A cyclist passes an Olympic billboard in Beijing on July 23, 2008. (Photo credit should read PETER PARKS/AFP/Getty Images)

In just about four days the majority of the 78 member Getty Images Olympic team will head to Beijing for 30 days for the Games. These next four days will be spent gathering equipment, packing, repacking, running errands and most importantly spending time with family and friends. For me, I also have to deal with moving out of my condo that I have lived in for a couple years and putting all my stuff into a storage unit. So, it has been and is going to be, a couple stressful days. However, once I find my seat on the 14-hour flight from LAX to Hong Kong and the subsequent 3-hour flight to Beijing, hopefully some of that stress will fall away.

This will be my first Olympic Games and will also be my first time to China and I couldn’t be more excited to see how it all goes down. Between the exhilaration of covering the Olympics and the experience of living in a new country for a month, the anxiety over the last month has been unreal. I’m sure times will be tough – long days, dealing with being away from loved ones, China – but in the end I’m sure it will be an experience that I will forever treasure.

Being that we will be away from home and our loved ones for 30 days I asked some of our experienced Getty Images team members what they bring with them to remind them of home or an item they can’t live without. Here is what they said:

Streeter Lecka (Photographer) – I can’t sleep without a fan so I always bring a little fan with me to have in my room.

Mary Ciecek (IOC editor) - Whenever I have long trips, I make sure to bring my favorite soap and my favorite shampoo and conditioner so it feels like I am still at home and I don’t have to use the free stuff. I have also brought my favorite picture of my brothers and sisters in a frame and put it on my nightstand during my past two Olympics and I will bring it to China as well as a picture of me and my boyfriend.

Chris Graythen (IOC photographer) - I’m going to be a bringing a Team Waffle House shirt given to me by our NASCAR photographers to remind me of what I get to shoot once I get home from Beijing (“They are just jealous.”), I’m also going to bring a video camera so I can chat with my wife.

Scott Halleran (IOC photographer) – I always try to bring two different kinds of vodka, one of them flavored and the other original.

Rebecca Butala-How (Editor) - I’d say my top three are my travel mug for my herbal teas, speakers for my two IPODS (a nano to workout with and a video 60gb which has my full library) and my neck pillow for the plane. And finally, my husband Harry How (sports photographer).

Al Bello (Photographer) - Pictures of my family.  My webcam so I could see my family.

Harry How (Photographer) - I ALWAYS bring a Lonely Planet  guide of the city we are visiting for quick facts, restaurant suggestions, maps and carry it with me the whole time.

Myself (Editor) – I am going to bring the care package my girlfriend is making me for the trip.

At most, if not all, major sporting events, the organizers of the event usually throw an appreciation party for the media. These parties sometimes include exotic animals or exotic food. Sometimes there may be a gift at the door and usually an open bar.

I was in the Caribbean for the final two weeks of a six week cricket tour between Australia and the West Indies. The tour has taken three photographers (myself, Harry How and Chris McGrath) on a tour of most of the West Indies. With all the work, we had very little time to do much sightseeing while in the islands.

So when Ricky Skerritt, the Minister of Tourism of St Kitts and Nevis, invited us to a media luncheon the following day, we gladly accepted. When we (the members of the media) looked at our invitations we got really excited. It was going to be a day cruise to the sister island of Nevis on a large catamaran sail boat. Of all of the media appreciation parties I have been too, I have never been to an exotic location.

The following morning, all the visiting media was to be picked up at their hotel and taken to the dock where we would check in and meet the crew. As we arrived at the dock, we were greeted by Mr. Skerritt and some of his assistants. We were escorted down the dock and onto “Spirit of St. Kitts.” Of all my years on and around the water, I was a bit ashamed that I have never been on a sail boat. This was going to be a first for me and many others in our party.

Before boarding, we had to take off our shoes and leave them on the dock. We were helped on board by the crew which included Captain Todd and a deckhand named Elvis (he said his mother was a fan). After a quick safety briefing and introductions, the bar opened. Rum punch, beer and other drinks flowed for the next hour and a half on the trip over.

The wind was blowing in our faces as we sailed toward our destination. It was a smooth ride as the chop on the water couldn’t break the stride of the giant sailboat. Those of us that already knew each other talked about our experiences over the past few weeks and those that we weren’t so familiar with, quickly became friends on our voyage.

Island music was piped throughout the speakers that were strategically placed around the yacht. Some people swayed and danced to the music, some laid out on the netting in front that separated from the surface of the ocean by a mere 10 inches or less at times. It was a time to unbutton your shirt wear shorts and just relax. Although, most of us that day agreed, there should be a law against a middle aged man in a Speedo.

As we approached the island, the blue and green water was crystal clear as you might expect. The “Spirit” pulled up on the beach and the crew helped us off the yacht and into the knee deep water. With me feet in the sand, I look up to a majestic volcanic mound, known as Nevis Peak. In stark contrast to my home in Florida, it is good to see a mountain rising up near the water.

Elvis was directing us toward a little shack near the shore and a buffet was set out for us. There was chicken, rice and salad. The drinks were at another small shack nearby. We sat under sun shades on small couches and benches and enjoyed our lunch with friends. It was very simple, but to date, this is probably my most enjoyable media party yet.

While covering this event, we made friends that will be with us forever. I had some of those pose for a photo for me in front of the shack at the base of Nevis. There was Phil and Alex, both writers from Australia. They were never too busy to help me understand a game that I have never witnessed in person. And the other photographers, Andres, Andy and Stan, that I worked directly with and usually had breakfast or dinner with on any given night. All of us enjoyed a day away from work, away from our hotel that allowed us to just laugh and joke as we told stories on the beach.

