A few thoughts while packing for Paris . . .
Part of the excitement of travel is the anticipation. (I can’t stand it when there’s no travel somewhere on my calendar, no matter how far off it may be.) I do love travel, especially of the international variety. But when you combine it with the Olympics, my goodness, I can’t possibly ask for more. And that’s because I am a big believer in the power of both.
The Olympic Games take up many a ton of space on my hard drive. (I can’t believe it but this will be the tenth Olympiad I have covered. Lucky, lucky dude.) But it’s more than a plum assignment. There is something quite extraordinary about that parade of nations during the opening ceremony, looking at the vast spectrum of humanity from all over the world gathering in one place to compete, yes, but also to connect. How few opportunities we have as a global community for moments like this.
But I’m also a huge believer in the power of travel. It’s a privilege, there’s no doubt about that. Travel can be extremely expensive and time-consuming. But I do wish I could give the gift of travel to everyone. Understanding the world around us is one of the drivers that pushed me to journalism. Some people worry about gorging on too much great food when they arrive in a city like Paris. But, to repurpose a line from songwriter John Gorka, most of the weight that you gain is in your eyes. (I feel so strongly about the power of travel I actually wrote a children’s book built on this theory called “P Is For Passport.”)
I’m also extra excited at the prospect of a restart for the Games. COVID totally messed up the 2020 edition in Tokyo. In 2022 no one could get too excited about a Winter Olympics in Beijing (not exactly anyone’s idea of a winter paradise). But Paris hosting the Games for the 3rd time? Yes, Channel 4, sign me up.
I’m so glad they did.
A bientot.
Devin
Devin Scillian and Nick Monacelli will be live in Paris covering the games starting at 5 p.m. on Tuesday, July 23, 2024, all through the games until Aug. 11.