Ni Hao from Beijing,
I have been so remise in writing, but I have been so busy “living” these games that I don’t have much time to write about them.
I’ve been fortunate to attend quite a few Olympic events. You have to know, since I was a child, I dreamt of being in the Olympics, so to be part of this is such a thrill for me. There are no words. I was a swimmer in my former life – and these games have been on fire with swimming – and not just Michael Phelps.
We have current and former Olympians staying at our hotel. Last night, I had a great conversation with Lenny Krazelburg, who was a gold medal winner from the Athens games. Our hotel is also the hub for the men’s and women’s sand volleyballs teams. So, besides escorting my group to many of the events, I’ve made friends with the beach volleyball manager who keeps handing me tickets (and the venue is only 10 minutes from our hotel). Going to sand volleyball is a hoot… very intimate, great music playing between every point, bikini clad girls dancing in the sand during time outs, and lots of beer being consumed (it cost the equivalent of about $1.10 US). Needless to say, this venue is a favorite of the Americans and the Aussies!
Today I went to the National Stadium, better known as the Birds Nest. It was an absolutely stunning day in Beijing today with blue skies and a cool breeze. It was a freak- of-nature (kind of like Michael Phelps). Our group had access to a skybox suite, which was air-conditioned, catered, with free beer…pretty sweet. However, for track and field events, we were way too far away from the field to enjoy it. So, I hate to admit it, but I spent most of my time in front of the TV. I first watched Misty May & Kerri Walsh play volleyball – then watched all the swimming medal events. It was great day for the Americans, so I would not walk away from that TV for all the tea in China.
Later, I did walk to the top of the Stadium to check out the view. It truly is an architectural wonder. It’s stunning from the inside and out. It was hard to imagine the center of the track was where the amazing opening ceremonies had taken place. It now just looks like a big slab of turf.
I could go on and on, but once again I’m looking at only five hours of sleep.
I love hearing from all, so keep the fun replies a-comin’.
Hugs,
Jan
Hey Jan-i-Pies ~
Finally, an update from China Blog Girl!! I wish you had more time to blog - share your Olympic experiences and educate us on China through your eyes - but understand that duty calls. I was holding my breath during the 1st game between May/Walsh and Belgium until our gals finally found their rhythm. Did I hear this right .. Blake beat Federer? It doesn’t sound like you’re getting to your beloved tennis venues so hopefully the others are making up for that some.
Re: music playing … I’m finding it distrating and at times VERY annoying. Not necessarily during beach vollyball however during other events the music playing is drowning out the commentators and you can’t hear what they’re saying. Not sure if the music volume is too high, the [NBC] commentators aren’t speaking loud enough or need to time their comments better or what. I’m sure someone can either educate me or provide their take on this.
Looking forward to your next Bite or blog when you come up for air ~ Hugs from Tahoe
Comment by TAHOECAT — August 15, 2008 @ 2:17 pm
Hey Jan,
I have not missed any of your Bites nor has CB as you know. I just love the way you post, it is almost like we are with you, thanks so much for sharing can’t wait for your next Bites.
Miss you,
Andi
Comment by Andi B — August 15, 2008 @ 3:11 pm
Phelps and swimming have certainly caught everyone’s attention. Fast pool, eh? Who’s better…Phelps or Spitz?
Comment by SurfTurf — August 15, 2008 @ 3:33 pm
Watch for the next HOFN Poll. Question about greatest Olympian.
Thanks, Jan!
Comment by GDV — August 15, 2008 @ 3:34 pm
Just goes to show you how much event the great tennis players want to be there…Federer and the sisters gone!
Maybe McEnroe should have been on the team, ‘cuz it appears he didn’t want to play in the Hall of Fame Champions Cup in Newport!
Comment by Delmartian — August 15, 2008 @ 3:55 pm
Hi Hon-
Nice to see a new post on the “Bites From Beijing” Blog. Going to be watching some events again tonight. Wishing I was at the volleyball venue w/you, that sounds like a party! I just heard Phelps just picked up number 7 earlier today. That’s fantastic. Once he gets one more, he’ll be on the Wheaties box along w/a few other gazillion endorsements. Good for him and the USA.
KP & Alex had a good day at the beach in OB.
Have a great Saturday at Olympic Central.
Hugs from SD!
rg & the Bean
Comment by rsg in SD — August 15, 2008 @ 8:53 pm
luvin your bites. Thank goodness for some rain and cool air. Remember the baby wipe baths but sounds like you got a/c beer and nice box to chill in. Brat Love Ya Donia
Comment by Donia — August 15, 2008 @ 9:12 pm
Hey Tahoe Cat,
I am feeling knowing that you are not able to hear the commentary back in the US because that is the one thing I do miss with all the coverage here. It is of course in Chinese, which is all Greek to me.
You have to know that at every venue, there is entertainment during every time out or change of teams. The Chinese version of “entertainment” is a little different ours - there are always dancing young women, they do a lot of costume changes and dance to western music (not country western) I should say contemporary American dance music. It usually is pretty hookey but you’ve got to love them for trying. Also the big blow-up mascots are in on the dancing fun too.
The big screen trin-a-trons are also a cornacopia of corniness. They always feature the silly dancing mascots and then they splash words after a good shot or point - WOW or SUPER! kind-of what we used to see on the old Batman TV show, “KABAM”. (CB, I know you know what I am talking about).
Comment by Jan — August 16, 2008 @ 1:06 am
Morning Jan ~
Thanks for clearing this up some - I guess we’re lucky we get [English] commentary unlike you over there. I bet when this is over it’ll feel like the longest month (and then some) in your life. You’re three-quarters through so get some well earned and much needed sleep. Rick says “hi” and hang in there! Hugs from both of us to you, Randy & the Bean.
