Fu Qi Zhong Guo

(Good Luck China!) Or perhaps it’s hao yun Zhong Guo. I’m not sure.

Anyway, I hope the Beijing Olympics are a success. It has been very fun watching all the coverage of Beijing leading up to the Olympics. I can’t wait to watch the actual games.

As most of you know, Yang and I lived in Beijing from 1999-2000. We had such an amazing time. The city was fascinating, the politics were infuriating, the air was toxic, and the food was sublime! Ohhh, the food. Seriously.

We lived and taught at a school near Bai Yun Guan (a Taoist temple) on the east side of Beijing. When we went back in 2004, our school and street had already been razed in preparation for the games. Apparently, the entire city has received a major facelift. So Chinese. (Ask me about the fake leaves on the trees sometime.)

We purchased bicycles shortly after we arrived in 1999, and that was our primary means of transportation. It was always a shock for the average Beijing commuter to see an American blondie riding a bicycle along side him or her. One time when Yang was riding along Chang’an Daijie, he was approached by a Random Chinese Guy while they were waiting at a red light. RCG asked if Yang was American. Yes. RCG asked if Yang was from Oregon. Yes. RCG then stated that he visited a family in a small Oregon farming community a few years ago. As luck would have it, Yang grew up in that community next door to that family. Weird! The light then turned green and Yang and RCG went their separate ways.

Anyway, enough reminiscing. Go China!

My mom and me on the Great Wall at Mutianyu in 2004.

Yong He Gong Lamasery.

Forbidden City