Five Weeks in China (an olympic event)

Last adventure...homeward bound!!

2008-08-27T06:17:00.000-07:00

I was on my own today...no one to join me on my last day of adventure. I wanted to go to the Summer Palace and after about two 1/2 hours of travel, subway #'s 1/5/10 and 13 and bus #375, and at last I was there! After all that travel I was sure I'd be disappointed ... but I wasn't. It was really beautiful and so large and spread out! I didn't get to see it all but was impressed with what I did see.

the infinity pass gave me free transport and free entrance! But the big question now is...will it get me into First Class??? I'm going to wear it on the plane just in case! :)

View of Beijing from the Summer Palace...this lake belongs to the Palace too! Lots of 'haze' these past few days. They have allowed all the cars back on the road yesterday...maybe that is contributing to the pollution?

lake at the Palace..you can take a ride on these boats

gotta love the stairs...they are everywhere!

map of the Summer Palace area...if I was the Emperor, I'd never leave!!

I had a foot massage tonight after all my walking...Tami was right. They did soak my feet in some dark liquid...but I didn't feel any little fish eating away at my skin..not to say they weren't there though! The massage was great! I could have stayed all night! And I could have afforded to stay too! It was only about $13 US for a little over an hour AND I got a shoulder massage thrown in! I will definitely miss this about China!

I can't believe it's finally here...my last day in China! It's been a great adventure and this blog has been fun to write and recount my days. Thanks for reading and for your comments. It's made me feel closer to home even though I'm so far away. But this time tomorrow I'll be in the USA and hopefully giving big hugs & kisses to my little black dog! (if he remembers me!)

sights, shopping and sappy goodbyes!

2008-08-26T08:20:00.000-07:00

Today a few of us went to the 'dirt market'. Basically a flea market. Didn't find much in the way of souveniers but it was an interesting part of Beijing that we hadn't seen before. We had lunch in the "house of dumplings" and then went back to the Silk Market (which has little silk) and I traded some pins (Olympic pins are quite the trade item) for a few pieces of jewelry.

lots of beads at the dirt market

dirt market wares

Tonight we had a 'staff party' with regular staff as well as hosts. Two of my four hosts came and it was a sweet but very sad experience. They gave me a few small gifts and we hugged and cried. They held onto me and didn't want to let me go. It was quite overwhelming for me. I hadn't expected to affect anyone in this way on this trip. I don't think they had expected this either. One of my hosts will be coming to the US next year to study at the Univ. of Michigan. I hope I will see him when he comes. The others are studying here in Beijing and unless I travel back I doubt I will ever see them again. But I guess what we should take away from this is the joy of how different cultures can join together for a common goal and how we learn tolerance and acceptance of each other. The Chinese people are really quite lovely. Their government isn't the best and the fact that their population is so large can be challenging not to mention the difficult language barrier but really, they are wonderful people.

me with the infamous Elana... best of friends!

Isaac and Jessica, two of my hosts...such sweet 'kids'

forming a heart...to express their love...

Okay, so I'm being a little sappy here...well, after an experience like this (and a couple of glasses of wine) I'm allowed aren't I?

Last day tomorrow. We are going to try to go to the Summer Palace and then get a foot massage! Dinner somewhere fun and soon, homeward bound!

Packing up and saying goodbye..

2008-08-25T03:55:00.000-07:00

Tonight as I write this I'm back in my original hotel with my big comfy bed and I am a happy gal! I was up quite early with some guests who had early flights. We are done with them all now and I'm feeling good. This last group was challenging...they were 'friends and family' of the full time staff of CoSport and we had to treat them with extra care. It was not unusual to get calls in the middle of the night...I even had a call last night from one of the guys who went to the closing ceremony and couldn't find the bus..."Elizabeth, I'm lost, can you help me?"...I was trying to get out of my sleep haze enough to tell him where to go...you know...to the bus of course.

But we are done at last. It's a bittersweet feeling. I'm so glad to be done but have had such a great time. And I have to say goodbye to some of my new friends which is a little sad. I took all of my hosts to lunch today after we were done with our last guest. We went to the most popular Peking Duck restaurant in Beijing. I let them do the ordering which was a little scary for me but they did great. Everything except the duck liver was really good.

As a side note here...a few nights ago I did go down to the "snack alley" and saw the likes of beetles, crickets and snakes on a stick...and saw one young American eat a sea horse! I totally lost my appetite and couldn't eat for the rest of the night...the worst was the scorpions. They were on sticks and (if you are squirmish you might not want to read this...) and they were still alive!! They were moving on the stick...it was gross! ugh! When you order one they put it on the grill and it dies. I was just plain sick!

