Blogs from Gangwon-do, South Korea, Asia

I leave in 2 days - it's been an unbelievable experience. I came here not knowing what I was doing, who I would meet, and what would happen while I'm here. I had no expectations because I had no idea what would happen. All I knew about the Olympics is what I saw on TV from previous Olympics. The Koreans did a fabulous job preparing for the Olympics. They put in roads, 2 major train stations, improved train timetables, arranged for hundreds of buses to move around workforce, spectators, and athletes. They built the venues where the competition would be held. There were decorative banners and mascots everywhere. The Olympic Park had lots of fun things to do inbetween competition events. There were events at the beach, and hospitality houses (I only made it to 2) ... read more

Sunday, Feb. 18th The days are just flying by now that I'm working and seeing events. My assignment at work recently has been to watch the housekeeping staff to be sure they are doing everything they are supposed to do (because there have been complaints from the athletes). I go with them to the rooms and make sure the trash is emptied, sheets & towels are changed, floors and countertops are wiped down, etc. It's not a bad assignment - I've been able to talk to the athletes. At first I was hesitant to strike up a conversation with them, but I got over that! One coach (I think he was the bobsled coach) called me the Quality Control Inspector - so I started using that as a job title!!!! We are so lucky with TeamUSA. ... read more

WLS-Ch.7 blames graphics 'mix-up' for confusion between P.F. Chang's and Pyeongchang WLS-Ch. 7 confuses Pyeongchang with P.F. Chang's on a Saturday morning broadcast. A spokesperson said the graphic was created for a different "satirical piece." (HANDOUT) Kim JanssenContact ReporterChicago Tribune Pyeongchang is a mountainous county 110 miles southeast of Seoul in South Korea, and the host of the 2018 Winter Olympics. P.F. Chang’s is an Asian-inspired chain restaurant with 210 U.S. locations, including ones in Chicago, Lombard, Northbrook, Orland Park and Schaumburg. PyeongChang and P.F. Chang’s are not the same thi... read more

The Norovirus results are in, the quarantine is over, and we can all go back to work. I had Monday & Tuesday off from work so I went to the Olympic Park to do some fun stuff. Monday, Feb. 12 I got a ticket to the Figure Skating Team event (10:00 am) so I went with my Philippines roommate, Razzel. She actually only lived with us 6 days, she has relocated her job to be a timer at the Ski Jump, and moved to Wonju University dormitory. The move to another University doesn't make sense because she will have a longer bus ride from there to the Ski Jump. But my roommates & I are happy because the 3 of us are really compatible and we weren't so compatible with her. The Figure Skating team event ... read more

Don't jump to conclusions - I didn't go to the Opening Ceremony. We went to a viewing party at the Holland Heineken Hospitality House. I'm not feeling totally well yet but I wasn't going to miss this one. The HHH is one of many hospitality houses from different countries. Some are open to the public, some not. Here's an article about the Hospitality Houses. I apologize for where the photos end up - I have no control over that. Ken Hanscom Your guide to everything PyeongChang 2018. Olympics planning, tickets, sponsorship, & experiences. In South Korea Feb. 7–25. Contact: kenh@ticketmanager.com Jan 15 Olympic Hospitality House List for PyeongChang Winter Games — Ultimate Guide to PyeongChang 2018 Visiting the Olympic hospitality houses are one of the favorite activities for fans and event planners att... read more