Reflections on our Olympic experience

Just felt the need to write a few thoughts about my overall experience at my first Olympic Games.

In short, it was so amazing every step of the way. I have a whole new perspective on both a spectators view, a little view into the athletes Games and some insight into the infrastructure of running the Games.

The venues were all fabulous. Except, of course, for the food, bathrooms, and logistics to get between venues. The seats were good, helpers were always nearby. Being able to see an entire venue was fascinating to me, to see where the athletes entered, exited, practiced. Where the judges walked in, how the athletes equipment was picked up, all the details. I just wish I could have had some back stage passes or tours of the logistics behind the spectators eyes. I was dying to see the practice pool at the Cube.

A few examples of the unique perspective we saw as spectators at the events (and I have to admit, I haven't been to any high level competitions for any sports ever really so some of this was just probably newbie stuff):

At gymnastics, I was fascinated by the parade of athletes, the music and the crowds enthusiasm as the athletes move from each routine area. The place rocked. I now see that on TV they don't show this -a shame.

At the Cube, I was in awe, when we walked in and athletes were practicing and coaches were walking around. Then during the events, the logistics and formality that goes into the entrance of the swimmer, to their belongings being picked up in a box by the volunteer teams -they did this as though it were a military exercises all in sync.

As the host country, the Chinese always turnout in force at each venue. They filled the seats high up where we often were. Their home pride so enthusiastic, waving Chinese flags, decorated in clothes and face tattoos and doing stadium wide cheers -not sure what they said thought : ) They not only cheered for their team but for others too.

As I said, I was fascinated by the "running" of the Games. The infrastructure was amazing. On one of our long walks between venues we saw a huge area that was full of trailers, clearly a mini town where all the volunteers and hired BOCOG people lived, rested, ate. And on one fence there had been some laundry done and the "official" Beijing shirts were hung to dry on the fence -ok an only in China thing don't' you think? I think I took a photo, I'll look for but this. I have to say had it been the blue shirt that all volunteers wear I might have tried to steal it -I really wanted one of those -but trading for those won't come to the Games are over.

Speaking of trading... My first time Olympic spectator trip wouldn't have been complete without getting into the Olympic pin trading. I did wear some pins on my hat and once at McDonald's one of the girls working their asked to trade my Atlanta pin for her Beijing McD's pin, I declined- she was bummed. Going forward I got more prepared and gathered my give away pins and set out to get that Beijing McD's pin- after all McD's now represented the staple of my meals at the Games it had to be commemorated with a pin. A day later, I sat next to a nice volunteer on the subway and she had one. I was thrilled she wanted to trade and gave her three pins for hers. My real pin trading happened by accident. In yet another trek to a venue, we ended up walking right next to the IBC, opening a gate with a BOCOG reporter who was trying to help us get out of the Green and onto the surface streets in the direction we wanted. Anyway we entered a restricted area but kept going. As we exited right next to the IBC where there were a dozen pin traders -the serious ones. I had one pin left to trade: Sports Traveler (ticket broker we used) and I really wanted and IBC pin. I got it!

So, all and all, from a spectators view the Games were great. A tad hot, muggy, sticky with lots of walking. We really spent each day just getting to one venue, then walking to the next then going home happily exhausted.

From an organizational standpoint, I can't get over the size of the Green and the lack of food and souvenir stores. It was really frustrating to only have McD's really. I think there were great opportunities missed by food sponsors. And we were stunned that the store we found inside the Green was not on any map, printed or posted on the Green. Also frustrating was there you can't get there from here problem -from venue to venue the most direct way was never possible either by walking, subway or bus.

As for the Athletes, I can only summarize based on what we heard and read in the media while there and by what I saw at the venues and of the Olympic Village. I think BOCOG did a great job of providing the best venues for the athletes sports, and by providing lots of practice areas (both on site and off) and that the Olympic Village they created and secured was absolutely amazing -I really was dying to get in there somehow! The organizers also made sure athlete's and VIPs had an Olympic only lane on the main roads -just wished ticket holders could have used it :) As for the quality of air and the outside temperature.... well not sure it was ideal. But since we saw tennis at night -after it had rained and saw field hockey at night after a rain, I think it was good for the athletes (oh except for the bugs -the William's sisters did not like the bugs on their court :) -Did you know there are practically no birds in Beijing!? -No birds to eat the bugs. Also never saw a single squirrel or rats seen either anywhere -the streets are clean.

Not surprising, I think my favorite was the Opening Ceremonies. It was such a grand production and so moving to see the athletes come in and the Olympic Flag raised and the torch lit. But I also feel fortunate to have seen Team USA win the Gold in the Men's relay and to have seen so many athletes take their game to the highest level. Having been a competitive athlete I just got chills from being their in person watching each athlete give it their all.

Thanks for reading my thoughts. Kristin