Back to the Peking Duck...

salad, bok choy and shrimp w/vermicelli noodle...all really good

Our duck arrived and was carved at our table....

first course, duck skin with a bit of meat on it..it's very hot and you dip in sugar and then let it melt in your mouth...wow, amazing. Not the best for your cholesterol but... yum...

Then the duck comes....the way to eat Peking Duck is to wrap it in a flour wrapper (like spring roll) with some cucumber and celery and a soy sauce mix...a Chinese burrito...yum! After I was eating one of my hosts pointed to the celery and cucumber and said, 'you eat this!...many people don't eat this because it makes them sick..'...now she tells me! (Tonight I'm listening to every gurgle my stomach makes but so far I'm okay).

Bon Appetit!

We closed down the hospitality suite and sent our office supplies back to the main office. I stopped by there to drop a few more things off this evening and the place looks close to being deserted! How fast! Yesterday they were a normal operating office, today it's all boxes and empty desks! Tomorrow we turn in our phones and computers...have a staff party tomorrow night and then I think that's it! We had to do a final report and staff evaluations, I did mine while I was watching the Closing ceremonies. So I'm done I think. Tomorrow a few of us are going to the 'dirt market'...I know! I have no idea what it is but will find out soon!

P.S. I packed up my uniform tonight...how good it will feel to wear 'regular' clothes from now on!!!

Last Day on the Green

2008-08-24T03:01:00.001-07:00

My last day on the Olympic Green started at 10 am in the Birds Nest. We saw the soccer final game. It was fun but the game itself was pretty dull. Argentina won 1-0.

Nigeria vs. Argentina

kick off

Gold medal ceremony

The media are like swarms of bees, locust whatever...they are everywhere!

After the game I left the group and went over to the Swim cube to see the team Sync. Swimming. I took my place in the Olympic Family area and watched as Russia took the Gold. I think it's an interesting sport but all that slapping of the water gets a little old. During the presentation of the medals I had a little laugh. The other day when I watched the sync duet finals I started talking with this women from Aruba. She was giving me all the ins and outs of the sport. I thought she was nice and thought nothing of it.

Today as they were about to give out the medals I realized they had just introduced her! She was one of the officials (former Olympian) giving out the medals! Pretty cool huh?

US team first in the water...they came in 6th I think...

After the ceremony I went over to see the Artistic Gymnastics but found out that it was held in a completely different place...and the place I was at was having the handball gold medal game between Russia and Norway. Now I know nothing about this game and found it to be a little strange but I sat down and watched it anyway. Norway won...

Gold medal ceremony for Norway

Everywhere I tell you!!

These girls had to train for months to know exactly how to hold and deliver the medals! Bet you never even took notice!

After the handball I went over to the Today show. The were filming a segment for Sunday ...none of the regulars were there. Then I met up with a friend and we went to the Diving finals.

We walked right by the diving platform right before the event...the divers were all practicing!

Can you believe that I have seen what I've seen and done all this? I can't. It's truly overwhelming.

The Closing Ceremonies are tonight and I know you are expecting that I will be there in the audience but I won't be. They are pretty short on tickets (infinity pass doesn't work for this event!) and none of my staff, nor my partner were able to go to Opening Ceremonies so they will go and I will not. To be honest I'm not upset about it. I'm actually a little relieved. If I was offered a ticket I would definitely go but I'm relieved because I know exactly how hot it will be and how long it will go and mostly how many people I will have to push and shove through!! Tonight I'm just happy to sit in my little room all alone!!! and watch like you on TV...except I won't know what's going on because it will all be in Chinese!!

Crowds ...claustrophobia and sports...

2008-08-22T16:55:00.000-07:00

Today I had some free time so I thought I would stop by the Olympic store, seen here ...what a mistake. I have only one thing to say, "if you are not getting something 'Olympic' when I return home, this is why"...

too many people!!! I'll never complain about crowds in the States again!!

China totally missed the boat on merchandising here! They had only 2 large stores and they were always packed with people. The venues all had small 'shops' but those only had a very small selection and the sizing also was small. Our guests were constantly frustrated and disappointed at how difficult it was. Not only that, if you did squeeze into a store and found something to buy you could not take it to the cash register. You had to find someone to write on a piece of paper what you wanted. They would keep your items (and you would hope they would still have them when you returned) and off you would go to stand in the incredibly long line to pay for the items, get a receipt and find your way (pushing and shoving) back to the person who held your items and then they would give you your purchases IF they could find where they put them! Crazy!

Then I went out on the street...more craziness!!! Traffic was at a standstill. I found my way to the subway, which was also a mass of bodies, and decided to head to the Olympic Green and settle in for some events.

On my way I ran into a gal that I met on my first day. We stayed at the same hotel. She was going to the Modern Pentathalon so I decided to join her (it was also in the Green).

