Beijing Then and Now: Richard Nash

For our October Issue, we invited local personalities to recreate photographs that inspired fond memories. Here are the stories behind those snapshots and those Beijingers, in their own words.

Richard Nash, Bird's Nest, 2006

Richard Nash, Bird's Nest, 2011

What year was it? 2006
Where's the original location? Outside south side of Bird's nest
What were you doing there? Was meant to go for a day out at the "ethnic minority cultural park" but it was shut so walked around a bit and thought "Mmm...this would make a nice photo"
What were you doing in Beijing? Living, working and wondering if I am indeed enjoying this life that has been gifted to me.

What are you now doing in Beijing? Living, working and wondering if I am indeed enjoying this life that has been gifted to me.
What has changed for you? The football team I play for, the job I have, the appartment I live in and the restaurant and bars I frequent. Other than that not much has changed for me.
What has changed in the city? A few more shinier buildings, higher prices and more over-priced restaurants. And being surrounded by a exponentially growing breed of knowledgable interns.

Anything else you'd like to add? The place is still polluted, hot in summer and cold in winter. Also nothing has changed with China being the most fascinating, fastest growing country in the world with the greatest potential to invest in what will become a magnificiant global economic power!

Click here to see the October issue of the Beijinger in full.

Editor's Note: We have amended the text of this post as it initially contained that of another respondent, Rich Akers. Apologies.