We're Going to China

I love to travel but never thought I'd travel around the world. I've been to Moscow and Barcelona - 2 places I didn't necessarily desire to see but I loved them nevertheless. So why have I gone? Because our son, David, is a pretty good swimmer and was on USA swim teams that competed in these countries. Ever his adoring fans, Tom and I bought the tickets and sat in the bleachers and screamed our heads off. In between events we actually got to see some sights.

David tried for the Olympic teams in 2000 and 2004 and just missed. After 2004, he retired from competitive swimming. As most know, David had a sledding accident that left him paralyzed. We didn't know if he would be involved in competitive swimming again. In August of 2007 his former breaststroke coach from Auburn called him to see if he wanted to swim for the Paralympic team. He did make the team and we are going to China.

The Olympic host country agrees to host the Paralympic events after the Olympics. We have been enjoying the Beijing Olympics as we watch TV to see the different things around Beijing. Maybe we won't get lost. We are renting an apartment with Dave's girlfriend, Jerrica and a friend. We are about 1/2 a mile away from the Water Cube. Walking distance, we hope. Jerrica has agreed to eat a deep fried Bug with me. I might chicken out though, and I bet Jerrica will be overjoyed.

We leave out of Denver Sept 2 with a lay over in Newark. Tom and I return Sept 14 but Jerrica is staying a bit longer.

David swims on Sept 8, 10, 12 and probably a relay which we will miss because we were clueless. We're pretty sure the Paralympics will not get the tv coverage that the Olympics have received but we have heard www.paralympicsport.tv will have coverage. However, Dave has been featured on the nbc Olympic web page found on http://www.nbcolympics.com/newscenter/news/newsid=156268.html

There is supposed to be internet service in our apartment. I will try to update my blog every other day or so - check in now and then. Feel free to share this blog with friends and be sure to check out Dave's blog now and then. www.davedenniston.com. His is always hilarious and informative when he updates.