$65 for FREEDOM. Priceless.

And we're back...

It has been 11 months since my last post, primarily because China has barred us from exercising our freedom of speech. As a result, for the last year, we haven't been able to access Facebook, YouTube, and even this blog.

But yesterday I purchased a VPN and now we are back in business.

London

October 1-5th:

New temporary residence for the next year

New York, New York!



The cousins reunite in NYC:



EP made a visit over Labor Day:



The view from the Student Union:

















I took this picture from a moving bus (I'm impressed with myself):





Reunion at the Peculier Bar:



Before they tore down the Stadium, Josh got us tickets to the game :)





Half of the PA crew:



My attempt to fix the current financial crisis:



Tailor:

Ode to Gabe

In typical little brother fashion, I have received numerous hints (à la Gabies himself) that he has not received the amount of blog coverage one would hope for.

FN1: Although please note previous entries regarding Beidaihe, Halloween and Yangshuo.

So wherever this blog entry finds you, please join me in raising a glass to Gabe! The tannest, funniest, smartest, most charming/in shape/cut person we all know.

He is the essence and moral compass of this group. Our sun rises and sets with him. Cheers!






























Sorry Justin and Derek...had to include these photos as well.



Kris, with a "K":



The morning after...he obviously just barely made it through the front door.



But back to Gabies...TO GABE!

Countdown: O DAYS!

After 2 years of watching the countdown clocks all around the city...8/8/08 @ 8pm FINALLY arrived!

Derek and I were fortunate enough to attend the following events: badminton, indoor volleyball, gymnastics, tennis, swimming, athletics (track & field), beach volleyball, table tennis, soccer and baseball.

Night of the opening ceremony in a little Xinjiang joint with our friends:



We visited the set of the Today Show the night before the Opening Ceremony. Me and my Olympic boyfriend, Matt Lauer:



Bob Costas and the boys:



The amazing Water Cube at night:



Ann Curry, aka--Steve's girlfriend, and the ladies:



Artistic Gymnastics:



Stuck in the rain at the Olympic Village:





One of our absolute highlights was soaking up the fans from all over the world. One World, One Dream.



Serena:



H.W.:



Apparently the person who took the photo was more concerned about getting a picture of me and Venus v. me and Derek.



Blue skies (YEAH!)...and extremely HOT temperatures:



Another Olympic boyfriend, Michael Phelps. Witnessing Phelps win two of his eight golds was our Olympic HIGHLIGHT. We almost missed his 200M Fly victory because my lovely husband knew of a "shortcut" in entering the Olympic grounds. Needless to say...there was no shortcut. Thank goodness for our relationship, we made it to the Water Cube with 5 minutes to spare.



200M Fly:





4x200M Free (please note Team USA at the turn...AMAZING):









Derek's Olympic girlfriend, Cindy! She looks even more stunning in person. Darn her.



Bird's Nest:







Tighty whities and China charms. This kid was having the time of his life!




Olympic visitors: Our friend, Geno, and Derek's brother, Kyle.

Men's Beach Volleyball--we were able to watch both Team USA and Team China compete.









I think the conservative Chinese fans saw body parts they had never seen before!









Zhongguo jiayou!





Table Tennis:



Track & field highlight--witnessing the US men take gold, silver and bronze in the 400M hurdles.



The epitome of an Olympic fan!



Doug Collins, Kyle, Derek and Jim Gray (who?):



Kyle with the 400M hurdles bronze medalist, Bershawn Jackson:



My second to last night in the Jing for a few months. Sooooo sad.



My last night in Beijing, the women's soccer team brought home the gold over Brazil.



The most eventful 2 weeks EVER! Loved it.