6.1.2008
We headed out at 7:15am with the hopes of seeing the Olympic Torch Relay. Apparently, we were 3 hours and 15 minutes behind schedule. We learned that many people got up at 4am and walked to their selected viewing spot. Despite our tardiness, we were able to get a taxi within 3 minutes of waiting.
We offered to share the taxi with another family. The taxi driver approved and let 4 adults and 2 kids sit in the back. Olympic Spirit was in the air.
Once downtown, taxi drivers and motorcycle taxis were adding flags to their vehicles.
This years Olympic theme is “One World, One Dream.”
Despite the crowds, the downtown area was very well organized and safe.
At this point, Hubs went in for the best photographic opportunity while I searched for higher ground. Can you find Hubs in this photo? He’s the tallest guy in the center.
Go China!
Getting the best view.
The crowds anxiously await the torch.
First came the Coca-Cola truck shouting from a bullhorn: ?????????????????????Go China! Go Beijing! Go Olympics! Go Yichang! The crowd went wild.
The next two trucks were Samsung and Lenovo – all official Olympic Sponsors. But just as the torchbearer was about to come by…our battery went dead. Thankfully, Hubs swapped in the new one and started shooting.
After the sponsors, a bus comes by and dropped off the torch bearers. There’s our torch bearer. He’s waiting for the flame!
He was so hyped and got the crowd going.
The flame is passed from one runner to the next. Hmmm…what is this mysterious truck in front of them?
Our torch bearer is off. I, Sandra, cried when I saw the flame. It has such significance. What an awesome time to be here!
He could hardly run because he kept looking at the flame.
Oh, now I see – the mysterious truck is the TV cameraman.
And that was all for his leg. In this photo, the flame is being passed onto the next runner.
The next runner is off and our guy waits for the torch bearer van.
Our shirts say, “Go China.” Schäfer’s wearing his “Made in China” t-shirt that we found in Guangzhou.
After the torch passed, we walked down to the area where the torch race finished, but there was nothing to be seen except crowds.
What a brave Papa!
The vendors were so friendly and quickly on their way to Jingzhou – the next torch relay destination.
Then, we walked to a local hotel where all the torch bearers were gathered. They each got to keep their torch! For more details on the torch history and design click here.
This torch bearer wanted a photo of the foreign baby.
Schäfer sleeps through the action while Justin meets a VIP.
Each bearer was glowing with joy.
And then there were crowds…
