Yesterday was the prettiest, most comfortable day that I've had while here in China. The sky was clear, the humidity was down, and the temps. were very tolerable.... It began with a Sunday morning run that our Head of School hosts. Those who want to go, meet in front of our housing at 7 in the morning. When I met him, he and another teacher (who also hails from the great state of Minnesota), had been running already for an hour! They are training for the Beijing Marathon that happens in October.
I was able to hang with these two guys for about 3 miles before bowing out. But, it really felt good. I think Laurie and I are going to try and run the Beijing 10K. Apparently you run by Tianimen Square (sp?). But the grand daddy that I want to run is the half marathon that is on the Great Wall next spring.... With the steps and hills, I believe that it would be quite tough, but it's something that not many folks are able to attempt to do in their lifetime... I'm not sure if I'll try for the 10K, or the 1/2. I have to see this thing before I make a final judgement.
As a family, we went to the pool and spent some time there. The boys really love the water, and there is a pool just right for them. Kieran has really turned into a fish, as he loves to wear his "nose goggles" and swim around under water. Just a year ago, he really didn't want to have anything to do with going under water. And Kellan likes the water too.
After lunch and naps, I went into school for a few hours. Out my classroom windows, I have a beautiful view of the mountains that surround the Beijing area. I stood there for some time and just looked in awe... I can officially say that I have a view of the mountains from my office... :)
The students that I have this year seem to be wonderful kids. Overall, they love to read, be read to, and most want to get going on math and science... They have parents who truly value education and seem to be very involved as well. It's apparent in how skilled these kids really are.
Last Friday, I must have caught some sort of bug, as I felt horrible all day. On Friday night, the school hosted a barbecue, which I missed because I stayed in bed. I'm not sure if I ate something bad, or all this new stuff has just finally gotten to me and my body shut down. But, I laid in bed (wishing my mom was there to take care of me :)) and felt better the next day.
It's early Monday morning and looks to be another beautiful day. I'm heading out for a run and then off to work with kids.... I'm livin the dream!
Sunday, August 31, 2008
Relaxing weekend
Beautiful day in Beijing. Today (Sunday) is exactly like it was our first two days here...absolutely gorgeous! we spend the day so far going for walk/bike ride and going to the pool. Tonight we are going for pizza at a neighbors...a group of teachers get together for pizza every Sunday. GREAT PEOPLE! We are lucky to have met and befriended them.
Riley hasn't been writing b/c he was feeling quite under-the-weather all day Friday--he came home from school and slept and even missed the staff BBQ (which got rained out anyway)...but he was really miserable. He thinks he may have eaten something bad? The rest of us are fine though.
Saturday was an adventure. We were daring enough to go to the ONLY IKEA STORE in one of the biggest cities in the world on the WEEKEND! Riley swears he will NEVER set foot in that store again! It worked well though-he went next door to get a blender, vacuum, and toaster, and Kieran and I did the IKEA thing. Got lots of stuff---but when we were checking out-i was in such a rush i put all my stuff up by the conveyer belt (on the non-movable part) and didn't realize it until i got home. i was really bummed b/c i had bought stuff to make rice-krispie bars and couldn't make them without the pan i wanted to buy! so another friend and i went BACK to IKEA and i ended up finding way more than i had originally left on the counter. You would think at 8:00 at night the place woul d have been a little less crowded----WRONG! Anyway-We won't be doing IKEA anymroe on the weekends. i would rather go some night after school. Oh well, it was an experience. We will be making many more trips there as we continue to make this house our new home.
Some of the other new teachers were heading to the Great Wall today-it would have been a GREAT day to do that-would be able to see for miles and miles, but Riley and I both need to get into our classrooms a little-so we had to pass. Our school normally takes the new teachers there, but couldn't this year b/c of limited time. School started 2 weeks late b/c of the Olympics.So they said the would organize a trip some other time-maybe over October break. We get a week off in october-not sure what for. The kids get an entire week-i think we have to work mon and tues and then have wed-fri off....riley and i are asking around. Sounds like most people go somewhere tropical during that time. We will see? May be a time for us to look around here a little?
