The story begins!

Hello, and welcome to my China blog! My name is Nick, I'm 23 and I'm currently studying International Broadcast Journalism at Sheffield Hallam University. Earlier this year, I underwent a series of tests and interviews in order to try and gain a place working at the 2008 Beijing Olympics, in the press pit. And last week, I got the call telling me that I had been successful in my efforts - I'm flying out in July.

As you may have guessed, this is a fairly big thing. Even if you ignore the fact that the furthest I've actually flown is Italy (and I didn't enjoy the hour-long flight there, never mind halfway round the world), the opportunities for my career that this trip represents are massive. Which is why I've decided to try and make the most of this. Over the next few months, I will desperately attempting to learn:

• At least a basic grasp of Mandarin
• A working knowledge of shorthand
• The names of at least some of the British rowing team

This is alongside my efforts to learn how to drive, and my efforts to complete the course with at least a half-decent grade. This blog will represent my preparations for the games, the build-up abroad, and a frequent update of my life over abroad. This, along with my rather light-hearted writing style, should make an interesting read for all of you. If I was you, I'd subscribe to this blog, and perhaps even bookmark the page. It'll be worth it in the long run.

Nick