I started this blog for three reasons. First, to let friends and family in the US get a sense of our life here. Second, to keep a rich record of what Aidan, Lydia, and now Elisa were actually like as they grew. You have to guess the third reason.

So given the first two reasons, there is no way I could not write about our Olympic experience since it is by far the biggest event to happen to Beijing since we got here. And frankly, I didn't still expect to be here when they came.

12 days after Elisa was born I went to my first Olympic event-- boxing prelims --, with Aidan. Aidan had been looking forward to it for days and when we got in the taxi together he very seriously told the driver where we were going. Aidan was taking responsibility as the only Chinese speaker in the cab. Traffic was light and we got to the Workers Gymnasium almost two hours before the first bout. I tried to talk Aidan into waling around the neighborhood but he was having none of it. He wanted to go in right away. So we did, it was easy enough with the  friendly young volunteers guiding our path. Once inside the arena, Aidan wanted to proceed directly to our seats. And so this is what we did, me snapping this picture, which I think captures his excitement -- at least if you know Aidan well.

I was eventually able to coax him to the concession stand to buy some drink and snacks. Everything was cheap compared to US sport venues. The drinks are drinks but the food, as Scott Ostler wrote, where like a collection from the museum of failed snack food. Edible, but not sports food. Anyway, food in hand Aidan was eager to get back inside and watch the match. So we got inside, still have 50 minutes to wait, Aidan checking with me every five minutes when it would start. We had enough time to observe a Santa Barbara woman hit on a Santa Monica man see them becoming fast friends. Outside of these two Americans, the rest of the crowd around of was Russian, Iranian, some other east Euro country, and of course Chinese.

The boxing began, four two minute rounds. We stayed for four matches or about an hour. There were no knockouts and no real surprises but then again I am not quite an expert at Olympic flyweights. In fact, it was my first boxing match. For no apparent reason, the Iranians would stand from time to time and do some cheer. I guess the reason is just because.

After the match, we walked up the street to Hooters for dinner. Yes, that Hooters. Beijing's one and only. Aidan seemed to enjoy the attention the Hooter girls gave him. I enjoyed the chicken wings.

Aidan showing his balloon to a Hooter girl. Aidan with Hooters girls in the background standing on chairs and signing YMCA.

The next event I had tickets too was women's basketball, USA vs. South Korea. I had planned on taking Lydia but she was sick, so it was Aidan again. The basketball stadium is on the completely opposite side of town from where we live, so Yang met me with Aidan at my office and we headed off from there. While worker's gymnasium is almost 50 years old (but holding up nicely) the basketball stadium is brand new and as good as any NBA arena. Minus a few luxury boxes.  Once at our seats, I noticed a couple of things right away. First, there were no Ads of any kind inside the arena. Second, the South Korean team would be in for a long night. Aidan was excited to be there, not as much as the boxing night, but still excited. The game started out more competitive than expected before team USA blew them out by 40 or so. We stayed through three quarters. Aidan liked the Fuwa's dancing at halftime especially the part where jingjing fell flat on her face. On the way out the arena we were stopped by a young Chinese couple -- the woman wanted to take her picture with Aidan. It was the third such stop of the night.

I finally got Lydia to an event with the Olympic Baseball Finals. And I mean Finals because this is the last Olympics where baseball will be an official sport. I was hoping for USA/Cuba but the match up was Cuba/South Korea. Seems USA and Japan both lost in the semifinals. Again, I gave the South Koreans no chance. So, naturally they won. Lydia wasn't as much as in awe as Aidan but she was also looking forward to the game for several days. When we got there she liked playing with the Fuwas. She loved it when a Fuwa appeared to deflate (picture below). Then the game started and she wanted to leave during the bottom of the first inning. Luckily she made friends with a young boy sitting around us and I could settle into a decent game.

The final two events I went to, I went to alone and on the same day. First up, men's marathon, no ticket needed. While waiting for the runners, CBS did a 30 second interview but my responses where pretty lame so I don't think I made the actual broadcast. I really like watching elite runners and while I did see plenty, I also saw more than a few pull up with cramps or some type of injury. The pace at this year's marathon was furious and in the summer heat (mild by Beijing standards but still mid 80s) runners started dropping like flies.

Marathon photographers and the top American runner (9th place).

For the closing ceremony, the lottery system only handed out one ticket per person so essentially everyone came alone. It was really stunning to be there in person. From the vast Olympic green to the spectacular Birds nest, to t he ceremony itself.

On the Olympic green and at the beginning of the end.

So, that's my Olympic memory. At least the bits and pieces I could record.