First Post

In the summer of 2007, my dad and I began to talk about going to China in 2008 to see the Olympic Games in Beijing. Initially this was just throwing around ideas, but as we went into the fall, we began to talk seriously about going. Finally, in October of last year, after talking with a travel agency, we decided that we were going to go ahead and make plans to go to Beijing in 2008 for the Olympics.

Our initial interest began as a result of my friendship with a swimmer who has a good chance of making the Olympic team. However, because Olympic trials are not until June, we will not know whether she makes the team until well after our chance to go is gone. So we decided that it was worth the risk, and that that a trip to China for the Olympics, with or without my friend, would be a trip of a lifetime.

Thus, with our interests, as well as the potential events we may see in mind, we selected four different events to see while we're there (as well as the traditional tourist activities, such as the Great Wall and a tour of Beijing). First, we will see the aquatic events slated for Thursday morning, August 14 (including the women's 200 meter butterfly finals--her event). Second, we'll see the track and field events for Saturday night the 16th, including the men's 100 meter dash. Third, we'll see rowing Sunday afternoon the 17th, and the women's triathlon on Monday the 18th.

This blog probably will not have many more updates until we leave in mid-August, but if anything else comes up (for example, exciting news regarding Beijing's preparations for the Olympics, etc.), I will post it up here.