Stephen Bosello - Impressions of life in China

Beijing 2008 Olympic Games

August 12, 2008

Beach volleyball, boxing and big screen. Chronicles of Olympic excitement.

Stefano Bosello articoli Cina - Olimpiadi Pechino 2008

Do not tarnish this post with sad moans at work 24 / 7 of these weeks. Today I smile because in three days I managed to carve out some time for me to relax, realize that I be in the Olympics. Often, due to pace, head down to work does not let you taste and see that it will pass under the nose, and this is not the way I like to live what I do.

However, after careful study, I decided to try to get in where I may. Beachvolley, I venture, following some operator. After a first gate I come across two Stangoni marked "Cuba" in a bikini contest with coaching and cameras in tow: they are there to teach me the meaning of "Mixed Zone". Note: the area is mixed-TV operators reporters and athletes. Not to understand that I have no idea where to find me scrutinizing the signs indicating the necessary permission to enter the upper level. Mario Bros has two choices: medium blue or red athletes. Easy: medium red! No monster at the end, only the choice between forums and the media for commentary free. Note: "Tribune Media" is the word to search from now on.

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The Bechvolley has an atmosphere all his own, which moves with the public, the cheerleader who enter the technical ranges, sand and music. Almost the opposite of prim boxing where I attended for half an hour to two sticks that were given blows. Note: All races start with the minor categories to gradually grow until the end.

Stefano Bosello articoli Cina - Olimpiadi Pechino 2008

But tonight that evening. Exhausted I'm about to leave the office when I read the news: three Italian semi-finals in foil. No. This can not lose. Quick study of the map, persuasion of the taxi driver who does not want to approach the police, walking fast and here I am. Veteran now recite the magic words "Tribune Media" and I sit down. Unfortunately, the Korean made out of the Italian, the dream fades of the triplet. Patience. I assist another fratricidal semifinals and then the grand finale.

Stefano Bosello articoli Cina - Olimpiadi Pechino 2008

Just one question: but it is possible that the Vezzali in 4 to 5 to 45 'from the end that I should call customer $$£%$£$?

Anyway. Emotion to the stars, the champion earns the title while simultaneously fixing the bug on the phone. Awarding exciting stage with reporters and cameras. I go down and I feel, in Italian, that the press conference starts right away. Yes, the room in front of me. Yes, the one with the number of Pass 4. It will not be a bit 'too much? Oh well, low profile, last row. Enter the three champions with an interpreter, emotions, questions, citing Vezzali Rocky Balboa. Beppe Severgnini in front of me. Cameras. Severgnini noted Balboa. I am convinced that yes, it is perfectly logical for me to be a news conference. I can not, but I am happy all the same. Memorable.

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PS Regarding the question "why in movies ratchets speak English", the answer is "because that's my girl understands at least the ones in my blog." Yes, in line with what I have just written ... The second video is in Italian.

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Beijing 2008 Olympic Games

July 24, 2008

Olympic first days

Stefano Bosello articoli Cina - Pass olimpiadi pechino 2008

Day 6. By now the contours are clear - the content is a brothel - what will my work here: seven seven facilities to watch where we serve meals to the BOB ( Beijing Olympic Broadcasting ). In other words, the pretty mountain wanderer often made to stretch cords, held cameras, a few journalists who do not want to eat at the table for visitors.

Keep an eye means planning, follow, lead the opening and the ordinary business of the restaurants-dining-room of which they are responsible. There are endless limitations on security to watch, like the rest of the staff (Chinese, of course) to drive the process, with zero time to build a team ... A little 'pig in a poke.

During this week, until today, we are holding a training for staff on all project details. It 'good to be back in the middle of Beijing accent, we'll see if people will live up to the credit of sympathy and confidence.

The icing on the cake, one of seven places is a bit 'out of Beijing: the north-east, canoes. Here are the sites I am responsible for:

  • C12-SRF Rowing & Canoe, Kayak (Flatwater)
  • SRS C13-Canoe, Kayak Slalom
  • C20-BTG Badminton, Rhythmic Gymnastics
  • C21-WST Football
  • C22-WIA Boxing
  • C23 CBV-Beach Volleyball
  • C33-C36 Urban Cycling Road and Time Trial (Outside Race)

Stefano Bosello articoli Cina - Bird Nest stadio olimpiadi pechino 2008

Given the need to control what the above and other support operations in case of need, I have a pass with a nice infinity symbol which means "everything", the color red, which means "operational areas". Sadly, there is a numerino to gain access inside the event, so I can follow the race (nothing unexpected). However, the precious trinket reserves some surprises in this pre-Olympic period. In the end, no harm in trying ...

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Living in Shanghai

July 18, 2008

Officially emigrated

The other day I went to the consulate to subscribe to ' AIRE . The consulate is in the midst of the French Concession, where several houses between two and three floors of a skyscraper suddenly appears from the name boldly, "The Center", where the 19th floor there are offices all.

And so on with address, passport, miscellaneous data, cataloging, identification and so on. All done. Questions?

Only one: in each document it comes to health coverage in Italy on a sheet of release of the consulate. Here's the surprise last-yes, but only if you are taken in Italy and the company pays contributions to the national health service. And so, without even the amazing health machine, I'm just an immigrant now.

Ok, I got support here documents (driver's license, passport, ...), proof of my residence abroad in case someone asks me about the taxes, and a little 'peace of mind in view of the Olympics. You never know the end.

If ever I needed the NHS, apart from "you know, we have to transmit this information to his municipality, the municipality to the ASL, the ASL update your status ...", I can once again become resident in one day with a new identity card. Hurrah the holes in the system.

Run away. I have a train to Beijing and incredibly I'm late.

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