Right now I’m watching the opening ceremony of the Universiade: Shenzhen 2011. I’m watching it on TV, but I’m only about 10 minutes away from where it’s happening live!
The Universiade is probably about the closest I’ll ever be to the Olympics. From what I understand, it’s like the Olympics for college students. Torch and all. Hey, here comes the torchbearer now!
My friends and I just watched the parade of all the national teams with the host country China going last, and then they had dancing, speeches, beautiful Chinese music, and acrobatics. My friends finally gave up and went home, and my roommate went to bed, but I’m holding out for fireworks and hoping I can see them from my balcony! This event is seriously huge here. I heard they have 1.4 million volunteers from the city!
And even more exciting: I’m going to a game tomorrow! Some of my coworkers and I are going to watch USA and Turkey face off in men’s volleyball. I bought Universiade flags yesterday from a woman selling them on the streets, so I’m ready! The volleyball is held at a different location in the city than the stadium they built for the Universiade, but it will still be cool. The stadium they built is only hosting the opening and closing ceremonies and ping pong, as far as I can tell. But it’s awesome! I’ve driven by it. I’ve heard they built it to resemble the building for the Beijing Olympics, and I wouldn’t be surprised. It’s amazing!
I think they just said the newest torchbearer to take the stage is a former Olympic medalist. Cool!
I’m not really into sports, but there’s just something exciting about something big like this. My friend Karissa that was here earlier said it’s because I like world history, and this is the world coming together in an historical event. And we’re part of it! Love it.
Ooh, they just lit the giant torch. Sweet!
Hmm. Computer graphic fireworks. I’m still holding out for the real thing…
Talk to you all after the game tomorrow! Wish America luck! Unless you like Turkish food as much as I do. My heart is divided…
All right, Go Team USA! And China, of course, since they’re hosting and it’s where I’m living for now. So cool! Go Shenzhen 2011 Universiade!
The Compass Rose Queen 
I just found your blog again and got caught up on your travels in China. I love getting to hear about your adventures. Wish I could come visit you.