Workers take a rest

China.org.cn: How often do you telephone your family?

Zhang: I don't call them very much, maybe once or twice a month. I only call when I think it is necessary.

China.org.cn: When will you finish up here? When does your contract end?

Zhang: June 10th (pointing to the expiry date on his site pass).

China.org.cn: What's your plan then? Will you go home or stay in Beijing?

Zhang: I'm going home for the harvest; then I'm coming back to Beijing.

China.org.cn: What do you and your workmates think of the Bird's Nest?

Zhang: It's great. It's had a real international impact and it's been a great honor to take part in the project.

China.org.cn: Tell us your feelings about the last two years? What has affected you the most?

Zhang: My family was very poor and I never had enough to eat when I was a kid, but I managed to get some education. Lately China's been developing fast and my life has changed a lot. I'm happy with life right now and I work hard every day even though the work here is exhausting.

China.org.cn: Finally, what do you think of the Olympic Games.

Zhang: I'm Chinese, and I'm very excited that China is hosting the Olympics. The Games are going to be a great success.

Soon-to-be completed Bird's Nest

(China.org.cn by staff reporter Xiang Bin, April 30, 2008)