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Torchbearer Sanigios (R2) kindles the torch from the Olympic flame basin during the fourth-day torch relay of the Beijing Olympic Games, in Veria of Greece on March 27, 2008. (Photo credit: Xinhua)
(THESSALONIKI, Greece, March 27) -- Chinese reporters had to handle a tough schedule as the Torch Relay entered into its fourth day's journey at the birthplace of Olympics.
Both Chinese reporters and BOCOG officials have been deprived of any spare time, but they are lucky as they are treated as distinguished guests in Greece, with friendly citizens providing free meals to the visitors.
The Torch Relay was put off for half an hour in the first stop of Veria with a population of about 30,000 at 9:30 a.m. (GMT + 2).
Thousands of local residents braved the unsatisfactory weather to greet the scared flame. Children holding Chinese and Greek national flags chanted "China! China!"
The torch departed Veria for the second stop of Naoussa. The glowing spirits of onlookers dressed in folk costumes were evident as the flame basin in front of the Beijing 2008 Olympic Games emblem "Chinese Seal, Dancing Beijing" was lit.
After a journey of 24.5km, the torch arrived at Skidra. A little girl clad in a priestess's costume welcomed the coming of the sacred flame with Olive branches.
A half hour later, the flame came to Edessa. The sacred flame was met with slight drizzle, but nothing could dampen the bright fire, nor the spirits of onlookers. Officials and armed forces joined ordinary citizens to greet the flame.
The flame stopped in beautiful Giannitsa, wrapped in cold. The town was only 7 degrees Celsius on Wednesday.
Pella was the next stop, where a young girl expressed her passion about China.
The young girl is from a local middle school. She told reporters that she learned about China by watching TV and reading magazines. China is a beautiful country with long-standing and glorious culture, she said.
She continued to tell reporters that although she has never been to China, she plans to visit the country in the future.
The fourth day's final destination was the historic city of Thessaloniki, which has a population of about one million. Thessaloniki, the second largest commercial city in Greece, is crammed with culture and sprinkled with sights.
According to schedule, the torchbearers will leave Thessaloniki at 8:24 a.m. (GMT+2), making their way to Dion at 10:36 after a journey of 94 km. They will arrive at Larisa at 13:09 after a journey of 86.5km. Half an hour later, the flame will arrive at Volos at 15:48 pm and make its trip to Lamia at 18:54 pm after a journey of 112 km, where a celebration is planned and the Olympic torch will stay overnight.
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