Don’t take drugs or burn Beijing to the ground - for the Olympics anyway.
I went to buy Ibuprofen from my local Chemist on Saturday. I was informed that, unlike on every previous occasion I was not allowed to as the doctor was not present. I think the rule is that Ibuprofen can only be sold by a qualified pharmacist or doctor, none was available, thus I was denied my purchase. I have purchased Ibuprofen from 18 year old sales clerks on many occasions here. I was informed that this time I had been denied ‘because of the Olympics’, and there was a sign to match. (OK, my written comprehension of Chinese is not that fantastic, but the characters for doctor, Olympics and medicine were all there.)
On returning home, my community committee had left a note wedged in my door. Something about gas, pipes stoves and fires. A friend translated. It was a safety message reminding Beijingers, I live in old school ramshackle Beijing where gas is not plumbed in and gas tanks are used for stoves, of the rudiments of gas fitting and safety. It was asked that the rules be heeded particularly during the Olympics.
I am beginning to develop a sense of pleading rather than ridiculousness from the authorities when it comes to their ‘Olympian edicts’, that yes it would be more than a mite embarrasing for the powers that be if a slab of Beijing burned to cinders during the games, or a few foreigners keeled over from purchasing the wrong drugs, but that these edicts are more like plees to behave for a short while while the guests are here.
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Mike responds:
Posted: July 16th, 2008 at 12:08 pm →
That phrase “because of the Olympics” is really starting to make me tired. The city has gone crazy. I am sure most Beijingers will be happy when it is all over.
Bobby responds:
Posted: July 16th, 2008 at 12:53 pm →
I don’t think people who have never been here before can appreciate any of this. I guess those who get visas will understand pretty darn soon.
Nick responds:
Posted: July 16th, 2008 at 1:58 pm →
i’d hate to be the guy caught trying to fly a kite withing 10miles of the birds nest..
Meg responds:
Posted: July 16th, 2008 at 2:46 pm →
“That phrase “because of the Olympics” is really starting to make me tired. ”
Exactly what I was going to say, Mike!
Elana responds:
Posted: July 16th, 2008 at 9:38 pm →
It’s amusing to me, in a sort of sick way, that they are taking such precautions in these areas and yet still aren’t tackling the bigger humanitarian issues. What is that phrase about pennies and pounds?
K Swiss responds:
Posted: July 18th, 2008 at 12:15 am →
I left Beijing a month ago after a spell of 2 years living there, it definitely felt like the right time, and all these new annoying, petty and dumb regulations confirms it, it was the right time to leave. Thank you Chinese authorities for denying my visa, you are wise.
Richard responds:
Posted: August 3rd, 2008 at 11:48 pm →
any thoughts about what life will be like in September?