Beijing Boyce

When I moved to Beijing in late 2004, I had distant thoughts of staying for the Olympics. Nearly four years later, that’s how it ends up.

Back then, my haunts included First Café, The Big Easy, Black Jack Garden, The Hidden Tree, Maggie’s (Workers Stadium edition), Suzie Wong, and The Den. Most are long gone, but since then variety and choice in the Beijing nightlife scene has vastly improved, whether in terms of bars and beer, wine and whiskey, clubs and bands.

This year has been tough for many in the nightlife scene. Competition is more intense, bureaucratic scrutiny is more pointed, and economic uncertainty is affecting the spending of some patrons. It all serves to remind me that Beijing is a city with a wealth of both opportunities and frustrations.

Now we sit on the verge of a momentous event: The Olympics. During the next few weeks, I hope visitors enjoy themselves and see not only the city’s beauty but also a few of its warts, and that my fellow residents make the most of The Games.

Beijing of late has felt like a traveler who packs a month ahead of a trip and then sits thumb-twiddling in boredom. We’re now at the arrival gate and about to start the adventure. It should be an interesting one.

Note: I’ll provide updates on my blog and twitter account during the Olympics. I wish everyone the best for the opening ceremony tonight.