5 things I'm missing....

Okay...I've been in China for 12 days now and although I'm totally enjoying this experience, I'm finding that there are some things I am sorely missing...

1. Blue skies....I haven't seen color in the sky since I got here. No clouds, no stars...it's always the same hazy, off-white, overcast sky.

2. Fresh air...ah for a breath of cool mountain air with a scent of fresh pine, lavender or whatever is growing nearby in it...All I have when I breathe deep is heavy, hot oxygen. There is nothing sweet or invigorating. I doubt many Chinese (in Beijing at least) wake up and say "It's a beautiful morning!"...I know I haven't yet.

3. Personal space...I have been butt to butt, nose to nose and sweaty body to sweaty body with more strangers than I ever thought possible, I want some SPACE!!!!

4. Food I recognize, (see below) and most especially salad! I can't/won't eat salad here for fear of sickness and I'm craving raw vegetables! (except of course mushrooms, olives & tomatos...I doubt I'll ever crave those).

5.and most especially, I'm missing this cute little guy...

(photo compliments of Desert Dog Daycare where Lucky is spending some of his time away from me, www.desertdogdaycare.com, the best doggie daycare & boarding in Salt Lake! -they put up with worry-wart me!)

Do you recognize this dish?

a meal to refuse...this was a 'Scheschwan chicken' dish but the flavor was hard to describe and the "chicken" was a part of the chicken I've never seen before. This is how we received the dish and how we left it. Not a good choice on our part.


Noodles...a better option but still we didn't eat much of it. The first dish was enough to put me off eating for the rest of the day.

The beer was good though...

Uniforms Unveiled!!

I know you have been waiting ever so patiently for this...so here you go...pictures of the clothing that I will be wearing from August 7-24th! They will be cute for the first two days and then....ugh... sorry you will have to wait for another photo op to see these beauties on me. The pants will convert to shorts if it gets way too hot and the jacket is for the rainy days of which we haven't had any yet but we're told it does happen this time of year.

We also met our Chinese staff this afternoon. I'm not sure if this is normal for Chinese people or just for our group of volunteers but all our volunteers have English names that they choose. We have Issac, Irene and May. Their real names are Rao Yicai, Yin Hongying and Xiao Haimei. Now you see why English names might be a tad easier...although some of the volunteers have pretty wild English names, 'Jellyfish' is one, 'Chocolate' another.. etc...I'm happy with our three. They all speak and read English very well and for that I am relieved! They will serve as 'tour guides/hosts' for our guests and will be them constantly. I think they'll be great.

Issac, Irene & May

Whirlwind weekend!

Saturday was fun…Sunday was work…

Saturday, a few of my ‘hotel mates’ and I decided to visit the Forbidden City. Our assignment for the weekend was to see as much of the area as we could and become acquainted with the sights and venues. We took the subway, (I’m becoming quite good at it) it was packed as usual but I think it might be faster than a taxi. And much less stressful!

Then the Forbidden City, home to 24 different emperors and is the best-preserved collection of ancient architecture. Called the Forbidden City because the commoners were forbidden to enter the city. The royalty loved life within the walls so much that many had no idea of what was happening within their country and many never wanted to go outside the walls. (and the city walls are smack dab in the heart of Beijing!).
In front of the Hall of Supreme Harmony, where the Emperor’s held their grandest events like coronations and birthdays…

Hall of Perserving Harmony, used for State Banquets.
Very ornate…the little figures on the roof were for protection.
A little Empress!
The Emperors would stroll through the garden and find a concubine they liked. They would take her through this door and up to the little room that had a view of the city. I’m sure they would just enjoy the view and have tea.
More mosaic ideas…anyone need a new walkway????
The moat that goes around the Forbidden City.

After all the walking in the hot, heavy heat (have I mentioned how hot it is here yet?)…we made a reservation for a foot massage. Wowza…what a treat! You sit in a chair like a lazyboy in a dark room with candles and they work on your feet & legs. It was heavenly! $20 for an hour…I had happy feet all day after that.

Today, Sunday, we spent the day on the bus touring all the venues again, reworking the transportation part of our programs so we all know where the drop offs and pick ups are. It was a full day and sounds like we will have a full week. We will be meeting our Chinese staff this week. I will have 3 at my hotel. They will be the hosts for our guests and will accompany them everywhere. They have been trained but we still need to work with them for the first few arrivals. It will be fun to meet them!

Altered uniform pick up next week...

Elizabeth strikes Olympic Gold!!

Today we met again with CoSport and I think I know what I'm doing now, the fog is lifting (but not the smog). Another gal and I will be working at the Beijing Capital Xindadu Hotel together managing the ins/outs, food and beverage, hospitality and transport for the guests we have. I spent some time with my partner, she's from Houston and totally opposite from me but we get along great and both want the same thing from this experience.

In our meeting we discussed how the programs will work and what we should do, can do, can't do. They are hoping to get tickets for staff to see events but they won't be able to get many. Our accredidations (sp?) will allow us to get into the venue but not past the ticket taker, and not to any actual events. UNLESS of course you are one of the few, who get the 'infinity pass'. This pass allows you carte blanc into everything, Olympic Houses, Olympic Family areas, Hospitality House and most especially to all Olympic events! I don't know if I mentioned that I am one of the few who haven't gotten their accredidation yet, but my partner did and she has access to quite a few places but no venues. My fingers are crossed...

