We Beijingers have now survived our second day without the Games. I must say that there is a big sense of relief in the air. The event was not only safe, but Beijing simply did a great job in hosting this massive sporting event. Zhuhe! Zhuhe! Congratulations! Congratulations! As it opened, the Games ended with […]
Break-dancing Fuwa
I was at the finals for women’s basketball last night–watched the Russians defeat China for the bronze medal, and the US defeat Australia for gold. Both were great games, but the activities during the time-outs and half-time were particularly entertaining. IMy personal favorite was the break-dancing Fuwa. What’s not to like about that?
Early Morning Lightning
It's almost 2AM here in Beijing, and I just got home from attending the medal matches of women's basketball at the Wukesong Arena, not too far from where I live. Russia played China for bronze and the US played Australia for gold. I won't comment on the outcomes in case you're reading this before it's […]
Please, No More Songs
There are numerous things that fall under the category of ubiquitous for these Games. Sports-related commercials; security guards; national flags; crying Chinese athletes and journalists; medals tallies (Chinese are reveling in the fact that they have won more gold medals than the US); TV monitors broadcasting all the action — on trains, buses, subways, restaurants, […]
Plotting Supper
Tonight I and some friends will be heading to the Bird's Nest for the evening's track and field competitions. We had been excited at the prospects of seeing local hero Liu Xiang run for gold in the 110m hurdles, but alas, that will not happen. Because this will be our first time at a venue […]
Little Wheel Bike Race
I had tickets for this morning's BMX bike race out at the Laoshan Bike Venue. BMX biking is translated into Chinese as "little wheel bike," which is pretty much what it is. Unfortunately the competition got rained out, and has been postponed until tomorrow. Even more unfortunately I didn't find that out until I had […]
