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.
Monday, August 18, 2008
In Trouble....
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.
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.
Saturday, August 16, 2008
Running, Biking and Climbing...
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...
Friday, August 15, 2008
Sleep takes over....and more
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
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!)
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.
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!
P.S. everyone made it back safely with lots of stories to tell, even the lost husband to my great relief!
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.
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!
Wednesday, August 13, 2008
Event-full day
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!
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!
Tuesday, August 12, 2008
Lost in China
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!!...
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!!...
Monday, August 11, 2008
the card that keeps on giving...
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)...
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)...
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