Editor’s note: SportsFanLive would like to take this opportunity to express our deep and heartfelt thanks to Professor Lisa Delpy Neirotti and her class of pioneering students from The George Washington University.
Their efforts in filing stories, pictures and video were outstanding and admirable. Despite a packed schedule, a huge time-zone change and a shaky Internet connection, they delivered the goods — a truly inside look at the Beijing Olympics. Contributing with insight, depth and personality, the GWU class produced a blog that was professional and memorable. We had a great time working with and learning from them.
In closing this blog, here is a collection of tips, hints and observations from throughout their Olympic journey. Thanks again to the class, and please enjoy:
Emily, Anna and Sarah: The pedestrian’s position on the Beijing food chain ranks somewhere between cockroaches and street rats.
Gina: It is amazing how the Chinese know how to bargain in so many different languages.
Patrick: I am not usually afraid of bees. But during an afternoon lecture one day, I saw a bee near my Nescafe can of coffee. I found myself wondering if this was a special Chinese bee that I do not have antibodies for. I really don’t want to make this bee angry. But why is it still lingering? Cutting to the chase, I was not stung. Real drama, eh?
Emily, Anna and Sarah: Don’t fret if you’re the only American at an Olympic event; the Chinese have your back.
Gina: The only Chinese I managed to learn over the were weeks were ni hao (hello), ni hao ma (hello how are you?) and zai jian (goodbye). But that seemed to get me anywhere I needed to go. Eventually.
Molly: Just because there are three separate lanes on the road does not mean that only three cars may fit onto that road. Three lanes can easily fit six cars side by side and often do!
Emily, Anna and Sarah: Babies don’t wear diapers. Watch where you step.
Tiffany: On the long ride to the canoe/kayak facility, we saw giant — and I mean extra-extra large — pigs crammed in a truck. Someone in my taxi (I forget who) asked, “Why are all the pigs in there like that?” I replied, “They are on their way to being eaten.”
Gina: I will second-guess every designer item I ever consider buying now that I know it is exactly the same and far cheaper in China. And I would much rather give my money to someone that has the energy to bargain with me for 12 consecutive hours, full of energy.
Emily, Anna and Sarah: Marry a U.S. Olympian and you will be treated like gold.
Patrick: Have you ever tried navigating a whole computer in Chinese? My right mouse click is the most challenging part of my day. I will be happy to see my Apple again. Oh, Powerbook, how I have missed you.
Emily, Anna and Sarah: It doesn’t matter where your taxi drops you off; it’s all about the ride.
Gina: The Chinese people were far more hospitable than any other country I have visited and seemed to always carry a smile on their faces, with the occasional old man lifting his shirt up over his head to cool down, apparently a common and acceptable practice.
Maggie: After watching the Opening Ceremony, I am sure the London Olympic Committee was saying, “How are we going to top that!?!?!”
Emily, Anna and Sarah: If you want to feel welcome in a foreign country, come to China. You will never come across such kindness.
Gina: Three things I will hold off having for a while are definitely McDonald’s (only restaurant on the Green), Budweiser (only alcohol served in Club Bud) and nutrition bars (lunch everyday)! Thanks to the Chinese. I will be back again some day soon! Ciao ciao.
Kelly: I would definitely recommend adventurous travellers to come to Beijing soon. For those that are intimidated by different languages and foods, you may want to wait a few years as they will surely continue to evolve. Beijing is well on its way to becoming a great international city!
– Patrick Donnelly, Kelly Finn, Kara Franz, Matina Golias, Gina Graciano, Emily Grindstead, Anna Owsley, Rosina Romano, Molly Swanson, Tiffany, Maggie Webbert, Sarah Wirthlin, Shannon Helvey, Chris Hedquist, Enrico Campitelli, Kari Frontera, Kimya Gharib, Stephanie Baldwin, Mayer Weisel, Alex Steinberg, David Braun, Hae Ok Cho, Lex Butler, Nick Eddy, Lila Lee, Editra Allen, Dennis Chou, Tuo (Tony) Zhang, Lisa Delpy Neirotti.
To see a complete list of video clips, including those not on the blog, please visit www.youtube.com/ForbiddenBloggers.