After work ended at 2 a few of us decided to visit the Temple of Heaven. I wanted to see what the subway was all about so I got directions and we headed off. Janie, you would be proud...the subway was as busy as NYC! It was pretty clean and orderly overall and we felt mostly safe. China just opened a few new lines for the Games and there is a good chance we were on those trains. But overall a good, although crowded, experience. (and very cheap!)
a little help from an Olympic volunteer
our train arrives...just a little full
and stayed full

and so did the subway stations...
The Temple of Heaven was great. Filled with symbolism and numerology..it was a major place for Chinese royalty to come to pray for Good Harvests. Everything is built for the view of the Gods, round temples in a square garden...because it's believed that the earth is square and Heaven is round. The Temple of Prayer for Good Harvests has pillars that symbolize the 4 seasons & 12 months of the year.
entrance to the Temple of Prayer for Good Harvests
The Temple of Prayer for Good Harvests...and proof that I was there!

inside the Temple of Prayer for Good Harvests - you can see two of the four pillars to symbolize the 4 seasons.

And while I was touring around the Temple of Heaven I received a phone call that told me my accredidation was ready and I should come down to the office to pick it up.
After we returned to the hotel I went to the main office and ....struck OLYMPIC GOLD!!!!!

I have no idea how this happened but your friend, daughter, sister, cousin, workmate is now in possesion of an INFINITY PASS!!! I can't believe it! (must be the Ski Utah clout I travel with!) How great, how exciting, holy cow!!!
Okay, gotta go...I'm feeling the need to do the Happy Dance!

An Olympic day out and about in Beijing

Today we all loaded into buses and treked around Beijing looking at the various Olympic venues. We were given instructions on where we will have the buses go, how to get them into a venue and where and how to get them out. It's all very organized and very critical. It was good for us to see the distances between the various sights and the hotels we will be working with.

this is the 'Workers Gymnasium' where the boxing will be held. The white tents are where spectators will go through security.
this is the 'football' (meaning soccer) stadium.

and this is the infamous Bird's nest (Opening & Closing Ceremonies as well as some other events) named because they want all the birds (people) of the world to fly (come) to the nest (Olympics). get it???

FYI the haze in all my photos has nothing to do with my poor picture taking abilities...it's the 'you know what' in the air here in China.

Have I ever mentioned how hot it is here? And HUMID? Really it is hot and humid! And at many of the events spectators will have a 30 to 40 minute walk to get to the event. I worry about that in conjunction with the heavy heat. Water, walking shoes and cool clothes are a necessity!

As a matter of trivia Beijing's population is just a mere 17 million...for the city...17 million!! I can't even imagine that and I'm here! In addition to the people there are 3 million cars and can you guess how many bikes? 9 million! And the Chinese have 'bike commuting' down to a science. They are not bike riders or cyclists, in my opinion they are bike commuters. They even have full-on lanes for the bikes. It's quite impressive. The other day as I was crossing the street...ducking behind a small group of people so I wouldn't be hit by a car speeding by, I looked up and bearing down on me was a two wheeled little old man who would have taken me out in a heartbeat if I hadn't had my twinkle toes in motion. It was somewhat un-nerving! To cross a street in Beijing I've learned that you have to watch out for any and all moving objects!
this guy is a rookie...the next frame in my camera was way too 'messy' to show you...
everyone rides ...

tomorrow I meet with CoSport, the company I'll be working with under Jet Set. We meet with the hotel that I'll be working with on Saturday. Hopefully I'll have a good idea of what my job duties will be by then.

Rumor has it we will get out early so a few of us are going to try to head to the Forbidden City in the afternoon...We went to the silk market tonight which is right by my hotel...what an experience! It's tough to get out without buying something and they have everything (but now that I mention it, I don't recall seeing any silk?)...Rolex, Breitling, Coach, Polo etc etc...(of course all knock offs)...they love to say "beautiful lady...you are so beautiful" of course who wouldn't want to hear that??? Anyone need any name brand items?...or sorta name brand?

I'm having a glass of wine as I write this as a toast to the Ladies in Tahoe!! Have a great weekend!

and the vacation screeches to a halt...

I woke up this morning after a pretty decent nights sleep (jet lag has been waking me up between 3-4 am most days) feeling pretty excited. It was the first day of work and all the mysterious questions of what I will be doing at the Olympics will be revealed...and more than that, we get our uniforms today! (I've been quite concerned about this particular item as I have imagined only the worst in colors/styles and fit.) I figured our day (which starts at 8 am) would consist of picking up uniforms, getting job assignments and whala...go home early!

I got into the cab to ride back to my hotel tonight and noted that it was 7:30 pm.! What is this? Don't they know that this is my vacation?? In addition to uniforms we were issued computers, phones and some of the 'lucky ones' were given huge, 50 lb manuals to read, review and manage! I almost cried when they called my name as one of those 'lucky ones'..

