So International

Since the Olympics started I have been working inside the National Indoor Stadium everyday. Usually, working every single day for around six or seven hours would bore me and frustrate me. Luckily, I do not feel bored or frustrated while “working’ which, for me, entails standing in the lower press tribune of the National Indoor Stadium, talking to journalists and making sure they have all the updates they need, observing both print and broadcast journalists doing their work, and best of all, watching each and every gymnastics event that takes place. Being a broadcast journalism major, I feel almost equally excited by the gymnastic events taking place below me as I do by watching the NBC sportscasters doing their on-camera report.

Gymnastics is one of the most popular Olympic events and the stadium, which seats about 18,000 spectators, is usually packed-full. It is always crazy loud inside and I love hearing all the different languages. It is amazing to be surrounded by journalists from around the world. I have met journalists from everywhere from London to South Africa to Tokyo and Brazil. It is truly an international event and it is so amazing to be here.
This is a picture of me and Sarah French in front of the Bird's Nest. The torch is so amazing ... even when it is smoggy outside.

Two days ago were the Women’s Individual Gymnastics Final. As many of you probably know, Nastia took the Gold and Shawn took Silver. It was an incredibly intense and exciting event; I even cried a little at the end! Since it was such a big event, the Today Show crew decided to come watch. They walked into the press tribune, right by me, looking flawless without makeup. They look just as they do on camera! I could barely focus on the event I was so excited they were sitting just a few feet from me. When Meredith Vieira left, I decided to introduce myself to her. She was so kind and gracious, just how she seems on television. I told her I was coming to the taping of the Today Show later that night (they tape at 7pm for the 7am show in the states) and she told me to yell at her so she would know I was there. That night, she recognized me! I was so excited and we even got a picture with her, Matt and Al! It was great.

Yesterday, Meredith was back watching Gymnastics. She greeted me with a hug and a kiss on the cheek. I couldn’t believe it! Later I saw her getting ready to leave but she couldn’t find her way out and asked if I would help her. I gladly escorted her to the exit she needed to get to, all the while, talking to her about journalism, Beijing and my love for the Today Show.

I can’t believe all the great experiences I am having here in Beijing and really don’t want the trip to end. I have really gotten used to Beijing (the people, the food and even the sometimes horrid smells) and know it will be bittersweet when I leave in just two weeks.

Here is a picture of me, Sarah French and Sarah Orscheln at a cafe in the 798 Art District.



Have fun watching the Olympics!! Miss everyone ☺
XOXO,
P