with my thick winter coat on. People in Beijing wear layers of pants, for example, in winter, a tradition that I have forgotten completely over years.

We decided to pay a visit to the Bird’s Nest and Water Cube regardless. This visit was delayed for over 7 months –  I really should have visited China back in August of last year.

It was quite windy in the afternoon. But the sky is blue and the Olympic Green area is nearly empty. “You’d better go before the Chinese new year,” I was told, “otherwise the area will be crowded with visitors.”

A view that I have become familiar with from the NBC’s coverage of last year’s summer Olympics.

It is the new year eve, so the Chinese decos are everywhere.

Even in front of the stadium, there is a huge golden floral setting.

The lighting surrounding the national stadium has a similar design.

The beautiful water cube in the late afternoon.

I especially love these sculptures nearby.

Well, when summer comes and I am able to sit down and enjoy the view, I probably won’t see the view anymore. This place will be flooded with visitors…

Overall, I’d say it’s cold and it’s windy, but it is worth the trip. The only regret is I should have come here earlier.