Wednesday, July 30, 2008

And update from our friend in China in advance of the trip to BJ


Wow. Locals call Beijing, BJ. My wife is now being hip and using that term.

See the comments for details.
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2 comments:

Mark Rauterkus said...

Dear Catherine:

In fact I was going to write you an email regarding all of the things that you mentioned. First, now officially welcome to BJ for the Games. Do hope you and your family will have a great time here.

I will have my driver to pick you up at the airport on August 5. He will have your name (Dr. Palmer) on the pickup board, so you can see him. His name is Mr. Wu, a very nice young guy and will drive an Audi A6. I am not sure if the luggage will become a problem for the car, if so, just get one taxi to follow you. He will give you the apt keys and drive you to the apartment. He is maintaining this for me.

1 Apartment

You will have access to Internet and the set up CD and passwords are in the first drawer of the desk. Because I use cellphones, so the apartment has no landphone, if you will use a cellphone, then there is no need for that. It is cheaper to buy a SIM card for your cellphone which can be refilled until you don't want to use it. The apartment is not too far to the locations of the Games and is safe and clean because it is located at the center of the China 's "Silicon Valley:, behind the apartment is the BJ branch of China Academy of Science while in front it is the HQ of Microsoft in China. The kitchen has an electric stove, a microoven, a frige, a kettle and a few cups but no plates or utensils as no one hardly stays there. It has a few towels and sheets. It has two quilts. No need for blankets. The only problem is that it has one sofa and one queen bed. So it is better to bring a few sleepingbags. So when you are here, take a look at what you need, my driver will take you to the store nearby.

2 Language

My driver speaks no English and the kids may have to start learning a few practically useful Chinese words now. Have fun!

3 My schedule

My cellphone is ZAPPED. If you dial from BJ, you may need to dial or first. I have a very busy August schedule but your visit is my focus and will do all to make sure the kids are happy! I will try to be there when you arrive. If not will be there a day or two later.

4 Tickets

As I mentioned to you before, it is very hard to order the tickets on the events that are interesting, in fact, all the tickets are tight and nearly sold out with a few allocated to sell at the gates. Please see the following list

Date
Items
Ticket Numbers

Aug 10
水球 water polo
4张

Aug 12
皮划艇 canoeing
4张

Aug 12
体操 gymnastics
3张

Aug 14
游泳 swimming
3张

Aug 15
跳水 diving
3张

Aug 16
田径 track and field
2张pending

Aug 16
乒乓球 table tennis
2张pending

Aug 16
足球 football
4张pending

Aug 20
排球 volleyball
3张pending

Aug 20
篮球 basketball
3张pending

Aug 20
田径 track and field
1张

Aug 21
足球 football
4张pending

Aug 22
皮划艇 canoeing
4张


Here pending means that the order has been accepted but yet to be issued for the tickets.

It is hot in BJ and be prepared for.

Have a good trip and call me at any time

Regards

Tao

July 30, 2008 11:41 AM
Anonymous said...

John K: Hey Rauterkaus, make sure your room isn't bugged. LOL Those wonderful Chinese have been bugging hotel rooms and threatening the owners with arrest and prison if they do not comply. The People's Republic of Oppression.

July 30, 2008 7:30 PM

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