by Alex Fleming

Created on: January 25, 2007   Last Updated: August 07, 2008

If you come to see the 2008 Beijing Olympics here is some info you will need.

-When you land in Beijing don't be surprised by the heavy pollution. In China that's normal. Often times since the Gobi desert is creeping closer sand storms may occur and can last several hours.

-BRING TOILET PAPER!
I can not stress this enough. On my first trip to china I was caught completely by surprise when I walked into the bathroom and there was no toilet paper. If you don't bring toilet paper you will have to use napkins or tissues, and if you think you can walk into a local restaurant and ask for some napkins, think again. Most places charge you for napkins, even when you eat there.

-PREPARE TO SQUAT!
In china you will find few western style toilets, meaning no sit down toilets. Instead you have your traditional Chinese toilet which is basically a hole in the floor you squat over. If your lucky them might build some western style toilets at the stadium.

-DO NOT DRIVE OR RENT A CAR!
Driving a car is paramount to suicide. The roads of China are so unsafe that I am still afraid to drive here, even thought I've lived here for 6 years. Thousand are killed every day in the what is the country with the most accidents in the world. The average driving are is 50! That's right, and most of them are worse then teens, when they first get their license. In order to pass the driving test you never have to drive on a real public road, so when you get your license it's your first time.

- DON'T DRINK THE WATER!
The water is microbiologicaly unsafe and it can get you really sick. Drink only bottled water or carbonated beverages, or boil the water before drinking,though it still doesn't filter out the heavy metals in it.

-CHINESE TUMMY!
Chinese tummy is a stomach upset that is common in westerners who travel to China. You body needs to adjust and it often causes severe pain and discomfort, gas, and diarrhea. I suggest buying some anti gas/ anti diarrhea pills, like Amodium AD. It starts after about a week of consuming Chinese food and drink, and differs on how long it lasts in each person.

-The list goes on and on, but these are a few basics. Prepare yourself for a whole new culture and people. I hope you enjoy the Olympics.

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