Anyway-wanted to update everyone. We did take a few more pictures but i left my camera at school to take pictures of my students. Going to look into skype right when i get done typing....hopefully get it downloaded. We have been told it is like a free way to communicate with others who have skype. will be a good way to keep in touch.....
Hope all is going well back in the states. Is anyone tired of the political commercials on TV? I don't miss them!
take care-we miss you all!
Laurie
Riley hasn't been writing b/c he was feeling quite under-the-weather all day Friday--he came home from school and slept and even missed the staff BBQ (which got rained out anyway)...but he was really miserable. He thinks he may have eaten something bad? The rest of us are fine though.
Saturday was an adventure. We were daring enough to go to the ONLY IKEA STORE in one of the biggest cities in the world on the WEEKEND! Riley swears he will NEVER set foot in that store again! It worked well though-he went next door to get a blender, vacuum, and toaster, and Kieran and I did the IKEA thing. Got lots of stuff---but when we were checking out-i was in such a rush i put all my stuff up by the conveyer belt (on the non-movable part) and didn't realize it until i got home. i was really bummed b/c i had bought stuff to make rice-krispie bars and couldn't make them without the pan i wanted to buy! so another friend and i went BACK to IKEA and i ended up finding way more than i had originally left on the counter. You would think at 8:00 at night the place woul d have been a little less crowded----WRONG! Anyway-We won't be doing IKEA anymroe on the weekends. i would rather go some night after school. Oh well, it was an experience. We will be making many more trips there as we continue to make this house our new home.
Some of the other new teachers were heading to the Great Wall today-it would have been a GREAT day to do that-would be able to see for miles and miles, but Riley and I both need to get into our classrooms a little-so we had to pass. Our school normally takes the new teachers there, but couldn't this year b/c of limited time. School started 2 weeks late b/c of the Olympics.So they said the would organize a trip some other time-maybe over October break. We get a week off in october-not sure what for. The kids get an entire week-i think we have to work mon and tues and then have wed-fri off....riley and i are asking around. Sounds like most people go somewhere tropical during that time. We will see? May be a time for us to look around here a little?
Anyway-wanted to update everyone. We did take a few more pictures but i left my camera at school to take pictures of my students. Going to look into skype right when i get done typing....hopefully get it downloaded. We have been told it is like a free way to communicate with others who have skype. will be a good way to keep in touch.....
Hope all is going well back in the states. Is anyone tired of the political commercials on TV? I don't miss them!
take care-we miss you all!
Laurie
Thursday, August 28, 2008
Day 1 is in the books.....
we made it through our first day of school---kieran did too! i left for grocery shopping at 7:00 and riley and the boys were going to bed-does that tell you how it went? honestly---it was GREAT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! To have classes of 21, 21 and a homeroom of 23---i had room to move around. we had a cool assembly today-it was fun to be back in the energizing middle school again. I will let riley fill you in on his day, but i know he LOVED getting back into the classroom....but he is exhausted!
Today on the way to work was my first experience in the village that riley mentioned in an earlier entry. i couldn't believe my eyes...hard to believe that is right around the corner from us. i would take pictures but i am not sure if that would be disrespectful or not. maybe as i get comfortable we will take some. i came home by myself from school an nearly got lost going through there-but the whole village is not very big so i found may way out onto a different road than i was planning....oh well.
Still no mountain dew-the one place i ssaw a CAN advertised is just down the street from us---riley went to get me one the other day and they were sold out. the owner speaks english so i may try to go there sometime when he is there and see if/when he will have some.
right now i am just sitting here waitin for groceries to be delivered. Boys are sleeping and i am ready to hit the hay as well.....hope you are enjoying this blog. we will try to take some more fun pictures tomorrow! volleyball tryouts start for me tomorrow so that will keep me busy!
take care......until next time
Today on the way to work was my first experience in the village that riley mentioned in an earlier entry. i couldn't believe my eyes...hard to believe that is right around the corner from us. i would take pictures but i am not sure if that would be disrespectful or not. maybe as i get comfortable we will take some. i came home by myself from school an nearly got lost going through there-but the whole village is not very big so i found may way out onto a different road than i was planning....oh well.
