Hello from Christina in Beijing - the first day of the games is over - the city was hopping with activity. We began the day at the ticket outlet picking up some tickets that we had ordered from Co-Sport. Co-Sport/Jet Sports is the official ticket brooker for the United States and a number of other countries. They have a small office here in Beijing where we have to pick up tickets from the recent phases of ticket sales.

The question of ticket availability is what the press is asking. I was interviewed by a non American press in Tian'an Men Square the other day and that is the question that they asked - did I find it difficult to get tickets. We spent some time at the ticket office today, trying to trade or purchase other tickets. There was a news team from the San Francisco NBC affiliate that we visited with - talking about ticket sales. I think that I dissapointed them by saying that we did not have a difficult time getting tickets - as we mostly used the Co Sport site to purchase tickets. We did purchase a few sets on EBay, but they were pretty reasonably priced.

We had 4 tickets for boxing today (I purchased 4 a number of months ago - not sure if anyone else would decide to come with us). While hanging out at the ticket office - we met a family of 3 from Boston at their first Olympics. They were so excited to be here (as we all are) - they have a pre teen daughter who wanted to go to boxing. I was very willing to "pawn" Rick off on them and head back to the apartment for a quiet cup of java. (anyone who knows me, knows that I periodically need alone time!!) So - Rick took Steve, Pat and Merideth White to the boxing event today. Rick said that there was a knock out and that is not usual at the class of boxing - so it was a memorable event for all. Me - I sat looking out the 20 floor window in the Van Palace building (our current home) at the Coca Cola venue and reading Chinese history.

Imagine - that their history goes back even further than 5 thousand years. It is amazing. And the Chinese seem very proud of that history. Hopefully we can get to a few museums that will teach us more about this amazing country.

We have tickets for various events, but the focus is getting into the Olympic Green - which is where everything is "happening" - that is where the Bird's Nest and the Water Cube are, where the media tents are (yes, that is where Matt Lauer is!!) and just a great place to hang out. But, and it is a big but, we have to have tickets to an event in the Olympic Green in order to get in. We have some archery, athletics and team handball - which are held up in that area. I have been searching on Co-Sport to see if anything else comes available so that we can spend more time up there.

Don Ash asked about the Water Cube - yes, you said that it was designed by Exton based Bentley Systems. I heard the local news announce that on the television. But - it sure would be great to have some contacts at Bentley to get us tickets to get into an event in that facility. It looks amazing!

It is odd to think that we are 12 hours ahead of you on the east coast - my computer time is still set to your time. But - it is after midnight here, so more about the games later!