Detroit Free Press

Because it's China.Because I can still see the opening ceremony in my head.Because the first people who greeted us gave a small bow, a symbol of respect that repeated itself every day.Because of Michael Phelps.Because of his mother.Because of stories that turn on one hundredth of a second.Because of NBA players jumping up and down at center court, as if they'd just won a high school title.Because of seeing Kobe and LeBron, unannounced, clapping for U.S. athletes at the pool.Because 20 Chinese will gather to give directions.

Because it's China.Because I can still see the Opening Ceremonies in my head.Because the first people who greeted ...

DAY 17: The end of this and the beginning of everything else.BEIJING - The stage is bare, the seats are empty, and you can hear your voice echo off the ceiling. On any given night a musical or concert might take place here. On Sunday mornings, however, around 7, people enter the 21st Century Theater off Liangmaqiao Road carrying wires, microphones and large posters of Christian religious symbols. Within a few hours, services are being held. There is praying. There is a sermon. It mimics, on most levels, what will happen today in churches across America.

DAY 17: The end of this and the beginning of everything else.BEIJING - The stage is bare, the seats are empty and you can hear your voice echo off the ceiling. On any given night a musical or a concert might take place here. On Sunday mornings, however, around 7, people enter the 21st Century Theater off Liangmaqiao Road carrying wires, microphones and large posters of Christian religious symbols. Within a few hours, services are being held. There is praying. There is a sermon. It mimics, on most levels, what will happen today in churches across America.

DAY 16: Bruce Jenner, ha!BEIJING - They finished the Olympic decathlon Friday, opening with the 100 meters, then the long jump, then yada, yada, yada. I had my own decathlon to run. Before leaving Beijing, there were 10 events I needed in order to complete my experience. I woke up early. I pulled on my USA jersey. And I plunged into …

DAY 15: Talkin' the talk, walkin' the walk.BEIJING -"Ma," I say."Mother," she says."Ma," I say, my voice rising."Linen," she says."Ma-a," I say."A horse.""Ma!" I declare."Fight," she says.One word. Four meanings. The only difference is a tone change. You could, with the slightest wrong inflection, ask your mother what she wants for Horse Day. Or tell Mr. Ed you want to punch him in the snout. Oh, and if you put "ma" at the end of sentence? It turns it into a question.You following-ma?

DAY 14: The Green Flash.BEIJING - Oh, mon, it was a party! Bang the steel drums! Yams for one and all! Anybody in a green "Jamaica" shirt was being swarmed for interviews. We didn't even know who they were. "We're proud to be Jamaicans!" a middle-aged woman declared. "We are the sprint factory of the world!""Is that his mother?" a reporter whispered."He can go faster! You won't see nobody like him for another 50 years!" insisted a middle-aged man."Is that his coach?" a reporter whispered.