Posts from — July 2008

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The Olympic Games are an international delight, with winnng moments of victory and competition galore. The Olympics are a great way for nations to showcase their skills in sports and athletics. Participants train for years to become the best in the world and show their skills. But whoever says the Olympics are underrated doesn’t see the big picture!

1. Friendly Competition
Everybody loves when an organized sport pits two competitors against each other. Best in the world? The Olympics settle that debate and create classic rivalries as well that can last for decades. Cheer on your favorite athlete or team, even if, by some chance it’s not your own!

2. International Goodwill
The Olympic Games are an opportunity to highlight many countries, and even the country that has to apply as a host for the Olympics and provide everything it takes to have visitors from every corner of the globe. It is really a great way to see that ‘it’s a small world after all’ when people come together and see that we all have more in common than some may think.

3. Education
Geography, Math, Physics, Science, Foreign Languages: the list goes on. The Olympics can teach us all a thing or two about a little bit of everything there is to know out there. How about lengths, weights, scoring systems, or even the science of the luge! Enrichment in these ways is a great benefit to young and old.

4. Economy
Countries that host the Olympics see a great influx of gains, provided that they handle the complicated task of hosting. This is where the strength of the volunteer really shines through, and the merchandise alone is profitable as well. The buildings for competition are then utilized after the Games are over to continue the profit.

5. Positive Role Models
Kids around the world really look up to these ‘true heros’, especially when they hear of the trials and tribulations they endure just to get to the Olympics, let alone the struggle for the gold. These athletes are held to a high standard, both physically and morally as they compete for that ultimate prize. Positive yes, just as long as they don’t test positive.

6. Pride
We can all take pride in our work, our country, our strengths, our courage; there’s just so many things to be proud of. The Olympic Games creates a sense of pride in all we can do and all we can overcome. This pride is great for us to have, because it keeps us going in the right direction, the direction where we all succeed.

7. Unity and Understanding
If we can bring people from around the world in a fair, balanced, competitive way, there must be hope that we can come together to understand how other cultures think and feel. The Olympics themselves become a mini ’summit’ where countries from around the world can learn from each other and ourselves.

Wherever you are headed, you probably will be bringing along a few items, so let’s look at some time tested tips for packing!

1. Make a list of all the items you want to bring along, don’t forget to include maps, travel plans, and travel size bath items. This way you can check them off as you pack.

2. You can either or lay flat your clothing, or roll, but whatever method works for you try to do your best not to have to iron your clothing while on vacation.

3. As you pack your bigger bags, occasionally test the weight and fullness of the bag, so you aren’t overloaded. You don’t want to lug around a bag full of bricks.

4. Speaking of good use of space, here’s an easy one: Use the space inside your shoes for smaller items like belts, socks, or your travel alarm clock.

5. Never underestimate the power of zip close airtight plastic bags liquid items. There’s not many things worse than having your items all covered in sunblock or shampoo.

6. Think ahead to what you will be carrying on board a plane! The times have changed and so have the things that are allowed. Check out the list before bringing anything along.

7. Bring along some items to help pass the time; whether you like reading or crossword puzzles; you might be waiting somewhere and don’t want to find yourself bored.

8. Be sure to label your bags with your name and address. Also, attach something bright colored to the handle so as to distingush your bag from others when at baggage pickup.

9. Always carry your essential travel documents with you at all times. This includes your plane tickets, identification, passport, itinerary, credit cards, medication, and traveler’s checks.