Ni Hao!
It’s another late night in Beijing but, with my days numbered, let me give you a quick synopsis of the past few days.
It has been all about Volleyball the past few days. I’ve been able to sneak out to Chaoyang Park for Beach Volleyball and cheer on our favorite American teams. I don’t know if you saw me at the Walsh/May final…I was wearing a blue poncho. (I hope you know that is a joke, as there was a sea of pastel ponchos there). Unfortunately, it was pouring rain, but it didn’t dampen our sprits. It was a thrill to be there. To top it off, we went to the USA house to celebrate their win (a big frat-type party for US Athletes).
Today was the Men’s turn….they took the Beach Volleyball gold, too. We also struck an agreement with the team. If they signed 75 volleyballs, we’d pick up all their room incidental charges. Everything is negotiable these days!
Tonight I went to cheer on my beloved Men’s Water Polo team – and let me tell you, they look even better with their striped Speedos on than they did around the baggage carousel three weeks ago! It was a small venue compared to most of the others around town. There was a huge American crowd there going crazy - and we soundly beat the Serbian team, who were favored to win. U.S. is now in the running – and they came in ranked #9. Nobody wanted to leave after the game, as everyone was singing and taking pictures. Such an electric night. I have a great feeling that they will win the gold.
There was a ton of buzz around our hotel two days ago, as Michael Phelps checked-in. We had a private reception with him for our group! Every staff member of the Hilton came out of the woodwork. You would have thought it was the “2nd coming.” Phelps is a great kid…very gracious. It was nice to see.
As thrilling as it was to meet Phelps, we were all heartbroken to see Wallace Spearman Jr. get DQ’d in the 200 Meter final. He is sponsored by our client, and has been staying at our hotel along with his family. It makes the loss tougher when you actually know the person, but he is a great guy and I think we will see him again in four years.
The Lopez family and friends are all in our lounge celebrating their kids medals in Taekwondo. There is such joy and excitement in the air.
So with all I did today, I did find time to run across the street for a massage, and then got my neck adjusted (and my wrist) by the traveling Volleyball team doctor. It’s nice to know people.
Okay, I know this wasn’t my most clever, witty writing, but my bed is calling… it is 2 a.m.
Good night from Beijing,
Jan
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Okay … now I’m impressed. A friendship with Michael Phelps.
You go girl!
Comment by Delmartian — August 22, 2008 @ 5:23 pm
Wow Jan, for someone that’s always wanted to attend the Olympics I’d say you’re making up for lost time. With all the athletes you’ve met who would you most like to meet (or at least see compete) before it’s over??
The men’s beach VB certainly was a bit of a nail-biter until the last set - it was sweet to watch Dalhausser shut down Fabio the way he did at the end. Has any country ever swept all 4 volleyball events in the Olympics .. anyone?
After all the hard work you’ve put in will you get to attend the closing ceremonies? I’m sure you’ve earned it and would cap off your Olympic experience. Get as much sleep as you can and soak up those massages & cheap beers before re-entering the world of San Diego! HUGS
Comment by TAHOECAT — August 22, 2008 @ 9:15 pm
Hey JBG-
Assuming you will be “fluent” upon your return so I can observe you order Chinese take-out in Mandarin-
Cool info on latest blog-entry of your recent experiences. Enjoy the Closing Ceremonies, looking forward to seeing you soon and hearing all the stories “live”-
xo…:)
rg
Comment by rsg in SD — August 23, 2008 @ 2:27 pm
Hello! What a great day …we are really enjoying living vicariously through you! xo
Comment by Laura from Chicago — August 23, 2008 @ 9:11 pm
Hi Jan,
Sorry it’s taken so long to respond after Randy gave me your contact info. You missed a fantastic memorial service for Paul. There weren’t too many vacant seats in the church or any dry eyes. I look forward to seeing you again so you can share your experiences. What a chance of a lifetime. I thought having dinner on top of the Great Wall with Chinese acrobats for entertainment sounded pretty out there. Bet you had to pinch yourself!
Carolyn
Comment by Carolyn Williams — August 24, 2008 @ 6:17 pm
WOW! Rock on Girlfriend!!!….Life begins at what??
