For some Beijingers, Games best seen at a distance

By Jason Subler

BEIJING (Reuters) - While many Beijingers are spending the day of the Olympics opening ceremony cheering on the torch relay or getting a peek at the venues, others are opting to escape the crowds and heat -- even the city altogether.

Like most in the capital, Wu Ge is excited and proud to see his country hosting the Olympics Games. But given a day off work to commemorate the occasion, he is hopping on a train out of town.

"I can't get into the venues because I don't have tickets, and besides, it's too tiring to be in those big crowds," the 49-year-old technician said.

Instead, Wu will spend the long weekend visiting a friend in neighboring Hebei province. They will watch the opening ceremony, but in air-conditioned comfort.

"Actually, I think it's even better to watch it on TV. You can see it in more detail," he said.

John Zhang, a 28-year-old software designer, would not mind seeing the spectacle himself.

But the chance for a long weekend with his parents, a three-hour train ride away, trumped options such as hanging out with friends to soak in the ceremony on a big screen downtown.

"It's also nice just to watch it with them on TV and talk about what we think about it," Zhang said.

Chen Dongping is not leaving town, but he was quick to admit that he is simply not very interested in "renao" -- the Chinese word used to describe noisy, bustling events and celebrations.

"I know it's there, and that's enough for me. I don't like to get so worked up," the 50-year-old said.

Still, he plans to take his six-year-old daughter on a ride on their electric bicycle past the Bird's Nest and Water Cube, as the iconic Olympic stadium and aquatics centre are known.

"Kids," he said. "You know how it is."

(Reporting by Jason Subler)