Its 4:15 in the morning here in Beijing and I'm not sure if I can't sleep because its 1:15 in the afternoon in BC or because the bed is hard or just because. Flight was great, executive class is definitely the way to fly! 11 hours of pampering - very different likely going home though as while I have an executive ticket, Riley is also on the flight and its likely he will do every charming thing he can to bump me from my seat!
The airport was a breeze to get through and even though we picked the wrong line (kind of like the grocery store lottery), and got a trainee customs agent, all went smoothly. Our car and driver had signs with our names on them (I'm travelling with fellow colleague Paul Clark) and was waiting with a big smile on his face to greet us. We found Rodd in the concourse (he had arrived about 20 minutes ahead of us on a different flight) and then we all drove into the city in an air conditioned car. Blue sky today an bearably warm which were both nice surprises.
Dropped Rodd off at the apartment where Mitch and Tommy are staying and then headed to our hotel - the Lee Garden Service Hotel ( you can Google it). It is a very nice hotel, clean and has all the modern conveniences. Some of the funny things are the light switches (backwards and not logical to the location) and the washing/drying machine (instructions in Russian!). Called Riley from the car and had a quick chat and he tried to get tickets for Alex's event for us but no luck so ended up watching him on Chinese TV! Couldn't understand the commentating but certainly understood the result - yeah Alex!!!
After we got settled into our hotel we were taken to BC Canada Pavilion for a BC Club night. The Pavilion has started free event nights for BC/Canada residents and athletes in effort to get more people to come to the building. Its in a great location right beside Mao's tomb in T square but it has not been that busy as it is in the other direction of the Olympic Green. We had a nice evening chatting with some BC visitors (I started interviewing some about their Olympic experience) and getting caught up with our tourism colleagues who have been here a while and could tell us some of the tricks and moves to make the stay more pleasant.
The airport was a breeze to get through and even though we picked the wrong line (kind of like the grocery store lottery), and got a trainee customs agent, all went smoothly. Our car and driver had signs with our names on them (I'm travelling with fellow colleague Paul Clark) and was waiting with a big smile on his face to greet us. We found Rodd in the concourse (he had arrived about 20 minutes ahead of us on a different flight) and then we all drove into the city in an air conditioned car. Blue sky today an bearably warm which were both nice surprises.
Dropped Rodd off at the apartment where Mitch and Tommy are staying and then headed to our hotel - the Lee Garden Service Hotel ( you can Google it). It is a very nice hotel, clean and has all the modern conveniences. Some of the funny things are the light switches (backwards and not logical to the location) and the washing/drying machine (instructions in Russian!). Called Riley from the car and had a quick chat and he tried to get tickets for Alex's event for us but no luck so ended up watching him on Chinese TV! Couldn't understand the commentating but certainly understood the result - yeah Alex!!!
After we got settled into our hotel we were taken to BC Canada Pavilion for a BC Club night. The Pavilion has started free event nights for BC/Canada residents and athletes in effort to get more people to come to the building. Its in a great location right beside Mao's tomb in T square but it has not been that busy as it is in the other direction of the Olympic Green. We had a nice evening chatting with some BC visitors (I started interviewing some about their Olympic experience) and getting caught up with our tourism colleagues who have been here a while and could tell us some of the tricks and moves to make the stay more pleasant.
At about 830 pm (which of course was 530 am!) we walked back to the hotel via Tiananmen Square. So different than in 2000 as the Chinese were actually allow to hang out in the square and there were way more people than guards (it was the opposite last time). People were having so much fun taking pictures of themselves in front of big gardening displays with the Olympic theme. We of course took a few ourselves. Watched Alex be amazing on the 3 metre (so relieved and pleased for him) on the TV then crashed.
Today will be spent trying to get my accreditation and tickets for tonight's event as well as getting a first hand look at the visitor servicing experience. Not sure when I will see Riley as he will be getting into serious training mode but no doubt it will be tonight at the pool for sure. He was trying to get us access to the Olympic Village for a tour so I’m hoping that may happen soon.
My first impression of the city is one that has been echoed others is how they have cleaned it up. Its busy and modern and warm and inviting. My interviews last night all were similar, while the visitor experience may be lacking in information expertise, the people here are so so so kind and eager to help and that makes it all worth while.
Thanks again for your kind words and support of Riley - I know he definitely appreciates it!
Today will be spent trying to get my accreditation and tickets for tonight's event as well as getting a first hand look at the visitor servicing experience. Not sure when I will see Riley as he will be getting into serious training mode but no doubt it will be tonight at the pool for sure. He was trying to get us access to the Olympic Village for a tour so I’m hoping that may happen soon.
My first impression of the city is one that has been echoed others is how they have cleaned it up. Its busy and modern and warm and inviting. My interviews last night all were similar, while the visitor experience may be lacking in information expertise, the people here are so so so kind and eager to help and that makes it all worth while.
Thanks again for your kind words and support of Riley - I know he definitely appreciates it!
1 comment:
Is this blog over now?
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