Still no mountain dew-the one place i ssaw a CAN advertised is just down the street from us---riley went to get me one the other day and they were sold out. the owner speaks english so i may try to go there sometime when he is there and see if/when he will have some.
right now i am just sitting here waitin for groceries to be delivered. Boys are sleeping and i am ready to hit the hay as well.....hope you are enjoying this blog. we will try to take some more fun pictures tomorrow! volleyball tryouts start for me tomorrow so that will keep me busy!
take care......until next time
Monday, August 25, 2008
Our New Reality???
They say that people go through culture shock when they move to a whole new world... Well, I think that it's hitting me... In a good way though.
We have hired two ayi's (pronounced I E's), to care for the kids and keep the house in order. Please note that in doing so, we will be paying a great deal less than we did back in Delano for childcare. But the difference is that Li Xin and Shau Yen come in and do our laundry, clean the place up, cook for us, clean up, fold clothes, put them away, and shop for whatever we need.... Now this not something that I, a teacher, would ever have guessed I would have in my household.... But, that's the way it's done here, so we'll gladly go along with it.
Tonight, Laurie and I came home and have done nothing but spend quality time with the boys... We weren't rushing to throw something together for the boys for dinner, then scramble to clean up.... Kieran and I took a bike ride around our neighborhood. He truly hit the nail on the head when he said in his 4 year old vocabulary, "Dad, this is special times."
We had our first day back at school with a full staff. Laurie and I both agree that we got a great vibe from our respective teaching teams. During lunch, I just marvelled at the wide array of places that my team of 7 teachers have taught... All over the world!!!
Meet the teacher begins in a day and a half, so we've gotta hit the road running... With that said, it will be nice to get the kids in our classrooms and do what we came here to do...
We hope you all are well wherever you are at.
We have hired two ayi's (pronounced I E's), to care for the kids and keep the house in order. Please note that in doing so, we will be paying a great deal less than we did back in Delano for childcare. But the difference is that Li Xin and Shau Yen come in and do our laundry, clean the place up, cook for us, clean up, fold clothes, put them away, and shop for whatever we need.... Now this not something that I, a teacher, would ever have guessed I would have in my household.... But, that's the way it's done here, so we'll gladly go along with it.
Tonight, Laurie and I came home and have done nothing but spend quality time with the boys... We weren't rushing to throw something together for the boys for dinner, then scramble to clean up.... Kieran and I took a bike ride around our neighborhood. He truly hit the nail on the head when he said in his 4 year old vocabulary, "Dad, this is special times."
We had our first day back at school with a full staff. Laurie and I both agree that we got a great vibe from our respective teaching teams. During lunch, I just marvelled at the wide array of places that my team of 7 teachers have taught... All over the world!!!
Meet the teacher begins in a day and a half, so we've gotta hit the road running... With that said, it will be nice to get the kids in our classrooms and do what we came here to do...
We hope you all are well wherever you are at.
Sunday, August 24, 2008
pictures finally!
australia vs. u.s.a for the GOLD!
Marsha and Tom Hawkins (guy who hired us--from MN!!)--laurie and Riley
Laurie caught that shirt she is wearing!!! 13 rows up from the court-doesn't get any better!
Riley holding Tom Hawkins Olympic Torch--he was a torch carrier this summer
Kieran likes the noodles (of course) although he isn't big on much of the other ethnic food.
hard to tell-but our semi-detached home is 4 stories (including basement which we won't use). nice deck off the back and 2 little balconies and one large balcony outside kieran's room-will try to get better pictures of this
Once in a Lifetime Opportunity
Riley, Kieran, and i are sitting here watching the closing ceremony for the Olympics....hard to believe this is being watched all aournd the world and it is only 15 miles away!
