If you haven't seen the Opening and Closing Ceremonies from the Beijing Olympics, it is a must see.
Here are just two snapshots of the Olympics. Its hard to find any real footage of the whole ceremony online, but I think there is a DVD that you can buy.
Wednesday, January 13, 2010
Bejing on my mind
In 2007 I thought about going to the Beijing Olympics that took place the summer of 2008. I had this in my mind for several years actually, but didn't know how to make it happen. Just the fact of wanting to go to China and putting that out in the universe,though set in motion a conversation with the Director of Admissions who asked me to accompany one of her staff on a trip to China for work (read: paid for). Thrill thrill thrill thrill. It worked out well because it was in the fall, a much more pleasant time to be in Beijing. And of course, we had a constant translator, great meals, and I got to meet Chinese students and professors who took me in with great warmth.
When did I start the process
Sometime in March of 2009, I really really really decided to take the plunge. I researched the Olympic websites (more about that later), found ticketing information, signed up for some email updates, and dreamed ahead. At that time I thought I could stay at a friends house (more on THAT later) and that I'd be able to use my frequent flyer miles.
There was so much to think about. I started to go to Olympic websites and watch video of past years.
Then things went dormant for a few months, though I kept getting emails from the various Olympic committees.
In June I found out that there were some deadlines for buying tickets-then I found out exactly how much they cost. Yikes. Yes, the Olympics are expensive, so its a good thing that I had saved up enough to make it possible.
There was so much to think about. I started to go to Olympic websites and watch video of past years.
Then things went dormant for a few months, though I kept getting emails from the various Olympic committees.
In June I found out that there were some deadlines for buying tickets-then I found out exactly how much they cost. Yikes. Yes, the Olympics are expensive, so its a good thing that I had saved up enough to make it possible.
Friday, December 18, 2009
How the idea of going to the Olympics came about-the early years (Video)
I'll be in Seattle and Vancouver from Feb 16-27 and hope to keep an ongoing travelogue of my preparations and my encounters. so let me start really early-
When I was 35, I learned to ice skate for the first time at my friend Dale's birthday party. My only memory of skating up until then was not a good one, so I was excited to have a wonderful time that nightl. I found myself dancing on ice, gliding and sliding, deciding right then and there I'd like to learn how to skate backwards. A few lessons later I was not only going backwards, but doing some simple spinning and jumping.
In 1984, Jane Torvill and Christopher Dean skated their way to Olympic history with an extraordinary combination of art and athleticism.
View this video of Torvill and Dean for a feast of beauty and exquisite ice dancing where they receive perfect scores for the artistic judging.
My whole family went to see them skate in Maryland. I found myself crying for joy. Here we were with thousands of people eating nachos, commenting about costumes, clapping for the skaters, booing the judges, all while seeing great art.
Hooked for life, this started a decade of going to ice skating exhibitions where my family saw such greats as Brian Boitono, Kristi Yamagouchi, Scott Hamilton. At that time was sown a seed- "I want to attend an Olympics someday"
Fast forward 21 years later-still skating, though my knees aren't too keen on jumping, yet still enchanted by the Olympics. Yes, I know the commentary gets schmaltzy and overwrought, but there is something spectacular about watching well trained bodies in motion.
In 2007 I said aloud for the first time this idea of going to the Olympics. And though my first stab at it didn't work out (Beijing), Vancouver seemed in my grasp.
So, I hope you enjoy the saga of how I am preparing, and follow me as I get to Vancouver soon.
When I was 35, I learned to ice skate for the first time at my friend Dale's birthday party. My only memory of skating up until then was not a good one, so I was excited to have a wonderful time that nightl. I found myself dancing on ice, gliding and sliding, deciding right then and there I'd like to learn how to skate backwards. A few lessons later I was not only going backwards, but doing some simple spinning and jumping.
In 1984, Jane Torvill and Christopher Dean skated their way to Olympic history with an extraordinary combination of art and athleticism.
View this video of Torvill and Dean for a feast of beauty and exquisite ice dancing where they receive perfect scores for the artistic judging.
My whole family went to see them skate in Maryland. I found myself crying for joy. Here we were with thousands of people eating nachos, commenting about costumes, clapping for the skaters, booing the judges, all while seeing great art.
Hooked for life, this started a decade of going to ice skating exhibitions where my family saw such greats as Brian Boitono, Kristi Yamagouchi, Scott Hamilton. At that time was sown a seed- "I want to attend an Olympics someday"
Fast forward 21 years later-still skating, though my knees aren't too keen on jumping, yet still enchanted by the Olympics. Yes, I know the commentary gets schmaltzy and overwrought, but there is something spectacular about watching well trained bodies in motion.
In 2007 I said aloud for the first time this idea of going to the Olympics. And though my first stab at it didn't work out (Beijing), Vancouver seemed in my grasp.
So, I hope you enjoy the saga of how I am preparing, and follow me as I get to Vancouver soon.
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