"All that we are is the result of what we have thought. The mind is everything. What we think we become." - Buddha

I’ve been staying up much too late these days because I can’t stop watching the Olympics. I’ve always been fascinated by the Games, but this year’s location is especially intriguing. Every time they show a shot of the Great Wall, the Bird’s Nest or any major tourist attraction, I yell from my spot on the couch “I’ve been there!” My family is getting slightly annoyed.

The media coverage has been overwhelming. I don’t know if there has been more coverage of these Games than in the past or if I’m just paying closer attention this time, but China is everywhere. I’ve been reading articles and watching television shows about the food, culture, government, people, environment and, oh yea - the Olympics in Beijing - just about every day for months now. I’m addicted.

Unfortunately I missed the Opening Ceremonies due to bridesmaid obligations, but people say they were spectacular. Hopefully, some sort of Beijing 2008 highlights video will be available soon. I want to soak up as much China as possible before the world stops caring about our friends in the East.

My trip to China last May taught me so much about myself, human nature and the world in general. Walking up and down the insanely busy street in front of the Friendship Hotel in Beijing by myself one day (don’t worry, it was broad daylight in a safe neighborhood), I felt so small, so insignificant. People looked at me funny because I was the only white person around. It was very intimidating.

At the time, I didn’t like it one bit. I was also hungry, tired, hot, sick and miserable. But reflecting on that experience now puts things in perspective. Sometimes we need a reminder that most of our every-day mumbles and grumbles are trivial in the grand scheme of things. This world is a big place, but not so big that we should be out of touch with the other side of it.

There are many things I’d rather forget about China – the smell, the scary food, the squatter toilets, etc. But some things I hope remain with me forever, like the breathtaking beauty of the Great Wall and walking the paths of emperors that lived thousands of years ago in the Forbidden City. I don’t want to forget the thrill of seeing the Terra Cotta Warriors or the tranquility that comes with finding a quiet corner to meditate at one of the sacred Buddhist sites, like the Big Wild Goose Pagoda.

Most importantly, I don’t want to forget the lessons about people, like the patience required to communicate without words or the simplistic way of life that most Chinese know, happy just to wake up and be able to provide for their families another day. The American way is certainly the way for me, but it’s not the only way. It’s important to respect that. Thank you, Olympics, for refreshing my memory.