Last night-Riley and i were fortunate enough to be able to go and watch the bronze and gold medal games for women's basketball....i was in heaven! to be there to see all those US women play and to witness them winning and receiving their gold medals---is something we will never forget. Riley hooked us up with the ticketes and we were fortunate enough to go with our head of school (he has his own car and driver) which was a BIG deal for us b/c we would have NO CLUE where to go! There were 16 others at the game from our school-sitting in a different section-but most of us are Americans--many from Minnesota. Being able to see Taurasi, Leslie, Bird, Smith, Lawson, Parker, and the other women was GREAT! Plus-most of the men's team was there to watch so we got to be in the same vicinity as some of the best basketball players in the WORLD!
The medal ceremoy was very touching-being there listening to the national anthem as your country's flag is raised really moves you-i can see why the tears often flow freely from the eyes of the Olympians! we took MANY MANY pictures and my goal is to figure out how to get them off our camera and onto the computer so we can share them with many of you!.....i am ashamed to admit we have not yet done this EVER with our new camera. It seems simple ..just a matter of doing it!
today was relaxing--all four of us went to the pool together and got some sun. after getting home at 1:30 last night we needed the down time. Our house is slowly turning into a home as we make it our own.
Tomorrow is the day all teachers return to school-so no more messing around-time to get serious. Very high pressure here as many students are children of some very important people. My principal told me the other day a "high profile" student just got moved to my class for some reason---he told me who his dad was but i couldn't understand he was talking so fast!
I promise pictures will be coming soon!
Last night-Riley and i were fortunate enough to be able to go and watch the bronze and gold medal games for women's basketball....i was in heaven! to be there to see all those US women play and to witness them winning and receiving their gold medals---is something we will never forget. Riley hooked us up with the ticketes and we were fortunate enough to go with our head of school (he has his own car and driver) which was a BIG deal for us b/c we would have NO CLUE where to go! There were 16 others at the game from our school-sitting in a different section-but most of us are Americans--many from Minnesota. Being able to see Taurasi, Leslie, Bird, Smith, Lawson, Parker, and the other women was GREAT! Plus-most of the men's team was there to watch so we got to be in the same vicinity as some of the best basketball players in the WORLD!
The medal ceremoy was very touching-being there listening to the national anthem as your country's flag is raised really moves you-i can see why the tears often flow freely from the eyes of the Olympians! we took MANY MANY pictures and my goal is to figure out how to get them off our camera and onto the computer so we can share them with many of you!.....i am ashamed to admit we have not yet done this EVER with our new camera. It seems simple ..just a matter of doing it!
today was relaxing--all four of us went to the pool together and got some sun. after getting home at 1:30 last night we needed the down time. Our house is slowly turning into a home as we make it our own.
Tomorrow is the day all teachers return to school-so no more messing around-time to get serious. Very high pressure here as many students are children of some very important people. My principal told me the other day a "high profile" student just got moved to my class for some reason---he told me who his dad was but i couldn't understand he was talking so fast!
I promise pictures will be coming soon!
Saturday, August 23, 2008
"Anything's Possible, Everythings Tough"
One of our mentors, Mr. Jim Richner stated the title on the first day we were here. What a true thing.....
Last night, we were treated to a wonderful dinner hosted by the school. All of the new staff were there, along with the administration. The place we ate at was extrordinary. If/when any of you visit, we will go. Next door is a bar that is owned by a teacher at our school (ISB).
Referring back to the title, Jim took us on an adventure today into the heart of Beijing to do some shopping... We went to a golf shop, then to Worker's Stadium (where the soccer was played), then to lunch at a local place, and finally to an electronic store...