I don't know much about this event except it consists of 5 events, swimming, shooting, running, fencing and equestrian. Tonight was the horse jumping & running portion. It was fun to watch. We ran into another gal who, like me, had an infinity pass so we decided to go up to the media/Olympic family area. It was very nice and we couldn't resist the nice food display in the lounge area...so we had dinner in the Olympic Family lounge! We were all out of uniform so I think it was okay, but probably not what we should have done. While there the President of the Olympic Committe Jacques Rogge came in. We sautered off to the corner as the media hounded him.

I left the Pentathalon a little while later and headed to the Birds Nest to see more finals in Athletics. It was really exciting..

.

5000 meter and long jump...there's a women in this long jump picture but she is so fast my camera couldn't focus.

these little cars return the javalins to the athletes. I kept thinking that the volunteer who had the job of driving these must have thought it was the coolest job at the Games!

Men's decathalon final race (USA got gold, yea!), women's long jump, women's 5000 meter, men's and women's 100 meter relays and more. But the most exciting was watching the men's pole vault. Throughout the evening you glance over and keep watch (it takes forever!) but as the night wore on, this Australian guy just kept hanging in there. It was he and the Russian at the end. It was so amazing. These guys must have vaulted 100 times...but the Australian hung in there and we did too. Many people left because all the other events were over but we stayed to watch him break the Olympic record. It was just plain fun. I think the crowds roar was helping to lift him up and over. He gets his gold metal tonight.

Austrailian Hooker (forgot his first name) up and over....here is is celebrating.

With more celebrations all night long!!

Closing in on Closing Ceremonies...

2008-08-21T04:37:00.001-07:00

Our last group of guests arrived today! Yipee!! Everyone arrived safely although I did lose one man at the airport for a short time...(currently waiting for Elana's call)...I'm having a glass (or two)...of Great Wall Cabernet 1998 to celebrate this wonderful day!

Tomorrow my partner is going with the group so I essentially have the day off. I'm trying to decide what to do...sleep, massage, shop, events -tons of finals, athletics (where the group will be), artistic gymnastics, diving, and prelim. tech. syncronized swimming. Oh my, what to do!!?? Not sleep for sure...sorry mom.

They are expecting record numbers of visitors on the Olympic Green...over 500,000 at some points due to the variety of events that will be taking place. How exited am I about that? Not so much...500,000 picture taking strollers? How does one navigate that??? Guess I'll find out...

Olympic Dash around Beijing

2008-08-20T07:54:00.000-07:00

We had tickets today for the Basketball semi-finals but was disappointed to find out that we would not be seeing the US play. Our tickets were for Spain/Croatia and China/Lith. Still interesting but being the HUGE basketball fan that I am (not), I decided that I would drop the group at basketball and then hop on the subway and head to the Olympic Green to try to catch the Sync. swimming final. The thought was a good one, but I'm not sure it was all that practical. It took me about an hour & 1/2 to get to the Swim cube...I was about 20 minutes late for the event and the place was packed. I couldn't find a seat anywhere in the 'regular people' section and just when I was thinking about leaving I remembered my pass...I soon found myself over on the media side of the room hanging with the press and Olympic family. :)

packed stadium - camera man w/ the judges sitting in down below in blue

I enjoyed watching the event but didn't much like their choices in music. Way too dramatic for me...I wanted to hear a little Beach Boys or something. I did get to see the Russian team, they were amazing...they got practically all 10's and I couldn't spot one single error! (as if I could). I want to see the team events later this week...

After swimming I had to make a made dash back to basketball. I walked with complete focus and determination. I'm sure there are many photos with a streak of baby blue in them as I crossed picture lines (multitudes of people taking family pictures with the Birds Nest, Swimming Cube, Olympic flame etc...in the distance) in my attempt to find the quickest routes. I got to the subway in 20 minutes (with the ever present sweat dripping down my back) and began to strategize in my head about how I could get a seat on the longest part of the ride.

I'm learning that there is a system to getting a seat on the subway in China and it requires positioning and careful watch of your surroundings. You have to position yourself in the middle section of the seating area and then try to determine who will be likely to leave first...when you've got it all sussed out, you wait...then you move as quickly as possible and it's best to have your butt slipping into the seat just as the person leaving is slipping out. I had to transfer twice and when I was on the final leg I made my move...actually it was just pure luck. I must have looked pretty tired because when a seat opened up this Chinese lady would not allow anyone to sit in it and pointed for me to. (most times I'm racing a man for a seat...and they usually win...no chivelry here!). Anyway it was glorious!! I had about 20 minutes off my feet! And I actually fell completely asleep and in dream mode before I realized I was at my stop. (so all totaled, 3 hour transport for 40 minutes of swimming) yea,I know, but it's the Olympics! ..and I made it back to basketball in time for the end of the 3rd quarter of the second game. China lost unfortunately but I was glad that when they lost this far along it wasn't to the US.

