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Published: August 24th 2008
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Today started out on a hectic, hung-over note. The night before began in the Birds Nest for another round of amazing athletics - including Insane Usain Bolt and his Jamaican teammates breaking yet another world record, and watching the hottie 70s-haired Aussie fly over the pole vault at an astounding height. This was followed by a street party in Sanlitun, which is clearly the gathering place for anyone and everyone under 80 who is out looking for a good time. It was practically The United Nations out there, and at one point or another we found ourselves hanging out with some of the coolest people representing every single continent. We met the Olympic gold medalists in rowing from Canada, who were still wearing their medals (wouldn't you?!). Seriously buff girls.
I crawled my way home at 4am only to discover that my cell phone - the one crucial item that has become an appendage to my body since July 15 - disappeared somewhere between getting in a taxi and walking through my hotel room door. Panic, then sleep, then a 7am wake-up feeling like hell and scrambling to get a new phone issued by the central office. So many new
friends made along the way, all their numbers are in that phone. Not to mention the fabulous JingJing phone charm that I loved so much... Lost.
Well, the day quickly perked up, as did I. Why? Because by noon I had a new phone, and was sitting with Anita, one of my chickens (the adopted name for our local staff kids) inside (yet again) the Birds Nest for the final football match between Argentina and Nigeria. It was awesome. We didn't have tickets, just a pass to get inside, so she was absolutely in awe and thrilled when I demonstrated my obnoxious but by now well-practiced and perfected “I Belong Here” stance and managed to get us down to seats in about the 10th row. During halftime, when I got her past the adorable yet clueless volunteers and security, and into the Olympic Family Lounge, then into the VIP Olympic Family seats for the Argentina-scoring second half, I thought she was going to pee in her pants. It was too much fun.
So after the game, and after being flocked by a whole gaggle of volunteers who wanted to trade pins with me, I headed out to the
Olympic Village. Yes, I somehow got access to this area as well. Unfortunately not the athletes' residential quarters (wink wink) but I can get into the international zone which offers a variety of businesses and services for the athletes. I found out that I too can get a free hair cut and blow dry! Just might try it if I am feeling brave. I didn't take many photos, too busy gawking at all the gorgeous, tall, bronzed, in-shape and seriously hot athletes everywhere. I can only imagine the number of
“global affairs” that take place in that Village...
I have to say that in general, the Chinese people are amazingly hospitable and kind. This “coming out party” has offered them their first true opportunity to show their sense of hospitality, and they have not failed! I have rarely had a negative encounter, and I am thoroughly impressed by how hard the people of this city have worked to create a fantastic and memorable experience for their million-plus visitors. It should not go unnoticed the extraordinary efforts of this country, witnessed by the vast number of volunteers who blanket the streets and stand out in the hot sun for endless
Beach party at the final Volleyball game
Excited for the gold-medal-winning Americans, but the Brazilians should have won just for being hot. hours every day, all in the name of service and the Olympic spirit. They have made amazing efforts to learn English, are incredibly helpful, and always appear to be in great spirits and excited about their role. Time Out Beijing did a great story on one of these volunteers - a 75-year old man who stands out in front of a popular tourist market, answering questions and pointing visitors in the right direction. The fact that he, among the thousands of other volunteers, not to mention the entire fleet of Bejing taxi drivers, have all spent the past 7 years learning English is really astounding. We all owe a huge amount of thanks to the Chinese people and government for this amazing effort.
...Oh, and in other news: I just found out that I will get a ticket to Closing Ceremony tomorrow night. So what started out as a horrifying experience has shifted, evolved and done a complete 180 - and is now guaranteed to close on a note higher than Miss Sarah Brightman dares sing!
I am going to bed early tonight.
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