1. I worked two days at boxing, reporting on the feather and fly weights. I was expecting to see lots of blood, sweat and tears at this event and I was pretty much right, sans blood. I had a great time working at this venue, though I have to say, boxers aren't reknowned for their thought-provoking quotes. (Maybe hit in the head a few too many times?) I'll write more about this in an unpcoming column.
2. I got to hang out at the Birds Nest for the Athletics events on Saturday night. Here's proof:
3. I watched Usian Bolt (conveinant name) win the Men's 100 meter dash and break the world record. It was by far one ofthe most intense moments of the Olympics I've experienced. After he crossed the finish line, Bolt just kept on bolting. He ran around the entire track! The stadium was filled with cheers and Jamaican music (to which Bolt did a little jammin.'. He enjoyed his well-deserved moment to the last drop. And rightfully so.
(The world record time for 100 meter dash.)
3. I took a rose pedal bath at a local spa followoed by a 90-minute body scrub and oil massage followed by yet another rose pedal bath. Massages and spa treatments in China are shamefully cheap. The only thing better than a spa day is a cheap spa day. The entire treatment cost 23 dollars.
4. I met swimming Silver medalist Alan Bernard from France and he absolutely insisted upon taking a picture with my friends and I, though we are clearly not thrilled about it. Notice me, on the far left, telling him to get out of our picture.
5. I've been asked to work at the Cycling Track course tonight inside the Velodrome. I will do my best to take pictures with someone else's camera, as my camera is kaput. (I think that is yiddish for "broken".)
6. I went to Club Bud and the Holland House. Don't know what these are? Let me indulge you: During the Olympics many countries set up makeshift home-bases, of sorts. They rent a building and elaborately decorate it in the colors of the country, furnish it with lush furniture and set up numerous bars. The "houses" are sponsored by major alchohol or beer producers from that country and then serve only those beverages. So, USA has Club Bud which serves Budweiser (though I guess next year they are going to have to sponsor Germany, those traitors...), the Holland House serves Heineken, etc. I haven't yet been to the French House but I'm guessing the serve Franzia...
For Club Bud, you need to be on the list to get in, as it is a high profile event that takes place every two nights throughout the Olympics. Here is how the Club Bud Fact Sheet describes itself:
"Club Bud is a Budweiser-sponsored, multi-level nightclub located inside the historic National Agricultural Exhibition Center in the Chaoyang District. The 3,700 square meter, indoor/outdoor venue offers guests a distinct social atmosphere combining Chinese and American culture. Club Bud features several bars, 360° video screens, an electrifying dance floor, a lounge and an outdoor pool as well as live DJs and cubista dancers to set the mood in each party area.
Club Bud will host eight exclusive theme parties built around the five elements of Feng Shui, local culture and Olympic themes. With a capacity of more than 2,000, Club Bud will be the place to be seen or see medal winners, sports legends and music and movie stars walking the red carpet and celebrating the Olympic spirit in style."
Because I'm so famous, I am on the list (actually, because I have a friend who has a friend who has a friend.) Last night I got to check it out. There were numerous medalists and kind of famous people present though no one I really recognized. Except for the guy who had his ear bitten off my Mike Tyson. (What's his name again.) Although, Access Hollywood TV crews were there.
As the Olympics carry on and more and more people finish their events, I expect more high-profile athletes to show up. I'm heading there tommorow, so I will tell Michael Phelps hello from good ol' SD.
6. Tomorrow I start training for the Modern Penthatholon. Not to compete, but to report. I was originally only supposed to work for the Cycling Road Race, however, I didn't come to China to work for three days, so I asked to be reassigned. The tally of sports I've worked for is now four: Cycling Road Race, Boxing, Cycling Track and now the Pentatholon. I'm really looking forward to the Pentatholon because it is kind of a ridiculous sport. The athletes must compete in five events, which combined is supposed to make you the ultimate gentleman: Shooting, Fencing, Running, Riding and Ping Pong. Just kidding. Swimming.
It sounds more like a reality TV series to me, but I am anxious to learn more about it.
Cheers!
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