Jan Barranco-Grams is a well-traveled, professional business woman in the travel industry. She’s currently on assignment at the Olympics in Beijing. Jan will post Blogs, “Bites from Beijing,” exclusively for HOFN.com that will keep us abreast of her fun lifestyle while in China during the 2008 Olympic Games.
The only saving grace of the 18-hour flight was viewing the US Men’s Water Polo team who were on the same plane. I always try to find a positive in every situation.
I did get pulled into customs, which I thought would be for the 200 bug bands (kind of like human flea collars) that were in my luggage. But no, they wanted to know about the CDs I packed. How many, and what were they for? I do remember reading that pirated CDs are a big problem here. I wonder how much I can get for my Best of Earth, Wind and Fire?
The airport is gorgeous, tidy, huge, very modern, with a million Chinese teens smiling and greeting you.
I’m staying at the brand new wing of the Hilton Beijing. Very hip, modern room with great amenities. So the highlight of my 20-hour travel day, besides standing next to all the handsome Polo Boys at the baggage carousal, was going for the neck and foot massage at this wonderfully tranquil spa called Dragonfly. I slept like a baby the 1st night - thanks to the assistance of Tylenol PMs.
At breakfast this morning, our local staff gal cracked me up, as she exclaims, “I eat myself!” Translation: “Ouch, I just bit the inside of my lip!” I think I’ll find many things to smile about while I’m here.
On my first day in Beijing, our group headed to the Great Wall. We hiked up and down stairs and the Wall for over an hour - then had a very fun ride down the hill in a toboggan. It truly was a thrill to be there. It was surreal to see the Wall go on as far as the eye can see.
We came back to the hotel, worked until 8PM, then went for another massage. One hour costs about 21bucks. I’m going to get used to this.
Zai jian,
Jan
Tough duty, Jan! This will be fun. I look forward to reading your “bites.” I hope you’ll be attending some events, too.
Comment by Delmartian — August 4, 2008 @ 10:09 am
Jan, I hope you brought your gas mask, rubber gloves and eye-drops. And remember not
to eat the seafood. And do cheer for the red, white and blue.
Comment by Bostonian — August 4, 2008 @ 12:40 pm
Hi Jan, What fun to hear from you on your great adventure. I’m sure not as much fun as we had in Cancun, but every day can be a new experience for you. Keep up the blog. I’ll send the site to my favorites. Take pix. Love, Jan
Comment by Jan Eastman — August 7, 2008 @ 1:58 pm
How Fascinating! Beside keeping up with your blog, I am glued to the TV and watching as mamy of the events as possible.
Hope you are taking photos, as well.
Be safe, sweet, Jan.
Aunt Joanne
Comment by Joanne Steenveld — August 10, 2008 @ 6:49 pm
Hi Sis,Great job keep up the good work if you call this work.Please let me be your bag boy for free on your next world mission.Lots of Love,Brother Bobby
Comment by Bobby Barranco — August 10, 2008 @ 7:28 pm
Hey other Jan,
Not much can top our Cancun adventure when it comes to the laughs department!
xo
jbg
Comment by Jan — August 10, 2008 @ 8:45 pm