Blog Home |  Email Author  |        Welcome to Community Server Sign in | Join

Torch Talk

The Lake Country area will have its share of interest in the 2008 Summer Olympics when the United States competes in Beijing. Former Arrowhead High School wrestler Ben Askren will be competing, sailors Sally Barkow of Nashotah and John Ruf of Pewaukee will navigate China's waters, and Pretty Lake native Chellsie Memmel will represent her country in gymnastics. Stay tuned to Torch Talk for reactions from the athletes and their traveling party in Beijing, as well as updates from LivingLakeCountry.com staff.

Visit to the forbidden city

By Ben Askren
Saturday, Aug 16 2008, 07:28 PM

So I am very happy because I woke up to the second day of blue skies in a row. It looks like China's plan to clear the skies is working, at least for now.  Also, my parents and my high school coach get in tonight, so I am excited for that.

Yesterday was a good day. Since I am only doing one practice a day now, I am really getting to sleep in, which is nice.  I went and worked out with Max and did a quick sauna. After that, Max, Steele, Shawn, Amy and I took off for the forbidden city.  We met up with the Porsche family ( my friends from Florida) for a quick minute at Tianamen square. There wasn't much to see here before heading over to the forbidden city. There were so many people there.

Shawn wanted me and him to get our pictures taken in these warriors costumes, and I obliged. I started acting like an idiot as soon as I had the gear on, and you should have seen the crowd it drew.  After nine days here, I am convinced the Chinese are very easily amused, especially by foriegners.  The forbidden city was the home to emperors for many hundreds of years.  It got me thinking how boring it must have been to sit on the throne day after day. I really dont think I could have done it.  Shawn says he would have loved it, though. 

Then we headed over to Hometown Hopefuls for a bit to grab something to eat, and we got this awesome spot on the couches.  To finish up the night, we headed to the bird's nest for track and field.  I got to see fellow former Mizzou Tiger Christian Cantwell get a silver. He made it on his last throw, it had to be an awesome feeling.  I have no plans today and I will probably do a bunch of relaxing.

(Editor's note: Christian Cantwell won a silver medal in the shot put.)

Comments

No Comments

Leave a Comment

Please Sign In to post comment.

Posts

Your browser must support javascript to use the posts pager. Please enable javascript or return to the home page to page through posts.
Newer Older

Tags

No tags have been created or used yet.

Archives

Search the Blogs