In closing...

Now that the spectacular Closing Ceremony is over, it’s time to sort through all the stuff I’ve accumulated over the past three weeks and decide what needs to be in the carry-on bag, what gets crammed into the checked luggage, and what junk doesn’t make the cut and becomes gifts for the cleaning crew.

It’s been a fun – and tiring -- three weeks in China. The Olympics always are equal parts enjoyable and energy-draining. As I leave Monday, I’m always going to look back and wonder:

How did the room cleaning crew at the Media Village always know when we left the room so they could clean it so quickly?

Why do Russians always talk so loud?

What is so funny at 3 AM? The drinkers in the courtyard 11 stories down always found something amusing around that time.

Did China outlaw syrup during our stay? After the first week, there was never syrup available for the waffles.

Why don’t the Chinese wear bike helmets? Most of them are probably made here.

How did synchronized swimming ever become an Olympic sport?

Same question for BMX racing.

Why are mixed zones only used in Olympic sports?

Why are the basketball players allowed to skip past the Olympic mixed zones?

Why can’t the United States field a competitive squad in team handball made up solely of basketball players who didn’t make the final cut for the Olympic team.

Why don’t more people appreciate track, wrestling and weightlifting, sports that showcase the basics in athletic competition: who is faster, who is stronger, and who can jump higher or further?

Why can’t everyone be as friendly as the Chinese?

Would they be as nice if we came back six months later and weren’t wearing our press badges?

Why do I think they wouldn’t be?

What will the volunteers do now that we’re gone?

What will be our favorite memory from the Games?

Michael Phelps in the pool
Usain Bolt on the ground
The fireworks in the air during the Ceremonies

What will be our lasting memory of China?

The friendly people
The clockwork efficiency
The brave pedestrians

So goodbye Beijing. Let’s hope we can create a similar list after the Closing Ceremony in London four years from now.

Beijing Olympic mascots leave for the last time