Yao Ming...one big dude, China loves him! and their other stars...these were all Chinese reporters trying to get an interview.

This new group is working out pretty well...but they like to stay up and chat. It's after midnight and I should be closing up but I still have a few here drinking wine and chatting....it's likely to be a very long night!!!

On the other hand...

2008-08-18T08:10:00.000-07:00

I know this is an additional entry but I have to share this. I'm working the 'late shift' till midnight in our hospitality suite, printing up itineraries etc. At this time it's usually just me and the hotel staff. The hotel assigns two to three staff who have to stand outside the door the entire time we are here. They keep the food updated and beverages stocked etc. I have often tried to get them to come inside, sit down, watch the Olympics on TV, anything but they refuse. They must not be able to leave their positions. They see me working and I feel their stares. Very often they ask if they can get me some coffee (in the morning when they see me coming they start a cup immediately).

Anyway, tonight after this hellacious day, one cute girl asked if she could get me a cup...I hate to refuse and said yes. Then she asked if she could refill it. Of course. I thank her profusely and she says in her Chinese accent (as her hands move to her heart) "it's my pleasure...it make me happy to see you smile"...well at this point of the day I just about cried. Making me smile is all she needs. Then she goes back to her position at the door. It blows me away.

In Trouble....

2008-08-18T05:46:00.000-07:00

Had just a little problem today and got chewed out for something that was absolutely NOT my fault! This is the difficult side of my job and since I've told you all about the 'glory' I thought I should share a little about the 'pain' too.

First off today. It was a turnaround day which means our current group of 37 was leaving and our new group of 26 arriving. I was in charge of arranging transport for everyone using our own bus as much as possible. I was completely organized and had arranged an additional coach for the first group of 20 to leave for the airport at 12:45 which would leave our bus to handle the second departure and two of the larger arrivals. Well 12:45 came and went, no bus. I called the transport dept., talked to the head guy and found out that our bus went to the airport instead of the hotel...their error. So I, in a panic, put everyone on our bus and sent them off. It was now 1:15 and I had to do something. I knew I would have to figure out the rest of the day but I couldn't take a chance on twenty people missing their international flight home.

After they left I contacted transport again and he and I worked out the details for the rest of the day. This was all good except that one group of 6 had to wait at the airport for an extra 30 minutes. Which is why I was chewed out. The new group that we have are all "friends and family" of Co-Sport employees and are to be treated as VIP's. Making them wait for 30 minutes was apparently a problem. However, when the group arrived at the hotel, they were fine...no one said a word about the late pick up. But my contact at the main office caught wind of it and had a fit. She called me to tell me that what I did was "completely unacceptable". She was angry because I didn't call her first to get her input/permission. Well, to be honest, the thought never even crossed my mind. I was only thinking of getting these people to the airport as soon as possible...what other option would there have been??? I let her yell at me, apologized when she waited for me to and hung up as soon as I could. You can only imagine what I was thinking!

Then...the President of Co-Sport called me and wanted the 'details' on what had happened. She apparently had informed him of my grievous error! Okay, so now I'm getting a little pissed. I had nothing to do with creating the problem and only tried to resolve it efficiently. I took him through the whole story and said "I'm sorry I didn't call Elana, but my main concern was to get these people to the airport". In the end, his reply was, "you did the right thing"...which made me feel a little better. But geez! It was a hell of a day and this wasn't the way I wanted to end it!

Through it all, I'm still having fun, it's just not always easy.

Running, Biking and Climbing...

2008-08-16T09:16:00.001-07:00

Lester from the Today Show, evening filming for morning America

Last night I went to the BirdsNest to see the 'fastest man in the world' run and break a world record, his own!

The stadium had about as many people in it as there were for opening ceremonies. It was very exciting. I haven't been to a 'track meet' in many years and when watching the Olympics on TV I guess I never realized that there are a variety of events happening all at the same time. We watched the men's 100 meter semifinals, the womens heptathalon, men's long jump, hurdles, sprints and women's shot put...all within the same 3 hours...But the 100 meter final was what everyone was there to see. When the runners took to the field the stadium roared...then it got errily quiet. Then the race was on and finished before you could even blink! I had sat in the stands for most of the night but when the 100 meter race was about to start I used my 'handy dandy' pass to get into the media area. They had a much better vantage point. It was great! I got photos of the start but was too busy watching that by the time I raised my camera it was over!

ready

set

done!!

This morning we went to the velodrome to watch cycling...Men's team pursuit and Women's sprints. It was fun to see but I admit I don't quite understand the strategy very much. There were a few Olympic records broken and this was only the qualifying races. It was fun...the Australians, English and Kiwis kept the roar of the crowd going. You could actually see the athletes trying harder as they passed the crowd. The Kiwis were the funnest to watch. They kept dropping a second every lap they made. (my theory is they were drafting off the crowd)

warming up

the strategy I don't understand...

