The Economist reports there are "100,000 security personnel (plus a similar number of “security volunteers”)". I confirm that!! A guard for every pedestrian tunnel and bridge on many street corners in even remote areas of town; police and para-military vehicles everywhere, tanks and heavily armed guards in strategic locations such as train stations... In the Olympic venues one constantly feels observed by the many "volunteers". Of course they are not officially security personel, but often serve the same function.



All this gives me a double sided feeling: on the one hand a strong feeling of personal security - on the the other one of supervision. Despite security quantity, quality is still short. Although not a security threat, the recurring episodes of T-Bat (or how do you spell that again?!) activists unfolding banners, showed that the authoritarianism has its limits. In fact, these protests seem to have become the unofficial discipline of the Beijing Games. This perpetual rat and mouse game is held on unofficial venues such as around the Bird's Nest on the Olympic Green, the CCTV headquarters or Tian An Men Square. This choice is understandable as the three official protesting venues were barred from being used: All complaints were withdrawn or declined. According to Le Monde, two women in their late 70's were even sentenced to labour camp reeducation. The sentence will be executed should they not stop their protests.

Plus, since about a week these devices, which look like "safe bomb detonators" can be seen in the Olympic Green (left) and in many subway stations (center). And they are even DIY! Just follow the instructions (right).