Lunch was fantastic! For about $1.50, we had a bowl of noodles that were prepared in front of our eyes, plus a local beer.... It tasted great, but I think that I garnered some unwanted attention when the workers were getting a good chuckle out of me as I tried to use chopsticks..... By the end of the ordeal, I was pretty good. Lord knows, I'll have plenty of practice..
In an hour, we're off to watch the bronze medal women's basketball game, followed by the gold medal game... The US women will play the Aussie women...
Last night, we were treated to a wonderful dinner hosted by the school. All of the new staff were there, along with the administration. The place we ate at was extrordinary. If/when any of you visit, we will go. Next door is a bar that is owned by a teacher at our school (ISB).
Referring back to the title, Jim took us on an adventure today into the heart of Beijing to do some shopping... We went to a golf shop, then to Worker's Stadium (where the soccer was played), then to lunch at a local place, and finally to an electronic store...
Lunch was fantastic! For about $1.50, we had a bowl of noodles that were prepared in front of our eyes, plus a local beer.... It tasted great, but I think that I garnered some unwanted attention when the workers were getting a good chuckle out of me as I tried to use chopsticks..... By the end of the ordeal, I was pretty good. Lord knows, I'll have plenty of practice..
In an hour, we're off to watch the bronze medal women's basketball game, followed by the gold medal game... The US women will play the Aussie women...
Wednesday, August 20, 2008
A Day Full of Chinese Culture
Yesterday, we had our medical exams by Chinese doctors. They drew blood, checked our blood pressure, did a ECT scan (I think that's what it's called), and finally a chest x-ray. After some time in our classrooms, we sat down and listened to the Chinese Program's Principal talk about the culture we are lucky enough to live within. This was followed by 4 stations in which we did Tai Chi, Chinese writing, had a lesson in the language, and had some tea. Really neat.
Dinner time was a traditional Chinese Dinner.... A ton of great food, of which I knew little of what I was eating... Most of it was really good though...
Our dinner was followed by a bus tour to The Water Cube and The Bird's Nest... Someone had some pull because we were able to drive only where a few people are allowed... These structures are truly amazing things to behold... And all the people and security around the vicinity makes me think that it is truly a miracle that this is pulled off...
We also drove by a 7 star hotel that boasts the largest tv screen in the world.
Dinner time was a traditional Chinese Dinner.... A ton of great food, of which I knew little of what I was eating... Most of it was really good though...
Our dinner was followed by a bus tour to The Water Cube and The Bird's Nest... Someone had some pull because we were able to drive only where a few people are allowed... These structures are truly amazing things to behold... And all the people and security around the vicinity makes me think that it is truly a miracle that this is pulled off...
We also drove by a 7 star hotel that boasts the largest tv screen in the world.
Tuesday, August 19, 2008
Another exciting day!
I still pinch myself from time to time wondering if this could be real???? We had another day of "new teacher stuff" at school. I am stil amazed at the facility there. One thing that stands our is the way that some relics have been incorporated into such a new complex... There is some wonderful wood work in a number of places that has to be pretty old, and has been so tastefully added...
After school, another new teacher by the name of Jeremy and I chose to walk home through a local village (called a hutong I believe). Once you enter this place, you enter a whole new world. It's made nearly all of brick and is composed of what resemble a bunch of garages that are interconnected. People live and work in these. So, as we walked, we saw a little bit of everything. Such a unique thning because I felt like I had stepped back in time in so many ways...
After getting home, we met with our ayi (sounds like "IE"), named Li Xin. She is right around my age, is bi-lingual, and comes to us with great recommendations... I never thought that I would say that we have a "nanny", but that's how things are done here. So, Li Xin will be here caring for our boys and home... A wierd concept that I am still trying to get my head around....
After meeting with Li Xin, I met up with Josh (a fellow Minnesotan, and teacher here at ISB), and caught a cab to see the US baseball team play Chinese Taipei. On the cab ride, I really marvelled at how massive a city that Beijing truly is. Neverending buildings, people, and cars. We also drove by The Birdsnest and The Cube, which was truly awesome...
