It's tough to say goodbye

BEIJING -- Sunday night and today have been kind of like the last day of school. Everyone is cleaning up and packing. Editors and writers were working last night, some with wine glasses on their desks. People from different news organizations were hugging each other and saying goodbye.

When they get home and return to their regular beats, they'll be at each other's throats -- as they sometimes were here. But for now, the Beijing Olympic motto -- One World, One Dream -- reigns.

Everybody is wild about the volunteers, and people are getting teary-eyed saying goodbye to them. Everybody wants to go, but no one wants to leave.

One colleague of mine, who has covered more Olympics than he cares to remember, joined other writers in running a lap around the track after the final race Saturday, then became very emotional when he realized what that lap signified: the end of the Games.

"That was four years of my life," he said.

Yet he still doesn't want to go home.

-- Kevin Baxter

Photo: Soldiers stand outside the Bird's Nest, otherwise known as the National Stadium, during the closing ceremony at the 2008 Beijing Olympics on Sunday. Credit: Wally Skalij/Los Angeles Times.                         

Comments

[Javi]

Did you know that in the rest of the world we count medals differently?
The only thing it matters is the number of golds. Silver and bronce are used just in case of draw.
China is in the first place of all the medal counts.
Check it out at http://en.beijing2008.cn/

Javi

[IN_dodah]

The torch is a compelling icon of the olympics. It has been used to draw the world together in heralding the event. Yet, it is a symbol whose reverence has been overshadowed by jaw dropping spectacular floor shows. Each year the host country tries to outdo the previous with its planned specacle. I'm curious (and I'm sure others would be interested) knowing something of the history of the torch and its use. Is there just one torch used year after year or does each country design a new one? Where is it stored in off season? Who designed it? How old is it? How do they keep that darn thing lit? and it would be amusing to know about the goofs in its handling - any drops requiring repair, accidental snuffs, etc.

[Stephen Dolle]

The 2008 Olympics in Beijing have certainly given the world big positive lift. I'm my sentiments were like many in the U.S. leading up to the Olympics, as we were deluged with reports over polution, security, free Tibet, the after affects of the earthquake, and product safety in Chinese goods. But the Olympics turned out much better than I, and I'm sure many of you, thought it would.

I mean, in the midst of all the negative crap about China, oil and the economy, the state of the environment, and so on, we were treated to extraordinary displays of talent and discipline by the likes of Michael Phelps and the U.S. swim team, Usain Bolt of Jamaica, the U.S. basketball team, U.S. girl gymnastics team, and so on. So many athletes in this year's Olympics really stepped it up, and I don't know about you, but it gave me HOPE in what we can accomplish in the nation and world. I believe this Olympics will have many lasting impacts in fostering new trade, technology, media, community sports, education, to name a few.

Yet, one day after the Olympics, the LA Times and writer Mark Magnier, in his op-ed "The Best Olympics Ever - Now What," could only focus on the negative things, on their political struggles, pollution, Tibet, and so on.

First of all, no American has any "standing" in traveling to another country with the sole purpose of demonstrating and complaining about its policies. Why don't you try that in Mexico? See how far you get? And if you're from Mexico, please don't come and demonstrate in the U.S. demanding things from us. There is no "lawful standing" in support of such activities. I heard how a minister from LA is now in detention for doing so. I wonder how many youths in gangs he might have helped had he stayed home in LA?

As for pollution, how many recall the dismal condition of many of the U.S. major cities throughout the 20th century? It was bad, but we made it better. I am convinced China will do the same and we need to work with them on this.

If I were to place a value on goodwill and future opportunities the Beijing games will likely bring, I'd have to say it's between one and four trillion dollars over the next 5 to 7 years. Merely averting military conflicts with those participating nations in the Olympics would be substantial. But, the bennefits will extend to trade in technology, construction, sports, media, education, family, community, domestic and foreign policy, and even health care.

And in the middle of the extraordinary efforts by all those involved, those such as Russia and Putin tried to steal the stage. Can you believe we had almost two weeks without being inundated with negative news out of Iran, Israel, North Korea, and Venezuela. Those stirring up trouble there are PUNKS!

And lastly, what I think most want to see, is Usain Bolt of Jamaica work out with an NFL team.

THINK POSITIVE!

[cARLOS JUARES]

THANK U......