Birthdays and beer in Beijing

Jason Sandford

Jason Sandford is a reporter, writer, blogger and photographer interested in all things Asheville.

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From the blog of writer David Woods, who works for the Indianapolis Star and is covering the Olympics, alongside a host of other journalists, including Asheville Citizen-Times sportswriter Bob Berghaus:

BEIJING – Whoever said it’s the thought that counts was . . . right.

I had one of my biggest birthday surprises ever Thursday night. It had been a good day, and being caught in a downpour walking back from the Water Cube didn’t spoil it. At the end of an unusually short day – back at the media village before 11 p.m. — I ate cheesecake and milk at a lounge while colleague Bob Berghaus of Asheville, N.C., had a couple of beers.

I turned 55 on Aug. 14. Don’t feel that old, and don’t look it. (Do I? Don’t answer that.)

When I returned to my room, I could only shake my head at the hospitality. There, on my bed, was a birthday card from Olympic organizers and a small gift, a Chinese fan. (Birthdays must be easily accessed from our passport and credentialing information.)

It was a small gesture but made a big impact on someone 7,000 miles away from home.