The game went well. We sat out in centerfield amongst many Tiapei fans. Being one of a handful of caucasians sitting out there, we got plenty of attention. People would come up and ask us to take picutres with them, which is wierd...
During the 7th inning stretch, they played "Take Me Out to the Ballgame". This is something that many of the fans had never done, so they sat and watched us when we were up singing. Then the pictures started to flash, so it felt as if we were on stage... Not a place for Riley....
The US won and we joined the throng of people who were trying to find a taxi. This proved impossible, so we hopped on the subway and headed out to a less crowded area in hopes of securing a ride home...
We ended up getting off at Tianemen Square. Talk about a place to see. We walked right through that area and the way it is lighted up really accents the place... I really don't know much about what we were walking by, and look forward to it. So many things to see...
We got home about 1:00 AM and I was exhausted....
Today, we head back to work for a day of medical exams, followed by a true Chinese dinner tonight. After that, our school will load us on a bus and go down to Olympic Village, and see both the Cube and Birdnest at night.....
We're making memories!!!!
After school, another new teacher by the name of Jeremy and I chose to walk home through a local village (called a hutong I believe). Once you enter this place, you enter a whole new world. It's made nearly all of brick and is composed of what resemble a bunch of garages that are interconnected. People live and work in these. So, as we walked, we saw a little bit of everything. Such a unique thning because I felt like I had stepped back in time in so many ways...
After getting home, we met with our ayi (sounds like "IE"), named Li Xin. She is right around my age, is bi-lingual, and comes to us with great recommendations... I never thought that I would say that we have a "nanny", but that's how things are done here. So, Li Xin will be here caring for our boys and home... A wierd concept that I am still trying to get my head around....
After meeting with Li Xin, I met up with Josh (a fellow Minnesotan, and teacher here at ISB), and caught a cab to see the US baseball team play Chinese Taipei. On the cab ride, I really marvelled at how massive a city that Beijing truly is. Neverending buildings, people, and cars. We also drove by The Birdsnest and The Cube, which was truly awesome...
The game went well. We sat out in centerfield amongst many Tiapei fans. Being one of a handful of caucasians sitting out there, we got plenty of attention. People would come up and ask us to take picutres with them, which is wierd...
During the 7th inning stretch, they played "Take Me Out to the Ballgame". This is something that many of the fans had never done, so they sat and watched us when we were up singing. Then the pictures started to flash, so it felt as if we were on stage... Not a place for Riley....
The US won and we joined the throng of people who were trying to find a taxi. This proved impossible, so we hopped on the subway and headed out to a less crowded area in hopes of securing a ride home...
We ended up getting off at Tianemen Square. Talk about a place to see. We walked right through that area and the way it is lighted up really accents the place... I really don't know much about what we were walking by, and look forward to it. So many things to see...
We got home about 1:00 AM and I was exhausted....
Today, we head back to work for a day of medical exams, followed by a true Chinese dinner tonight. After that, our school will load us on a bus and go down to Olympic Village, and see both the Cube and Birdnest at night.....
We're making memories!!!!
Monday, August 18, 2008
A great welcome!!
Well, yesterday was one for the ages! Laurie and I and the boys went to our school for the first time for orientation. I still cannot believe who nice the school is!!! The facilities are better than I could have ever imagined! I definately am going to work on getting pictures up and running and get some on here.
My classroom has one wall that is nearly all windows. And out those windows is a great view of the mountains. Plus, the room is loaded with supplies and resources.... And the support here seems like it is going to be amazing as well. So many people who are willing to lend a hand and try to get us situated as soon as possible... In fact, Jim and Karen (staff here at the International School of Beijing (ISB), have coordinated these first few days. They have been here 9 years and seem to have hook up's all over the place. Whatever we need, they either get it, or have someone get it for them.... Awesome people who love to help out....
