Family and friends,
Many of you have expressed interest in traveling to Beijing to watch Eli compete next August. As you make your decisions and plans, we wanted to let you know a few key pieces of information.
Dates — Opening ceremonies are August 8, 2008, male pentathletes compete on August 21, the female pentathletes compete on August 22, and Closing Ceremonies are August 24. Currently, most of our group is departing from LAX on 8/15, arriving in Beijing the morning of 8/18 and departing either on 8/25 or 8/27.
Airfare — Call Anjie at A Travel Advantage 719-630-7700 regarding air travel. Most of our group is departing from LAX on 8/16.
Lodging — Our group is staying at the China People's Palace, which is a three-star hotel about 15 minutes from the Olympic Green (and venues). Rooms are double occupancy and $375/night through CoSport. The hotel requires 100% down payment, which may be done by credit card. No refunds, so I recommend purchasing travel insurance when you book your air travel through Anjie.
China People's Palace Hotel 4-Star
- No.1 Zhenwumiao Road, Fuxingmen Ave, Xicheng District, Beijing 100045
- 15 miles to the Olympic Green
- Subway station: 5 minutes' walk
- Website: www.china-peoples-palace.com.cn
- 7 Restaurants on site
- Foreign exchange and local tour desk on site
- High speed internet available in each guest room Ð RMB 60/day (USD 8.50/day)
- In-door swimming pool, Indoor Golf and Bowling
- Sauna / Gym / Beauty Salon
NOTE: YOU MUST CONTACT MENG@COSPORT.COM BY JUNE 10 IN ORDER TO BOOK THIS RATE AND STAY WITH THE BREMER PARTY.
Event Tickets — While we do not yet have confirmation of how many event tickets we will receive, I feel confident that we will have tickets by the time the Games roll around. We have already filed requests with UIPM and the USOC for enough tickets for our group. However, I must let you know that I have a prioritized ranking of who will receive the tickets Eli receives. In other words, Eli's immediate family will receive tickets first, then extended family and friends will receive the remainder. Face value of the tickets was $8 each, but I am not sure how much of a processing fee I will end up paying. Be assured that I will pass the cost on directly (you will pay no more than I paid).
Hospitality Suites — While we don't want everyone to count on it, the below listed meal budget may be significantly less, depending on how many passes we can get to the Bank of America hospitality suite. This venue, located on the Olympic Green (near the venues), will provide lunch, dinner, snacks and limited event tickets to those who hold passes. Please register as a friend/family member of the respective coach or athlete. You will not know until you arrive whether you will receive passes (there is a maximum number who can enter each day and those who do not have full privileges will be evaluated for a daily pass on a daily basis).
International Travel — Traveling to China does require a current passport and visa. You must have your updated passport in hand before you can apply for the visa. I recommend applying for your visa immediately. A visa to China costs approximately $130 and the application form is available as an Acrobat PDF file.
Summary of Costs
| Lodging (double occupancy) | | $375/night |
| Food (for 2) | | $100/day |
| Event Tickets/Entertainment (for 2) | | $60/day |
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| Per day (per couple) in town cost | | $535/day |
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| PLUS |
| Airfare | | $1000-1500/person |
| Visa to China | | $130/person |
| Closing Ceremonies | | $100-200/person |
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| Total additional costs | | $1230-1830/person |
Please let me know if you need any further information. Thanks!
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