The five Friendlies (Olympic mascots) - huge inflatables that welcomed guests at main entry - had also been replaced by an equally large representation of the Paralympic mascot, our Funie Lele. She symbolises diligence, never-say-die attitude and her name means ‘Happy Cow’.
According to colleagues, the internals of the competition venues are undergoing their necessary changes in terms of field of play, access and accessible seating. In some areas dramatic changes as in the Birds Nest: but no more about that as I don't want to give anything away.
The 'look' in the city is also changing with the banners on the roads. Coming down are the tens of thousands of Olympic banners to be replaced by Paralympic ones. Most cities only put up one logo-ed banner for every 4/5 generic ones - eg 'Beijing 2008' - to make replacement easier. But this is China and no task is too great.
The Village is being scrubbed clean and made ready. Flower beds refreshed and ramps repaired. I have no doubt that when the first athletes arrive this weekend they wont be able to believe that less than a week ago the place was occupied by thousands of other elite sports men and women.
Maybe it is in the area of volunteers they may have their greatest challenge as in order to provide everyone with a touch of Games magic they are replacing hundreds with Paralympic specific volunteers. This is for the most part a whole new workforce in training: their former, experienced colleagues are now just resting and reflecting on their achievements at home.
In all my years in this area I have never seen the scope of transition being undertaken with such precision. Other cities have achieved this work but many with a longer transition period and less scope yet it has always been a last minute rush. I get no feel of any of that here in the Village.
China with its body, politic and community full of pride has just rolled up its enormous sleeves and got cracking. We can only hold our breaths for what seems destined to be another incredible Chinese spectacle of sport and culture.