Then, after work yesterday, Laurie and I took off for the Olympics.. Laurie went to see the US play China in baseball. I joined a group of 5 other guys and went to see the US women beat Japan 4-2. Although I am not a soccer guy, I had a great time! The atmosphere there is hard to match. 50 thousand fans who are chanting, screaming, and trying out a new phenomenon called "the wave."
The guy who coordinated this night is a fellow staffer from ISB named Michael. He is a tall red-headed Australian who has become the resident expert in regards to the Olympics. As of last night, he'd been to 20 events. About every 10 minutes during the match, he'd stand up and begin some sort of chant that got our section of over a thousand people yelling, screaming, clapping, and taking pictures of us.... Crazy...
After the match, we went to a watering hole that a few of the "veterans" at ISB frequent. I had to go in order to find my way back home... :) So, we're in this Danish establishment enjoying a pint and we soon realize that a gentleman behind us, who is being mobbed by people dressed and painted in red, is wearing a gold medal. Before you know it, we have him over with us and are taking pictures of him and congratulating him... Apparently he won it in rowing....
So, the adventure continues here in China.....
Until next time....
My classroom has one wall that is nearly all windows. And out those windows is a great view of the mountains. Plus, the room is loaded with supplies and resources.... And the support here seems like it is going to be amazing as well. So many people who are willing to lend a hand and try to get us situated as soon as possible... In fact, Jim and Karen (staff here at the International School of Beijing (ISB), have coordinated these first few days. They have been here 9 years and seem to have hook up's all over the place. Whatever we need, they either get it, or have someone get it for them.... Awesome people who love to help out....
Then, after work yesterday, Laurie and I took off for the Olympics.. Laurie went to see the US play China in baseball. I joined a group of 5 other guys and went to see the US women beat Japan 4-2. Although I am not a soccer guy, I had a great time! The atmosphere there is hard to match. 50 thousand fans who are chanting, screaming, and trying out a new phenomenon called "the wave."
The guy who coordinated this night is a fellow staffer from ISB named Michael. He is a tall red-headed Australian who has become the resident expert in regards to the Olympics. As of last night, he'd been to 20 events. About every 10 minutes during the match, he'd stand up and begin some sort of chant that got our section of over a thousand people yelling, screaming, clapping, and taking pictures of us.... Crazy...
After the match, we went to a watering hole that a few of the "veterans" at ISB frequent. I had to go in order to find my way back home... :) So, we're in this Danish establishment enjoying a pint and we soon realize that a gentleman behind us, who is being mobbed by people dressed and painted in red, is wearing a gold medal. Before you know it, we have him over with us and are taking pictures of him and congratulating him... Apparently he won it in rowing....
So, the adventure continues here in China.....
Until next time....
Sunday, August 17, 2008
We're in Beijing!
Well, we're here and excited, relieved to have made it, exhausted, overwhelmed, and so much more.....
Things are really going well considering that we have just entered a brand new world and have drug two young guys with us into it. The flight went well, we have had a wonderful reception by our staff and the Chinese people, and we have a great need to get some major sleep. I believe that I've been running on adrenaline these past few days, and have depleted my supply. So, tonight I hope that my family can all have the luxury of some of the deepest sleep the Good Lord may offer us....
More to come soon on this wonderfully exotic, different, amazing, and interesting place....
Oh, yest, I get to go to the Olympics tomorrow.... US women play Japan in the semis... I've never been to a soccer match beofore, so this will be a great "first" time....
I'm out,
Riley
Things are really going well considering that we have just entered a brand new world and have drug two young guys with us into it. The flight went well, we have had a wonderful reception by our staff and the Chinese people, and we have a great need to get some major sleep. I believe that I've been running on adrenaline these past few days, and have depleted my supply. So, tonight I hope that my family can all have the luxury of some of the deepest sleep the Good Lord may offer us....
More to come soon on this wonderfully exotic, different, amazing, and interesting place....
Oh, yest, I get to go to the Olympics tomorrow.... US women play Japan in the semis... I've never been to a soccer match beofore, so this will be a great "first" time....
I'm out,
Riley
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