Heartbeat of the Olympics, Mariachis and Drums

Ahhh yes, Mariachis were the heartbeat of the Olympics '68 just as the drums of the opening ceremony were the heartbeat of the Olympics '08.

And the local drum beat of the '08 elections has me sidetracked so will continue more of the Mexico Olympics in November. Am off to volunteer again for Obama.

Received a few emails asking about my month long homebase in Beijing. It was located in the center of the busy city of Beijing, just north of the forbidden city, incredibly well-located, inside Ring #1. In 2007 it was one of the hostels that I checked out after my Hong Kong International School Reunion. Nanluoguxiang Hutong (Alley) is to Beijing what "the village" is to New York City. The management and staff of this hostel made sure everyone felt welcome. It was clean and according to incoming guests who switched from five star hotels, the mattresses were, yup, "superior".

So dudes, if you are headed for China, and only want to spend about $8.00 per night for an awesome place to stay which includes breakfast, check it out...Beijing Downtown Backpackers Hostel!!