The city is ready and decorated for the occasion.
Friendlies or Fuwa (as they are called in Chinese) are every where.
In case you are not familiar with the 5 mascots they each represent one of the five rings along with each standing for one of five Chinese blessings and imitating 4 animals special to China the 5th imitating the flame. Their names spell in Chinese Welcome to Beijing (bei jing huan ying ni). The blue one is a fish, the black one is a panda, the red one is the flame, the yellow one is an antelope, and the green one is a bird.
Olympic gardens can be found all around the city.
These are found at Tiananmen.
People of all ages are out sharing in the Olympic spirit.
The Olympic rings are found through out the city.
Crowds were out all taking pictures.
Tiananmen is one of the few free places in the city so this was one place where it really felt like the People's Olympics.
One World One Dream- I practically see that slogan in my sleep! It is plastered all over the city.
A mini Bird's Nest ...
... and bush sport players. They are nothing if not creative, and perhaps a little over the top!
This is the real nest. 
The water cube.
Count down clocks have been placed around the country and have been counting down for over two years! This one shows 7 days to go.
Bird's Nest hidden in the trees ironically enough!
A view near the Olympic Green that shows another stadium that will be used during the Games.
Both of these buildings are phenomenal in design and have become an icon of the Beijing Games.
The water cube is even more impressive at night when it lights up with different colors.
Not only does this building resemble a bird's nest but it also looks similar to China's dynasty window designs seen at places like the Summer Palace, and to the crackle finished pottery found in China.
This is another new building now dotting the Beijing skyline. It is right next to the Olympic Green and is an office building (or set of buildings) that was designed to look like a dragon.
But so far- the best thing about the Olympics being here are the tickets I have to events!
I am excited to get to be apart of the sports, the hype, and the buildings.