Comment by TAHOECAT — August 16, 2008 @ 4:04 am
rsg in S.D. ~
Has anyone told you yet what a fabulous, extraordinary, unselfish hubby and dedicated dad you are!?! It’s not just any partner that would be willing to make the sacrifices necessary for Jan to be able to live vicariously an Olympic dream. That goes for Alex too .. props to you both !!!
Comment by TAHOECAT — August 16, 2008 @ 4:30 am
Thanks TC-
Yeah, I rock huh? That JBG is one lucky woman. I just hope she brings me home some Dog Brain Soup, freeze-dried & skewered Scorpion or Dung Beetle as my reward. Yum!
Have a great weekend!:)
Comment by rsg in SD — August 16, 2008 @ 8:21 am
What a gal! I’m so thrilled for you honey. You are having such a great expierance. All the things you love: swimming, tennis…sports. Your blogs are so interesting so please keep up the good work. love and hugs also from he who reads this over my shoulder.
Comment by Mom B. — August 16, 2008 @ 11:28 am
Congratulations to Michael Phelps! I voted for him on the HOFN Poll……..
Comment by SoCaGirl — August 17, 2008 @ 7:02 am
Hi Sis,
Your doing a great job on these blogs, we always look forward to the next one. I sure hope you brought a camera with you on this trip. We watched the Olympics all day yesterday, we have been recording the games and watching them when we can.
Haven’t seen you in the stands yet.
Miss you.
Lots of love,
Linda & Phil
Comment by lmd — August 17, 2008 @ 10:45 am
I can’t belive you haven’t seen me, I was at the Kerri Walsh - Misty May match this morning (10th row) then off to the Tennis Park - had great seats 5 rows up from the court. Saw all the gold medal matches and ceremonies, it was a great night. More details to follow, it is midnight and I must go to bed.
hugs,
jbg
Comment by Jan — August 17, 2008 @ 10:54 am
Dear Sis,If you wert doing what you love to do so much for work as you call it,I know you would be swimming for U.S.A. girls team ,your that good.You can do anything you want and you do.Im so proud of you Little Sis.R.G.&little bean love u both too Brother Bobby
Comment by Bobby Barranco — August 17, 2008 @ 12:06 pm
Dear Ballistic Beijing Baby, Loved your latest post and I Do look for you in the crowd … you must wear something to make you stand out (maybe a bright orange Yamaka with a Peace Symbol?)
? What are you Actually eating? How fantastic was your trek up the Great Wall and how far did you go? How does that wrist feel? Will Lindsey accept your invitation to be her doubles partner for fall league? Did you but me a fake Rolex?
What a great job you are doing distilling all of your experiences!
I still Love Randy, we talk about you all the time.
Savor every moment … you can take a Dirt Nap when your Dead!
Looking forward to your next Morning Cup of Happiness!
Much Love, gg
Comment by gigit — August 17, 2008 @ 2:37 pm
I’m watching the girls beach volleyball now and I must say, the American girl, Youngs, is not very likable!
Comment by SoCaGirl — August 17, 2008 @ 4:39 pm
I heard Elaine (EY) was pretty upset, I must defend her as she is a delight off the court. This is her 3rd and last Olympics and I know it was a tough way to end her career with no medal. We had a lounge full of the volleyball contingency after their match, the love and support was wonderful.
jbg
Comment by Jan — August 17, 2008 @ 9:59 pm
Hey Jan! Your 2 best Utah buds are really enjoying your China updates. Keep them coming! You are one lucky girl. And I am not just talking about the $1.10 per beer you saved by drinking in the skybox suite…
We are catching up on the thrills and spills of the last few days (and your blog of course) after a weekend in the mountains. The olympics rock!
Comment by Bill B — August 17, 2008 @ 10:04 pm
Bill:
Is it true that you have been selected as the new coach for the U.S. Women’s volleyball team? Cool. Wait a minute, is that one of the sports being pulled after 2008? Keep me posted if you need an assistant!
GG, when are we going out dancing this week?
rg
Comment by rsg in SD — August 17, 2008 @ 10:30 pm
Great Olympic piece on HOFN.com … “Wrapped in the Red, White, and Blue”. Check it out!
Comment by Manny — August 18, 2008 @ 8:48 am
btw…. it’s the first flash story on the home page….
Comment by Manny — August 18, 2008 @ 8:49 am
Bill of Utah, it’s so funny you would write - I kept thinking of you last night while I watched the Nadal/Fernandez Gold Medal match - Fernandez looks like you (and your tennis games are very simular) and yes, I am still stinging from the loss while we were in Tahiti - when do I get a rematch?
love
jbg
Hi to Barbie!
Comment by Jan — August 18, 2008 @ 9:43 am
RG- I like the way you think! Sign me up.
JBG- You are officially granted a rematch. I suggest we meet on a hot and humid tropical island and have you drink more rum than me the night before to create optimal conditions (for me, anyway.) We can throw in a 50 meter freestyle event too. We could add on a bike race but we will have to clear all stationary items (like ping pong tables) out of the area to give you a chance.
Enough of this… get out their and experience Beijing and the Games. Your friends and readers are eagerly awaiting your next report!
Comment by Bill B — August 18, 2008 @ 12:01 pm
BB of Utah,
Leave it you to bring up the unfortunate encounter of the moped and the Ping Pong table. . .I do appreciate your thoughtfulness to clear out all obsticals for our next Tahiti Triathalon Event, the challenge is on.
Guess where I will be tomorrow morning? Women’s Gold Medal Beach Volleyball, I am soooo excited. report to follow
xo
jbg
Comment by Jan — August 20, 2008 @ 11:00 am