There's Always a Reason

As a footnote to my frustrating experience going through security at the National Center for the Performing Arts (NCPA) or the egg, I recounted my story to a Chinese colleague, expecting to get some sympathy.

Instead she just remarked that because US President Barack Obama was in town, the staff there probably had even more stringent security measures.

I said that I have been through security there before, but it was never that extreme. However, she just chalked it up to Obama's visit.

While I understand the St Regis Hotel was under tight security as he stayed there, and places like Tiananmen Square and the Great Hall of the People were cleared out, as well as the Forbidden City and the Great Wall where he visited, could there not have been some kind of notice at the egg saying please be patient because we have extra security measures happening today?

She didn't say anything about the drink situation, where there were was a massive line at the refreshment counter. Must be us laowais complaining about nothing...