Jan Barranco-Grams is a well-traveled, professional business woman in the travel industry. She is 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.
Dear family, friends, and readers:
A very sad incident has happen really close to home for our program. The father-in-law of the head coach of the Men’s US Volleyball team was killed today in a “random act of violence.” His wife was also injured in the attack, and we do not know her condition. This happened at noon today. It was at the Bell Tower in Hutong, a tourist attraction that our group had just visited.
We knew about it, but there was nothing being released to the public until now. We are now beefing up security and in a state of high alert. This coach was due to check in to our hotel today. It is obviously very difficult for me to write about the Opening Ceremony when our hearts are so heavy right now. I hope you all watched, as it truly was spectacular, and I do not have enough superlatives to describe it.
I will write more soon. I plan to watch the Gymnastics competition tonight. It will be a nice deviation to what is going on.
Peace,
Jan
Be safe!
Comment by GDV — August 9, 2008 @ 9:13 am
I so sadden by this event. It will definitly tarnish my view on the progress this country has made. Although this event could have taken place in “anywhere USA”, we all wish for insulation or even a “cease fire” for the world during the Olympics. This event demands more respect than this act represents. My thoughts are with the family and US Team.
Comment by Jerry and Joni Logan — August 9, 2008 @ 9:46 am
Evening Hon-
Sorry to hear this sad news. Have a good evening. Enjoy the events, sleep well. We look forward to your next bit of witty repartee’-
xo-
Comment by rsg in SD — August 9, 2008 @ 10:46 am
We did watch the entire opening ceremony and it certainly was spectacular .. it was phenomenal!!! I’d imagine it was 5 x’s more grandiose in person. I heard brief news about the attack and killing this morning and naturally it’s devastating — for the family, the U.S. & our team, the Olympics and for China .. I don’t see it necessarily as a reflection on China as there are fanatics everywhere.
Be safe, stay safe and don’t let it dampen your experience too much.
Hopefully you’ll get your tennis fix while you’re there and at least see if not meet some of the athletes ~ BIG HUGS
Comment by TAHOECAT — August 9, 2008 @ 4:00 pm
JBG,
Thinking of you and your safety. Enjoy but always be mindful of your surroundings.
Love you,
K
Comment by Kevin — August 10, 2008 @ 12:50 pm