Lights Out!

See You In Vancouver!

Love,

Olympic Kate!

Bye Beijing!

It’s been three weeks, and now it’s over.

After countless press conferences, athlete interviews, sweaty shirts, Snickers, Chinese dinners, taxi rides, security checks, elevator & bathroom attendants, “fapiaos” (that’s Mandarin for receipts), water bottles, live shots, and other interesting experiences I can’t remember right now … we’re heading home.

We’ve met wonderful people from all over the world, but the warmest thank you goes to the Chinese people who welcomed us and made us feel at home.

The Beijing Olympics were simply spectacular.

Xie xie China!

-Aixa

 

 

Closing Out Beijing

Travis Sherwin/Orlando

This being my last post, I’m leaving you with what I’ll remember from the Beijing Olympics.

Of course, I’ll remember meeting America’s medal-winning athletes and their events, but I’ll also remember the incredible people, places and tastes of China.

Starting with what will forever be the image of the Beijing Games:

The Bird's Nest at night

The image I’ve always associated with China:

The Forbidden City

Then, there’s the wonderful Summer Palace. I never knew it existed, let alone that it is so beautiful.

Steps at the Summer Palace

I’ll never forget the food. Including the signature dish of Beijing:

Peking Duck

And, there’s also what I call the Chinese version of fondue:

Hot Pot

I’ll always be fascinated with the way they get around here.

A popular way to travel

Finally, there are the friendships. Like the new one I made with our translator, Mady.

Mady at the Summer Palace

And, the lifelong bonds I’ve made with our team.

The HATV Olympic Team

It’s time to pack and take a much-needed break. See you in Vancouver!

Xie Xie, Zai Jian,

-Travis

You ought to be in pictures…

From Deirdre Fitzpatrick/ Sacramento:

It’s not over until it’s over and in Beijing….it’s nearly over.

Photographer Andy Ireland and I headed out to the Birds Nest tonight to shoot what we call the “ins and outs” of our story for nearly 30 Hearst stations.  It’s our last assignment in Beijing.

Let’s just say the people of Beijing are in a festive mood as the games draw to a close.

3 … 2 … 1

For my news people: I just tracked my last package in Beijing!

For my non-news people: I’m done!

We’re only in Beijing for another couple of days. Now that the work is done, we can sightsee, enjoy the city, and relax!

Can’t believe three weeks of Olympic work have come and gone!

-Aixa

What You Don’t See!!!

Here’s What You See…

Here’s What You Don’t See!

Go David … and David!

David Payne and David Oliver won silver and bronze in the 110 meter hurdles.

I interviewed David O. before coming to Beijing — he trains at Disney’s Wide World of Sports.

I was rooting for him all the way!

In the end, Dayron Robles from Cuba took gold, David P. from Cincinnati took silver, and David O. came away with the bronze.

I interviewed both Davids today, and they’re so proud of their medals.

They’re really friendly and funny guys. Everyone loved them at our workspace!

Way to go guys!

-Aixa

Seeing Gold

Jaime Brassard/Berlin, Vt

Last night the U.S. Women’s Soccer team won the gold, in match agaist Brazil, and today they stopped by to talk about it.