Good-Bye.

The Olympic Games have been ubiquitous in China for the past 2 to 3 weeks. There are at least 3 national tv channels devoted almost 24/7 (I don't know if it is 24/7 because I have to sleep) to the Olympics. I've heard the Chinese national anthem at least 3 times every day since the Opening Ceremony. So many times because of the many gold medals the Chinese team have won, and also because the tv channels replay and replay proudly. Switch to the new channels, Olympics again. Don't get me wrong, I've enjoyed watching many of the sport these 2 weeks, but at times I felt China was giving it WAY too much coverage. Oh well, it is the host nation.

Well, tonight was the Closing Ceremony, and despite myself, I felt sad that the excitement of the past 18 days has ended. And as Beijing said goodbye to the Olympic flag, I couldn't ignore the feeling of dread, excitement, and sadness that's been slowly rising as today ended. Because today is my last day with my family in Shanghai. I hope I will be able to come back next year summer.

I still need to finish my posts on my Summer Flashbacks. Shall do that back in Grinnell.

I have finished packing, and now I just need to do another check: charge up my cell phone, ipod, and laptop, and I'm ready.

And now I'm going get myself 6 hours of sleep before I head to the airport.