The games have begun. While you all were waking up and going to work last Friday, I was out at a bar called "THE BRASS MONKEY" (that funky monkey) watching the Opening Ceremonies live on many big screen TVs. It was all in Chinese, which was fine since the countries names were displayed in English. They had the sound turned up a little so you could hear the English accents on the announcers, but at least they weren't Bob Costas telling us every sappy story that he can find. How the flies on the nose of the drummer guy are decedents of the first Olympic Game flies. I really can't stand that guy. And the Olympics are on three different channels here - all in Chinese. And yes, they focus on the Chinese participation, not the US participation. So it's hard to see the stuff you want. But some of the local bars are showing some Satellite feed with more US focus (not NBC) events so we can go somewhere to see the US participation sports.
The Opening Ceremony was pretty sweet. Like someone noted, this is proof that given enough people, the Chinese can pretty much do anything. And if you weren't impressed, then you're smoking something. I loved the technology that was involved with the scrolls and even inside the stadium. What I didn't enjoy was the 4 hours it took from start to torch lighting:( We were home and Sarah was already asleep for an hour by the time the torch was lit (midnight our time).
When the Chinese Taipei team came out (rather early too), the place jumped out of their seats with joy. Lots of excitement (from us too.... 3 Americans and 1 Taiwanese) for many minutes. Then after what seemed like forever, when the US team came out, we cheered (along with a great deal of others in the bar.... of both US and Taiwan origins)... until Bush was shown - then the Boos came out and in large numbers (including from me). There really wasn't any booing till they showed him.
Sarah and I watch the Olympics whenever we can (like the rest of the world). They have shown a lot of weightlifting and Archery which is the stuff I enjoy... the sports they don't show the rest of the year on TV. Even some Badminton! I don't think the US team will ever win a medal in Badminton. Archery is pretty sweet to watch. There are camera's everywhere showing the slow motion flight of the arrows, etc. Plus the one match had to finish in the pouring rain.... not sure how many events continue through the rain like this one did.
We did some sightseeing this weekend with some guests from IBM US. I'll post the pictures and stories for tomorrow. Sarah has enjoyed her first week in Taipei, and the best news of today is.... SARAH GOT A JOB!!! She will be teaching 2nd graders 4 days a week here in Taipei. The location is about 20 minute walk is all (probably a bus route that we're looking into - then maybe a 5 minute bus ride). So soon she'll have her permanent visa soon and this means SHE CAN STAY HERE!!!! So thanks for the prayers - it all came through. The contract is signed, now to just complete (and wait) for all the paperwork.
Hopefully this week won't be so hectic as last week and I can get some more blogs in for everyone. Lots of pictures to upload for tomorrow!
Have a great week!
Happy Belated Birthday to Edwardo!!
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