Friday, May 2, 2008Hong Kong
While strolling along the shoreline in front of the Museum of Modern Art, I had a chance meeting with the five Olympic mascots. What’s particularly interesting about these little creatures is that each is named after the traditional five elements: Beibei, Jingjing, Huanhuan, Yingying, and Nini. On their own, the names appeal to children, in a happy-go-lucky way. When you put the first syllable of each name together, however (Běijīng huānyíng nǐ), it sounds nearly identical to “北京欢迎你,“ which translates to “Beijing welcomes you.”
How cool is that?For those of you preparing to impress your friends before the Games begin:
Beibei = waterJingjing = wood
Huanhuan = fire
Yingying = earth
Nini = sky
Lit from within, they looked truly magical and childlike. Just as they should.
Last stop before the hotel: One more ride on the Star Ferry.
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