Since the closing of the Beijing Olympics many of the expats who live in Beijing have not forgotten those marvelous days of the summer of 2008. As I drive along the 4th Ring Road for tasks around the city, my eyes still tear up every time I pass the Olympic site. It was an innovative idea to keep the site open after the Olympics for tourists to see the remarkable venues and the "dream" site. I can still picture the torch above the National Stadium and the red glow of the stadium as the nights of the Olympic events progressed. I do not think the memories of those days will ever fade from my heart. Now, a breath of life still emanates from the site when we see the thousands of fascinated people who daily tour the Olympic Green. The "ahhs!" and "ohs!" have not stopped! We may ask ourselves: "What happened to the torch?" Yes, we know it was extinguished on the last evening, but this is not the true answer. The torch is still burning in little flames that glow in the hearts of all of us who had the marvelous opportunity to live in Beijing during the summer of 2008 when we had the unequaled opportunity to see result the years of work of all of the Chinese people. We will carry that glow of the flame in our hearts for the rest of our lives!!!

Author: Betty (Canadian living in Beijing)