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Debbie Mason

Lin Tinhuang is secretive about where he actually comes from ... 'near Qingdao but not very near the sea'. We spotted him wandering along the Number Three Beach in Qingdao among the seaweed gatherers. Like most Chinese, he wasn't secretive about his age, which is 54.
You don't look like you're from Qingdao?

No, I'm from a place not too far away.

What are you doing here?

You mean on this beach? I'm having a rest day, having a walk and enjoying the sea breeze and the beautiful fresh air, though it's going to rain, which is why I'm not working.

I really meant what are you doing in Qingdao.

I came here so that I could find some work and make a bit more money for my wife and I. There isn't much work where I come from.

What made you come to Qingdao for this?

The Olympics, of course. I heard that the sailing would be held here, so I guessed - well, I heard from other people too - that there would be work here building new things in time for the sailing, and I was right, there is.


What do you actually do?

I work on a building site in the city centre. I'm not sure what we're building actually, but it's going to be tall.

Do you think the Olympics are a good thing for Qingdao, and for China?

Of course! Who could possibly say they weren't? They have already brought in money, work, an opportunity for the rest of the world to get to know about China, an opportunity for Chinese people to better themselves and have a better life. It's a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for us, and we mustn't waste it. That's why I'm here. My wife was all for my coming to find work, and she's very happy that I can say I've had a part in building the Olympic dream for our country.

Isn't it a shame that you have to leave home to make the most of these opportunities, though?

Well yes, but I can go home now and then, and anyway it's only for a couple more months.

How long have you been here?

Not long, just a few weeks.

Are you interested in the sailing events themselves, or any of the events in Beijing?

I have to admit, no, I'm not really interested in sports. I wouldn't mind a ticket to see them just so I could say I've seen them, but not for the sports themselves. 

What about your family?

Everyone is just pleased that the Olympics will be coming to China. They don't really follow sports.

Will the Olympics have any direct benefits for your family?

Yes, like I said, the money I take home to my wife will make our lives a bit better. That's a benefit.

How much will you be taking home to your wife?

I don't want to say. But it's good enough for us.




Lin Tinhuang