It's been a real learning experience for me on this trip - in so many ways.
I've met so many people, some that will remain friends and some I hope I don't ever run into again.
Beijing offered it's best to us. The folks were very friendly. Beijingers wanted us to have a good time and share the pride they have in both their city and country. I think they realize that there's a real disconnect between them and the rest of the world.
This will bring the world closer to them and vice versa, to what I hope will be a greater sense of understanding among all of us.
They sure are different though, so it's only natural that we will have misunderstandings and conflicting priorities. Anyway.....
The USOC Media Services folks - Bob, Kevin and Jo - aranged an incredible dinner last night. I'm glad I was there for it. About 30 of us descended on this very nice restaurant that was in a traditional courtyard setting -outside - and where all the service staff were dressed in very elaborate costumes.
I ended up joining a great group of folks at the self designated "fun table" and off we went with chopsticks and Great Wall Cabernet in hand. Imagine that.
Our menu served on a huge lazy susan:
- Some kind of fish with the head and tail still on
- Two types of venison
- Chinese Krystals (sesame rolls with spiced shredded beef)
- Duck hamburgers on what looked like oyster shell rolls
- Lightly fried rice
- Spicy chicken
- Sweet and sour prawns
- Sesame crusted almonds
- Cabbage
- Flowers - yes, flowers - with a tangy vinagarette
- Salad - with a dressing that snuck up on you and set your mouth on fire
- Something that looked like peanut butter fudge but really didn't taste like anything
- Birthday cake for Peggy
Toward the end, we all started talking about meaningful things that happened over the week. I have so many it's hard to single out one. If pressed, my top pick would be going to the masses I attended at the South Cathedral.
Darryl gave a little speach of thanks to us all, and said that this is something we'll tell our grandkids about. About when we were all a big part of an event that changed history. That we each owned a little piece of this event that will bring nations closer together. That every encounter we had with the Chinese, each smile, each friend, each kind word we shared with them says more about the United States than anything else. Really put this into perspective.
I'm going to miss Beijing. I'll probably never be back, and that's too bad.
I'm not staying, mind you, I gotta get home to my girls. Phone calls and emails, while nice, just don't cut it.
So, it's pack it up and head out to the airport 3 freaking hours early. But I don't mind. As I said, I gotta get back to my girls.
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