The rest of the day was spent reviewing the whole hospitality program, learning about our own programs, accredidation, transportation etc. etc. And we do it all over again tomorrow. It's actually quite amazing and incredible how everything comes together to make the Olympics work. And we are only one facet of the Games. Jet Set (our company) has hired over 800 local Chinese (mostly University students) to act as hosts, I will have some working with me. They started training last year and had to go through a multitude of classes and tests to 'graduate'. I almost wish I had as much knowledge as they do!

My job - it's getting clearer but still not 100% sure of all my duties. I've been assigned to a hotel to handle 'waves' of leisure travelers who have purchased Olympic 'packages'. The only downside right now that I see is that they have assigned me to work at a different hotel than the one I'm staying at and it's the farthest hotel from where I am. I think this was a last minute change and I'm hoping they will move me closer. I can't imagine how long it will take me to 'get to work' clear across Beijing with traffic and thousands of people around.

P.S. Uniforms...I'll include pictures later because I had to have my uniform altered and they won’t be ready till next week...quit laughing Chris! The sizing was as bad as I'd predicted and I had to exchange everything...I now have sizes ranging from small to XL, go figure. But the color isn’t bad …baby blue tops and khaki pants.

Soliders, Soldiers, everywhere….in Xian

What an amazing site…over 8000 warriors with accompanying chariots and horses…It’s really quite impressive and I enjoyed the visit. For much better pictures and the whole story of the Soldiers and their discovery, click here, it's really interesting.
http://www.thexianguide.com/Terracotta_Warriors.htm


While in Xian I met a man from Israel and a woman from Holland and we spent the late afternoon/evening seeing the sites of Xian. A ‘small’ city in China with only 3 million people!


The Bell Tower and Drum Tower in the distance. The haze is constant air pollution.
Traffic in Xian was crazy! I held my breath a few times but relaxed when I noticed not one dent on any of the cars...these are people who know how to drive & they mix up the bikes with the buses and cars. I held my breath while watching this poor bicyclist trying to make it through the maze of the roundabout, but he did. It's truly a transportation symphony.

The Arrival...First Lesson learned

I had planned on starting this blog when I’d actually gotten settled and had seen a sight or two to actually write about, but this is so classic that I feel it’s warranted some space here. I left SFO on a United 747, right on time and as good fortune would have it I had an entire row of 3 seats all to myself. I thought this was a very good omen. As it turned out during the long…very long…oh so long flight, I just could not sleep. Even the ambien I took proved useless. So I landed in Beijing a little…(who am I kidding?) much worse for wear…bleary eyed and exhausted.

But our flight was early and since I am continuing on to Xian I thought I could try to take an earlier flight since my confirmed flight was at 6 pm and it was only 2 pm. I would try for the earlier flight at 4 pm – how hard could that be? I collected my bag, (the new terminal at Beijing airport is beautiful and spacious and reeks of professionalism & efficiency :) how easily some can be deceived.) I breezed through customs and immigration and hit the Air China desk…”knee-how” I said to the attendant behind the desk (my first Chinese word, with my ‘how it’s pronounced spelling’, it means ‘hello’ and I definitely wanted to start the conversation pleasantly)…he barely looked up but eventually acknowledged me. He looked at my paperwork and pointed to another line and told me that’s where I needed to go to make changes. He sent me to a very young man who had confusion written all over his face. “knee-how” I tried again with a weak smile…he didn’t respond but spent the next twenty minutes looking at my passport, my itinerary and talking to some “unknown person” multiple times on the phone. I had no idea if the conversations were about me but eventually he told me to go up to the “4^th Floor, D”…”D what”?...”he repeated himself and pointed upstairs. So on I went…found ‘D’ which was the United ticketing desk, rotated between a few United agents there until I found a girl who had apparently been on the other end of the phone with my Air China agent.

She looked quite intelligent…(ah, now I get it! It’s the women in China who have it all sussed out!)…but then she picked up the phone and I began to have my doubts. (I don’t know what it is but everyone I spoke with at some point picked up the phone…and of course I had no clue what they were saying…maybe something like “let’s get Peking Duck tonight for dinner” who knows?). However not to worry, she was able to rebook my flight to the earlier 4 pm flight but the process had taken so long that now I was rushed to make the flight…”take this to the Air China desk” she said…”do I have enough time?” I replied…she just shook her head and watched as I mad dashed away and off to the Air China check in desk, …who then sent me to the Air China ticketing counter, …back to the check in,…and back to the ticketing counter with no time left on the clock. This agent was ‘oh so efficient’ took my ticket, started typing and then…reaches for the phone,…aggh!, inside my head was screaming, “no, not the phone!!!!”

He spent quite the time typing and staring at that damn computer screen till I thought I would cry or laugh or shriek hysterically. But eventually he gave me a ticket and I was able to proceed to check in, check my bag and head to the departure gate. Which is where I’m typing this…as I wait for my 6 pm flight…! (yes you read it correctly, 6 pm, the original flight I had booked. So my first lesson in China…appearances can be deceiving.

Sigh…