After hearing the news, over a year ago, I'd be covering the 2008 Summer Olympics, I called my sister in California.
"I got the call. I'm going to Beijing," I said. "Holy crap!" she replied.
Because China is so big and we grew up with our six siblings in a place so small (Planada, Calif.), I thought her response appropriate ... but in a good way.
I'm going to travel 28 hours, to my first Olympics, for an event in an international hot spot (read: authoritarian society), to cover a U.S. men's basketball team people want to call a "Dream Team." (Not me. Not yet.)
I suspect working Super Bowl 34 — St. Louis Rams linebacker Mike Jones tackled Tennessee Titans receiver Kevin Dyson a yard shy of the end zone to preserve the Rams' victory — will pale in comparison to walking on the Great Wall, hearing the reception Yao Ming receives when host China opens against the USA on Aug. 10, and navigating the occasional squat toilet.
I'll share all of that with you ... starting now.
Bring on the scorpion on a stick!
Comments
GETTING THE CALL
Thu, 07/17/2008 - 16:26 — Marisa Medina (not verified)Yes, I was there when you got the original "call". You know, the pretend call from UCLA. I see you, suitcase in hand, strolling out our front door saying, "I got the call. I'm going to UCLA!" Your drive then and now never ceases to amaze me. No one should ever underestimate a woman from Planada, CA. "Don't you know who I am?" I can't wait to hear all about it!
Good Luck
Tue, 07/15/2008 - 18:57 — Chinto (not verified)I know you will do wonderful there and I look forward to keeping up with your travels in China. Thanks for being my Soldier's Angel while I was in Iraq. I am excited for you and wish you the best. Take care Sergeant Sanchez your RA