After cycling we went to visit the Great Wall. Wow...it's as impressive as you would expect! Opinions vary on the actual length of the Wall, 1600-2700 miles long (or more)...Legend has it that over one million slaves and prisoners of war were used to build it. Many died in the process and their bodies were added to the interior of the wall to help build it up. It has been called the "longest cemetary in the world".

We arrived at the wall around 4 pm and most of the crowds had left. And we were very lucky to have a nice breeze and cooler temperatures...still very hazy though.

at the bottom of the Wall...always vendors to give the 'beautiful lady' a deal...

Sleep takes over....and more

2008-08-15T21:59:00.000-07:00

My apologies for skipping yesterday. I fell asleep on the bus as we were driving to an event (swimming heats) and when we got back around 11 I crashed. I have faint memories of reading the comments and thinking my Kennedy cousins had posted a comment but that might have been a dream? I'll need to double check...

I was exceptionally tired because although I had the morning off and again could have slept in, instead I "offered" to take a couple of members of this new group to the Forbidden City on their free morning because it wasn't a part of their tour. Well, a couple of people turned into 25! So now the pressure was on...I got them all in taxis (with their little pieces of mandarin written paper). It wasn't as easy as it sounds because taxi drivers don't like going to the Forbidden City..they say there is too much traffic...???huh???...I had to let some irrate taxi drivers leave and wait for the next one. You really don't want to get into a taxi in China with a driver who is yelling in Chinese the whole time. I did it once and it's very unnerving. I met them at Tiananmen Square - and immediately we were down to 21 people...4 had been dropped of somewhere else probably by an irrate taxi driver!

Tiananmen Square

Through Tiananmen Sq and the crowds and another 4 stragglers gone, then one husband was lost ...by the time we got to the Forbidden City I had about 13 people. (what do they expect with an American who has only been there twice?). I took the 13 through and gave them what information I had learned (embellishing as only I can) and then we caught taxis back to the hotel to get ready to go to swimming.
P.S. everyone made it back safely with lots of stories to tell, even the lost husband to my great relief!

We saw the men's 1500 meter qualifing races...that was hard to watch because each race lasted 14 minutes or so and my eyes kept closing . How embarrassing to fall asleep at an Olympic event!

Our group is 1/2 American and 1/2 Australians...these are some of the Australians...

Athletes watching fellow athletes across the room

Men's 100 meter relay (USA came in first in this qualifying round with a world record!)

Did you hear that the Williams sisters and Federer are all out in the tennis? Guess if they don't have a financial reward they aren't too motivated.

Tonight we go to Athletics and get to see the Men's 100 meter final...fastest man in the world! That will be very exciting!

Tomorrow we are at the Velodrome (I'll think of you Nathan...) and then to the Great Wall! Another big day.

Lastly...does this dog look odd? I think he is a 'clone' of the 'Lucky dog' I left behind. Look closely...he's wet, getting a bath, yet he smiles???? My 'Lucky dog' would never smile during a bath...never!! What have they done with my dog? hum...Guess we are both on vacation!

Event-full day

2008-08-13T09:01:00.001-07:00

No work this morning and I should have used the time to sleep in and get some rest, but I was up at 6 a.m. I wanted to get to the Swimming finals to see Michael Phelps win ...again! I had to catch a bus...(my first experience on the bus in China) on my way to the subway. Have no fear though, I had my handy little piece of paper with mandarin writing on it. Showed it to the bus attendant and I was on my way! I was able to see Michael win the Butterfly and the men's 100 meter relay...It was so cool.

Unfortunately, my camera's battery died and I can't download any photos until I charge it up...so sorry if you were hoping to see Mr. Phelps (who has a wing span of about 1000 yards)...you'll have to wait or check out my previous post.

After swimming I met the group to take them to tennis. It was the first day of tennis so I wasn't expecting to see anyone exciting play...well...(if only I had my camera working!) we had tickets to see China vs Estonia (women's singles), China won, and then, if you can believe it, the number one player in the world, Roger Federer vs. a virtual unknown from the Czech Republic. (I kept thinking of Tod & Tami...you would have loved to have been here!). We had great seats and boy what a match. This kid up against Roger gave him a good game and at one point had him worried I think (I know I was!). His serve was over 211 kil/hour (like 120 mph)...wild!

After Roger won, (did I mention what a cutie he is?), we were then treated to Serena Willams vs. a France girl. Serena had a very tough time as well and almost lost, but pulled it out in the last set. She had a little temper tantrum which I thought was very bad form...she even broke her racket. Very disappointing behavior when you are representing your country.

