Good Evening, or should I say Good Morning. Regardless of the time of day, the news I have to share is exciting. First let me preface you with the fact that the village is thriving as new batches of athletes arrive daily. The chaos in the dining hall is a key indicator of the increase in athlete volume. In order to understand the capacity of the dining hall let me draw you a mental picture . . . combine 6 football fields (3 deep and 2 wide), then line the space with thousands upon thousands of tables, put in buffet style food stands and add one McDonalds café, and there you have the village dining hall. Needless to say, the dining hall is the prime location for socializing, culturizing, and simply people watching. Today, there was extra excitement at meal time as some big time athletes arrived - ehhh, maybe you have heard of Michael Phelps, or perhaps Roger Federer or how about Spanish tennis phenom, Rafael Nadal. Yes indeed, we saw all of them. What is so amazing to me is the idea that all of the athletes here are competing for something greater than themselves; we are competing for the pride, honor and respect of our countries.
Speaking of pride and honor in our country, we celebrated the raising of the USA flag in the village this evening. Members of the USA delegation gathered in the International Zone where the Village Mayor welcomed the USA delegation to 2008 Olympic Games. The flag was raised slowly and steadily in harmony with the national anthem. It was an awe inspiring and breathtaking moment; as the anthem played, I realized it was the first time I had heard the national anthem at the 2008 Olympics.
Speaking of pride and honor in our country, we celebrated the raising of the USA flag in the village this evening. Members of the USA delegation gathered in the International Zone where the Village Mayor welcomed the USA delegation to 2008 Olympic Games. The flag was raised slowly and steadily in harmony with the national anthem. It was an awe inspiring and breathtaking moment; as the anthem played, I realized it was the first time I had heard the national anthem at the 2008 Olympics.
Comments
We are all loving your post, please keep them up if possible.
Your post are making us feel like we are right there in China with you.
Best of Luck. Go USA
Thank you so much for taking the time to write about your experience. You are allowing us to get a feel for the Olympics that we might not otherwise have. We in Berlin are all behind you and your team. Good luck!
How AMAZING!! The hairs on my arms stood up just reading your post. I can only imagine the true feeling of being there.
BEST of LUCK we are all cheering for you!
Way to go girl, you must be so excited. Go for the gold and go for your dreams.
Love ya
Aunt Joanne
We are all so proud of you!! You go Girl!! Reach for the stars!
You can do this!!! Shine Strong!!
Thank you some much for your wonderful, and vivid descriptions of your Olympic experience..you must have learned to write like that in 3rd grade..lol..Keep up the great work,enjoy yourself and the best of luck..I can't wait to see you on tv!!!
Love,
Mrs. Mansis
Vicky McDevitt
xo,
jw
Your old friends in Berlin are beaming with pride... we love your blog and feel we are right there with you. We wish you so much luck and a lifetime full of wonderful memories. Hugs, Martha & Tony(Mr. & Mrs. Kin)
Best of luck to you.
Great photo from the opening ceremony night.