Beijing Blog – We made it!
Well, chalk up another cross Pacific flight! Whoever said that is gets easier is mistaken, you just learn to endure. Two oddities to pass on here. The last time we flew across the Pacific (from Australia) we saw two sunsets in the same flight. This time we left on Sunday 10am, got there Monday at 3pm and never saw darkness. When you figure it out let me know.
Beijing is a busy very modern city. As a Ontario taxpayer, I would love to have the road system they have. When we arrived we were met by our translator – Kevin. He took us to our hotel – The China People’s Palace ( equivalent to a 3-4 star hotel back home). We quickly unpacked and went to Tian’an Men Square (translates to the "Square of the Gate of Heavenly Peace". It is the center of Beijing surrounded by other significant political buildings. There is a great sense of history as you walk around the downtown. More on that later in the week.
The Olympic Rings are everywhere. On buildings, roads, in gardens and laser light displays. It is very evident that the Chinese people are very proud to host the Olympics.
Since we left we have run into many Canadian supporters, most of which are there cheering on family and friends. Already heard a few heartache stories. On from a cycling family whose daughter had been training for months expecting hot humid conditions only to experience cold, raining severe weather. Mentally she didn’t handle it well as hoped. Then there is Victoria Poon representing Canada in swimming. She is 23 and originally born in Hong Kong. She made the Olympics and was looking forward to return to China, only to get the Chicken Pox and is currently quarantined.
On a positive note, the swim team, although no medals, has been swimming great. There have been many personal bests, Canadian records and final swims. The attitude has been awesome. This bodes well for the rest of the week and 2012 in London.
We are off today to check in at Canada House, get our swimming tickets, and go see some rowing.
That’s all for now….stay tuned…we are getting to the good stuff!!
A special hello to all the kin folk back home – Peter, Annalena, Katrina, Evelyn, Mattia, Mathew, Tina, Loretta, Michael, Janie, Jim, Diane, Jason, Danny, Boomer , Gryphon and a special hi to Mom ( a proud Grandmother)
Greg & Sue