It's after midnight again...need to be up at 5 am. The bags under my eyes are getting HUGE!

Lost in China

2008-08-12T04:05:00.000-07:00

Today we took the guests to the Forbidden City. It was not nearly as crowded as the first time I was there, although just as hot and humid.

Entrance to the Forbidden City with Chairman Mao's picture on the wall (in the distance, kinda hard to see) as you enter...

Most of our first group at the Forbidden City...Some Australian-Chinese and American-Chinese which offered me some very interesting conversation about politics, democracy and communism. They leave on Thursday and we get the next group mostly Australians with some Americans in the mix. Almost 40 people compared to the 17 we have now...things are going to get a little more hectic I think!

Isn't she a Chinese cutie...

After we left the Forbidden City I had the driver drop me at the subway so I could run into the office while the group headed to see some soccer. While I was at the office I was asked to stop by another hotel and drop off some items. No problem. I had been there before and had taken the subway so off I went...As I exited the subway at my stop I looked around, here, there...nothing looked familiar. I was lost. And I had made the one and only mistake a tourist who doesn't speak english in China could make. I didn't have a little piece of paper with the name of my destination on it in mandarin (that is essential to commuting in China!) ...ugh...now what?? Can't get a taxi because I can't tell him where to go...can't call anyone because I couldn't pronounce the street names well enough for confirmation...yikes. The only thing I could think to do was to return to the subway and start all over. And that's what I was going to do...until I decided to just stand still for a bit. I took a good look at where I was and things were all out of place but then they started to look familiar. As it turned out, I was lucky...I had only exited the subway on the other side of the street and was just turned around. I managed to find my way...but definitely have learned a lesson! I will not leave my location until I have my destination on a piece of paper, in mandarin...in case.

Danya, from Desert Dog sent this to me today...because I was worrying...

Lucky and his sidekicks...he looks happy!

A muddy wet dog is a happy dog...and unfortunately a stinky dog...sorry Chris...

Tomorrow my morning is open so I'm going to head to the swimming cube and see if I can catch Michael Phelps win one of his Gold medals! Stay tuned!!...

the card that keeps on giving...

2008-08-11T05:32:00.000-07:00

So today we went to women's volleyball. BUT...just before we went to get on the bus we saw the men's 400 meter relay starting...we stopped to watch and wowza we were glad we did! The entire lobby of the hotel was yelling...what a race!!! Watch it if you have a chance...it'll be all over the news I'm sure!

When I use the infinity pass to get into an event I have to go to a different security entrance where they scan my pass and check my photo etc. I did that today and once I got in I couldn't find the entrance for 'regular' people. I ended up going into the Olympic Family entrance a highly secure area..."heck I thought, I'm here I might as well stop by the Olympic Family lounge" which is what I did. There were a few mucky mucks in there so I grabbed a water and headed out to find my way to the 'regular' people. I started walking up this hall and down another trying to get to the general admission entrance.

On the way I found myself, well see for yourself...

athletes changing area...here is the USA team ready to go out on the floor...

they should have stayed in the locker room...they didn't play so well. Lost in 3 sets..

Tomorrow we see some fooba..uh..soccer...somehow though before it's all over I have to find myself back at the "Cube" to watch more of Michael Phelps...(and don't worry Chris, I already have noted the dates of the synchronized swimming...I'm going to do my best to go)...

And the events begin...

2008-08-10T08:07:00.000-07:00

Okay so what do I say now...how can I possibly keep your interest and give more life and energy to this blog? I don't think anything can be as exciting as the last entry in any way shape or form. It's all still a bit unreal... but...I 'll give it my best...

Today I decided to try out my infinity pass. I joined our guests on the bus and we went to the Artistic gymnastics and Swimming (men & women qualifying) events. I didn't have a ticket but as you can see below, the pass worked just fine! If there is an open seat, I can have it. How great is that?

Shawn Johnson is unbelievable on the balance beam...poor picture but you get the idea.

getting ready for the broadcast...

The swimming cube...which a cool building...literally!

It started pouring rain today...the first joyful feeling of cool air since I've been here. To get out of the rain I went to the swimming event early and was able to watch these divers training.

Michael Phelps...big Olympic celebrity!~fun to watch...like the US suits

And the race in on!

This was a qualifying heat, Michael came in 4th I think. Guess he's saving his energy for the finals.

My Chinese staff invited me to go with them to try to get into the China/USA basketball game (the hottest ticket in town) and my spirit wanted to go but I have been living on 4 hours of sleep a day and I just couldn't do it! As it was I still didn't get to sleep until just after midnight!
P.S. love the comments...

the flame burns on through the smog, haze and downpour of rain!

Beijing Olympic Ceremonies 2008!!