Comment by guyneth — August 24, 2008 @ 10:42 pm
Wow!! You have really made the most of this assignment! This has to be your best job ever! (Not including coordinating the Bowen wedding, of course.) Glad you are having such a great time. Travel safe on the way home and we will talk to you in a few weeks after you have recovered.
Comment by Bill B — August 25, 2008 @ 12:47 pm
Bill-
Have you sent in your resume and cover letter for our 2012 Women’s Volleyball coaching assignment yet? Speaking of the best jobs ever, drinking cold Corona’s on the sand and doing what you do best, playing VB!
Your assistant coach-
rg
Comment by rsg in SD — August 25, 2008 @ 5:13 pm
Bill,
Got a friend on y our Team — Hey Jan!!! Been with you the entire time - you’ve been FRONT PAGE for a month. Plus, another close friend of yours (RG) reports regularly on your doings. I’m so envious. I hear you’ve lost a ton of weight. Since you’re heading back soon, I’m sure it’ll be okay if you break down and sample some of the delicacies.
Cheers, Cory
Comment by Cory H — August 25, 2008 @ 7:18 pm
Hey Bill B.
Soo Soddy. I’m sure your wedding bash was tops, but it will have to be a close 3rd to my Combo 50th birthday/surprise wedding choreographed by JBG and sister Linda.
Kudos Jan Yang Grams for EVERYTHING you have done.
You have done us all proud.
Have a safe trip home, Sis.
Love Charley n Andi
Comment by Andi B — August 26, 2008 @ 12:15 am
Whoops, #10 entry by Charley, Sorry Andi,I used your by line.
Comment by Charley B. — August 26, 2008 @ 12:21 am
Dear friends and family,
I am now entrenched in billing and hotel reconcilation hell. But don’t worry I still have been getting massages, going out to eat, participating in Karoke. I still plan to write a wrap up letter. We are off to our big staff blow out party, I hope to not get overserved being as I have a final meeting with the hotel in the morning.
CB - don’t leave out the fine details of the “Cowboy/Batman” theme we had going on… although we had a bridesmaid riding a taxidermied horse in the lobby of the Horton Grand Hotel and the Bowen wedding - both weddings were a class act! I love that you are both fighting for rights!
hugs,
jbg
Comment by Jan — August 26, 2008 @ 4:47 am
OK, Charlie- I will concede top honors to your bash but keep in mind the one woman wonder/ ultimate party organizer had almost 50 years to plan your bash. Plus she learned from my wedding and made sure there was no hotel room available for your soon-to-be-bride to hide in, drinking shots with her bridesmaids, while Mr. Wonderful (yes, me)stood patiently at the alter sharing interesting looks with the guests.
Comment by Bill B — August 26, 2008 @ 5:59 pm
Too funny guys. Jan, you are the best. I love these adventures of Jan Yang Grams, great stories. Thanks for taking the time to write them. I know that it’s an effort to keep them coming but I sincerely appreicate reading them.
So glad it’s been a good experience for you. Now, get back for at least one more massage while you can!
Safe travels home.
Comment by barbie — August 26, 2008 @ 7:17 pm
Much thanks to Jan for bringing us closer to the games. I know she had a very busy schedule, so taking time to keep us abreast of her adventure was greatly appreciated.
Thanks, Jan.
Your Publisher
Comment by Gil — August 27, 2008 @ 12:05 pm
Bill B.
OK, my friend. Your points are well taken. True,50 years is just enough time to iron out details. You can’t rush these things you know.
My bride Andi and I had 20 minutes and a back bedroom to get ready for our wedding,while a roaring 50th birthday ensued in the back yard.
She did manage to make me wait several anxious moments standing alone under the tree with my best man. Either to get even with me for all the times I was late or just maybe my little sister, the Weddingmeister had something to do with it in both our cases. Hmmmmm.
Take care
Charley B
Comment by Charley B. — August 27, 2008 @ 1:46 pm
And Gil,
Thank you for giving Jan the opportunity to open this window for all of us to peek thru.
Charley B.
Comment by Charley B. — August 27, 2008 @ 1:49 pm
Hey Bostonian, I’m gonna hold you to that Boston Ale.
Cheers,
Sir Charles
Comment by Charley B. — August 27, 2008 @ 1:50 pm