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Alastair Robinson is a journalist with Reuters. He has been to Beijing several times and spent the 16 days of the Olympics in various venues around the city |
Robinson: I came to Beijing several years ago, and I can feel the changes every time I come here, especially this year. It has become very neat and the air is so fresh. I can tell that Beijing has done a lot to improve the environment for the Olympics. The local people are more open to foreigners as well.
Peterson: It is my first time here. It is different from what I expected. It is very modern and fashionable. China will become the place to visit after these Olympics.
Hao: The traffic has been much better. Before the Games there were so many cars on the road and there were always traffic jams. During the Olympics the odd and even traffic system worked.
Li: Smiles form the heart. Before the Games people were busy with their own stuff. During the Games everybody just wanted to help each other and do the best for visitors to the city from around the world.
Is Beijing a convenient city to spend time in?
Fuentes: As long as you find a subway station, you can go almost anywhere you want to go. And because of the car limitation measures, there were few traffic jams.
Robinson: Compared with my experience in Beijing in the past few years, I think the city, during the Olympics, has enjoyed a relatively peaceful time. This makes people relax from the busy life in a way.
Peterson: There are very many volunteer stands in the subway stations and scenic spots and around the Olympic venues. The volunteers can speak English, and you can always get a satisfactory answer from them.
Hao: If Beijing had more subways it would be more convenient. When you go to work it's too crowded on the bus and subway. It has been better during the Olympics.
Li: It's a big city so it has obvious inconveniences. It's a little bit expensive to travel around town. A taxi costs a lot and the bus takes a lot of time and energy.
What do you think of Beijing's air quality?
Fuentes: I never thought Beijing would be so clean before I came here. Very comfortable.
Robinson: The air was obviously very well controlled during the Olympics. We have enjoyed nice weather these days.
Peterson: The air was very healthy. It made me feel like I was at home.
Hao: I can't feel that it's gotten any better. I've lived here for four years and there's been no change. Maybe it's better, but if you live here all the time you don't see the change.
Li: It's not good, but it's getting better. I'm a little worried that when the Olympic Games finish the air quality will get worse again. | 