2008-08-08T20:25:00.000-07:00

Wow, what an experience! I don’t know where to start. It was amazing!! I had goose bumps all night. The beginning was incredible with the boom of the fireworks and the drummers…incredible! The precision was amazing too, not only on the field with all the people but also between the fireworks and the show. Everything was perfectly on cue! Stunning, I felt so fortunate to be there. (but boy was it HOT!!!)

Here are some photos that might say more than I ever could...
locals lined the walkway and took pictures of us as we walked in...we felt like celebrities!

the "golden" ticket (left) and infinity pass (right)

There were about 20 dogs (bomb sniffers I think) resting on the Olympic Green after sweeping the area (notice how hot they are?)...I know Susie, I wanted to run and pet them too but I restrained myself...

over 2000 drummers...drumming w/their hands...deafening and spectacular!

can you believe these lights are all people? That's what's so amazing here...everything is people powered...

The Chinese cheered for Cuba and Russia (communist countries) and Pakistan ?(we couldn't figure that one out) and we wondered what they would do when the U.S. entered. But they cheered just as loud and of course we were yelling too!

the fireworks were beyond belief and went on for at least 15 minutes after the ceremony. These are as I was walking out.
The Birds Nest...as we were leaving. We left the hotel at 3 pm and arrived back at 2 am! This girl is 'running on empty' but enjoying every minute.

HOLY HELLS BELLS!

2008-08-07T23:48:00.000-07:00

Just got a call from 'the boss'..."I have a ticket for you Elizabeth, meet me in the parking lot"...I'm going to Opening Ceremonies!!! More later...

Countdown is on....

2008-08-07T22:17:00.000-07:00

It's about 7 hours to go until the Opening Ceremonies. We just heard that we have to have our guests leave the hotel even earlier because they have closed down about 1/2 of the city due to the luncheon with all the Heads of State at the Peoples Great Hall in Tiananmen Square. No one knows how long it will take to get to the Olympic Green so they leave at 3 pm for the show that starts at 8 pm and is expected to end at 1 am!! Whew! In a way I'm glad I'm not going (although I would if a ticket became available). Sounds exhausting! And since our group will be gone, we will have free time. I'm going to go with some others to watch the Opening Ceremony at a park or Plaza where they have set up a big screen TV. At least we can leave when we want. I wonder how many of you will burn the midnight oil and watch the Opening???

Goose bumps, Cops, Volunteers and Opening Ceremonies…

2008-08-06T02:07:00.000-07:00

Tonight after a long day of work a few of us decided to take our hosts down to the Olympic Green (similar to the Medals Plaza at the Salt Lake Games). We’d heard that the rehearsal for the Opening Ceremonies would happen tonight and we were hopeful that we could get onto the Green and maybe even into the rehearsal. Subway still crowded (as usual)...

Once we got to the Green we had to go through security and see if our accreditation would get us in. (During Opening Ceremonies only those with a ticket, a passport and an Opening Ceremonies credential can go into the Olympic Green and we weren’t sure how strict they would be about the rehearsal.). As we were standing in line at security I started to feel “Olympic magic”…I remember it from the Games in SLC and it gave me goose bumps. The Chinese people have no idea what they are in for!

in line for security check

We passed through security fairly smoothly but we're told we couldn’t take cameras in. So unfortunately I have no pictures for you except this one at security . (don’t worry, we were able to take a few from the stadium on our cell phones -see below).

We walked all over the Green. We found the place where NBC will air the Today show. We will try to make it down to watch them when we can.

Then we walked over to the “Birds nest” or National Stadium where the Opening Ceremonies will be. It is really a wonder up close. Truly a beautiful structure! We made a plan to attempt to get inside to see the Ceremonies. Our first thought was to act like we knew what we were doing, flash our accreditation (surely I could get in with my magic infinity pass!) and walk in….hah! We were turned away at the M gate and walked over to the L gate, no go, off to the K gate then and so on (they all insisted we have a ticket)…FINALLY at the B gate we ducked behind a cameraman and managed to look official enough to get in! We were in!!! (a little sidenote here...I think the Chinese hosts we were with were quite shocked with our plan and could not really believe how we managed to get ourselves in, but they followed our lead very well and I think enjoyed it.) What luck! So now all we had to do was find a place to sit and watch…and how hard could that be? We were soon to find out.

Our plan was to head high to the nosebleed section where empty seats might be found. I mean after all a stadium of 90,000 would certainly have a few seats open, right? Wrong!

Not only could we not find an open seat…we couldn’t get past the Beijing Volunteers. They insisted on seeing a ticket. Now I know that security is tight and I know the Beijing police are tough and well trained, but they have nothing on the Volunteers! This group of people take their job seriously and would not be toyed with!

