Okay, so I'm kicking myself right now. As I was getting off work for the day, I ran into the USA team taking pictures in front of the marble Olympic rings carving in the pavilion outside of the Village. (That's awesome!) What I regret doing is taking a picture with the camera that was at the bottom of my bag. About 25 members of the team were posing for about 3 minutes while a photographer took their picture. I was just standing by watching, embarassed to take out my own camera and snap one of my own!
I don't know what I was thinking.
Anyway, I was able to meet one of the guys in charge and exchange telephone numbers. Nothing is promising, but maybe I'll be able to hang out with them in the future. From what it the sound of it, they are from all across the States. Most of them are in their 20's to 30's. (Unlike other Olympic sports, it's possible to compete in the Regatta even when your in your 40's or 50's.) They seem like a very fun bunch of people to hang out with and I really do hope to be able to meet some of them soon.
Unexpectedly, on the way home, I instantly got this surge of American spirit well up. I got this feeling of pride for my American culture, heritige, and my team that will be competing in a few days. Perhaps being away from the States this past month has given me fresh eyes of appreciation of my own culture. Something almost magical happens when leaving the States and going abroad. In one sense, there is a fascination for the foreign culture; in another sense, there is a reaffirmation of my home culture. Although I certainly have an affection for Chinese culture and the Chinese language, I will never be able to have the same quite the same feelings as I do to my home land. America, I love you, and miss you lots!
5 comments:
Hi Derik, You are making progress in regards to getting to know this American Sailing team. Hope you are able to connect with them in a very real way very soon!!!!! You are having an experience of a lifetime. Love reading your blog.
Love,
Aunt Debby
The feeling is mutual!
Aunt Debby! I didn't know I had you as a reader! Thanks for reading along. I can't wait to see you this fall!
Hey Derik,
I just caught up on some of your entries. I had a similar "american pride" experience on my trip this summer. After being away from my home country for longer than I ever have been, it was a welcomed treat when a Father and son from America showed up at our resort for a few days. Until that point we had been surrounded by european divers - they were nice, don't get me wrong, but its definitely something about one's home culture! Can't wait to see you this fall!
There are so many criticism and negative report about this Olympic,but this is the first Olympic in China's history.
As a Chinese, I have plenty of reasons to be proud of.
Like reading your blog, it's been part of my work now.
Yan
Post a Comment