We were in the stadium, we could hear the music and feel the energy but we couldn’t see anything! So frustrating! We were sadly admitting defeat and walking down to the first level to leave and by pure luck we walked along the first level and found a whole open area with a pretty decent view of the production. No seats but we were happy to stand. (although my feet might want to debate that after 3 hours of standing!) We were shoo’d away a few times by the security but just moved a short distance away and then we were fine. It was a great show. I think if you watch on Friday you will enjoy it. I especially liked the part where they have a man and a little girl playing the piano and then all these others join them and then they all have lights on them. It’s amazing…and very hard to describe…you’ll have to watch. There are so many people in the show…I would think that as many people are in the show as are in the audience!

leaders of the pack...or poor role models however you want to look at it...

inside the Bird's nest!! Delinquents one and all!..

Our first guests arrive tomorrow and I've been told to 'redo' my transportation yet again!! Aggh!

Saturday, in the Park

2008-08-02T03:23:00.000-07:00

We have been working day and night getting ready for our guests who start coming in next week. Opening ceremonies are only a few days away! I've redone my transfer lists 3 times (each time takes about 5 hours) because the transportation dept. keeps changing their minds on how they want to work things. I'd like to meet this transportation dept...probably sitting in their office with their feet on the desks having a good laugh..."hey Pete, let's change it back to the original system, ha!, bet that'll drive em' nuts!"...

But today we were able to get out and go to the "Temple of Heaven" to have our staff photo taken. (come to think of it those transport people were probably there, can you spot them below? They usually wear red).

Anyway back to the point of the blog...The first amazing thing I saw as I left the hotel was the SKY!!! BLUE SKY!!! I think I could almost say it was a "beautiful morning in Beijing!"...although still incredibly hot & heavy!.

As you enter the Temple of Heaven you walk through a fairly large park. Here are some photos that I took as I walked in. I was amazed at all of the local Chinese starting their Saturday morning. I tell you, we all wanted to "play" with them!

Tai Chi

Tai Chi with swords

Hacky sack

double handed badminton

perfecting the art of caligraphy (with brushes and water)
and this group of women with these beautiful flags
and the ole standby...dancing in the streets!

We had to stand in the hot sun waiting for 900+ people to be organized...here are some photos and yes...me in my uniform...The red uniforms are for Jet Set employess and the Blue are for the sister company that I work for, CoSport.

if you can see the umbrellas, people use them a lot here and I can attest to the amount of heat that is relieved with an open umbrella. It's amazing!

my team...

5 things I'm missing....

2008-07-30T04:34:00.000-07:00

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!!

2008-07-29T04:23:00.000-07:00

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!

2008-07-27T06:04:00.000-07:00

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!!

2008-07-25T06:01:00.001-07:00

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

2008-07-24T05:23:00.000-07:00

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...

2008-07-22T05:31:00.001-07:00

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

2008-07-21T02:45:00.000-07:00

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

2008-07-20T21:02:00.000-07:00

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…

A Word About Food...

2008-06-24T15:44:00.000-07:00

Some may wonder what amazing dishes will be prepared for me while I'm in China...and those of you who know me well will know that tomatoes, olives and the ever dreaded mushroom will be politely escorted to the edge of my plate.

However, there are just a few additions to that little list that I'd like to make. Click on this link to check out the special edibles that I will be discreetly avoiding at all costs...(except maybe the corn w/ginger sauce).

http://www.franksemails.com/misc/beijingfastfood.pdf

All the pieces in place…

2008-06-19T14:44:00.000-07:00

My visa arrived yesterday, my passport is stamped, my airline ticket is confirmed and it looks like I'm ready to go...All that's left is to water the plants!

I have a feeling there will be photo opportunities similar to these:
I thought so as well...

well, that's it for me and salads!

good to know..., I would've wondered too!

I always tell Lucky to watch where he leaves his sauce!

wha.....?????

you got that right!!

hum...

Ah, so this is where they go to contemplate life's great dilemas...

Just a few people???

2008-06-13T14:10:00.000-07:00

Okay, so maybe I won't visit the beach while I'm in China...And what I really want to know is, where are the bathrooms???

Counting down to China

2008-06-06T15:16:00.000-07:00

So it looks like I'm about 5 1/2 weeks away from departing to Beijing...5 1/2 weeks which is the exact amount of time that I'll be there and I guess if I wanted to see how long 5 1/2 weeks takes, now is the time to do it! I've been a little uneasy because I don't have my visa yet and until all the pieces are in place I won't feel completely like this is really going to happen. Part of me wants to plan a 'summer vacation' in case it all falls through...anyone want to go lay on a beach and drink mai tai's?

2008-06-01T18:02:00.000-07:00

Welcome to my blog...a quick update of the events and adventures of my upcoming trip to China. Stay tuned for more information and details on my experiences, I'm sure there will be plenty of stories to tell.