I think we all wanted to get back home and back to our lives. But this was a perfect day to forget about work and relax before finishing our work the following day.

Making our way back to the beach their were a few young men playing cricket on a makeshift wicket. We laughed as we saw a sign that read “Internet Access”, not 30 feet from the water. Even on this beach that seemed so simple and primitive, the access to the internet reminded us that we were headed back to work as we boarded the yacht.

The sun was setting as we sailed back into port. Elvis was dancing on the deck to the reggae music and just as fast as it started, this media party was over.

A general view of the atmosphere at the Getty Images and Johnnie Walker party during the 2008 MLB All-Star week at Tao. (Andrew Walker/Getty Images)

Getty Images hosted a wonderful, star-studded MLB All-Star Party at Tao in New York City on Monday night. I’ll take you through the night and give you all of my observations from the great evening.

8:45 PM: Walking over to Tao from the Port Authority in Manhattan. For you out-of-towners, the Port Authority is on 42^nd and 8^th Ave, and Tao is on East 58^th St. That’s a pretty long way to hike on a warm, muggy evening. Walking was a bad choice.

9:01 PM: The party is just opening up, but the line outside is pretty long already.

Line at the door of Tao (Andrew Walker/Getty Images)

9:10 PM: I just discovered it’s open bar. I’m working and really won’t be able to take advantage of that. I probably shouldn’t have given that bartender a $10 tip for a single Heineken. That was definitely a mistake since I won’t be going back.

9:38 PM: I wandered out to the red carpet. We’ve all seen red carpet situations on television, but have you ever actually been on one? Those lights are extremely bright and awfully hot. Think the sun, but not quite.

9:55 PM: Good job on the music, Tao. This is a very nice mix, but did I miss something? Are you not allowed to play songs in their entirety in clubs anymore? Am I the last person to realize this? Maybe I’m just old.

9:58 PM: The food that keeps coming around is wonderful. If you want to throw a blowout party in New York City, I think Tao is your place. This is great!

10:12 PM: Now it’s seriously filling up in here. I’m downstairs in the front bar area and it’s starting to get tough to move.

NEW YORK - JULY 14: Shaquille O’Neal attends the Getty Images, Johnnie Walker and Steiner Sports party during the 2008 MLB All-Star Week at Tao on July 14, 2008 in New York City. (Photo by Rob Loud/Getty Images)

10:18 PM: Hey, it’s Shaq! Shaquille O’Neal just came in. There is simply no hiding this man in any situation. He is a magnet for attention. And, I might add, a very sharp dresser.

10:27 PM: Shaq just walked by from the same direction. Either he has a twin brother or he’s doing laps around the club.

10:29 PM: The woman next to me asks who that is. “That’s Shaquille O’Neal,” I said. “I don’t know, I don’t think it is,” she replies. Who else would it be? There aren’t many celebrities who you just can’t mistake for someone else. Shaq is one of them. I saw his outline in a dark club and it took me two seconds to realize, that’s Shaq.

10:45 PM: Tao is officially jumping. The music volume has increased quite a bit.

10:54 PM: Shaq is taking pictures with anyone that asks. He is a very, very patient person and seems happy to oblige.

11:07 PM: A former Major League Baseball player (who I won’t name) and his two female friends are standing uncomfortably close to my chair. They are pretty much in my lap. It’s not like they are anxious for my company, but more excited about the convenience the shelf over my chair provides. Sure, put your drink over my head. Go for it.

NEW YORK - JULY 14: Major League Baseball Hall of Famer Rich ‘Goose’ Gossage attends the Getty Images and Johnnie Walker 2008 All-Star Game party at Tao on July 14, 2008 in New York City. (Photo by Andrew H. Walker/Getty Images)

11:19 PM: “Goose” Gossage just walked in. He’s looking friendly and relaxed as usual (at least in the times I’ve come across him). New York City loves Mariano Rivera, and rightfully so. But, Gossage was Mariano before there was Mariano.

11:30 PM: The party is even busier now, and the music made another volume increase.

11:43 PM: Yes, I’ve noticed several people staring at me with the “what is he writing about” look on their faces.

11:48 PM: These Getty Images photographers are covering everything. They have tons of shots of the people, the cocktails, and I think I even saw one of them get a shot of a bar menu. They are certainly busting it tonight.

12:10 AM: I was just told that Tim Russert’s son Luke is here. Can’t be easy for him right now, I feel terrible for him.

12:25 AM: Here comes Shaq again. This man traded fame and fortune for privacy when he was drafted in 1992. He can’t stand up without the entire party taking notice.

12:20 AM: I certainly don’t need to be worried about someone stealing my iPhone. I think everyone at this party has one.

12:33 AM: I do believe I just saw Jack “BlackJack” McDowell heading upstairs. He was an excellent pitcher for the White Sox not too long ago.

NEW YORK - JULY 14: Major League Baseball Hall of Famers Wade Boggs (L) and Rich ‘Goose’ Gossage attends the Getty Images and Johnnie Walker 2008 All-Star Game party at Tao on July 14, 2008 in New York City. (Photo by Andrew H. Walker/Getty Images)

12:43 AM: Goose Gossage is just hanging in the corner relaxing and talking to some folks. He looks like he’s having a good time.

NEW YORK - JULY 14: Shaquille O’Neal attends the Getty Images, Johnnie Walker and Steiner Sports party during the 2008 MLB All-Star Week at Tao on July 14, 2008 in New York City. (Photo by A H Walker/Getty Images)

12:48 AM: Looks like Shaq is leaving, and taking the whole place with him. Still plenty of people here, but people just kind of hang on to him as he moves. Think Earl Campbell dragging defenders up and down the field at the Houston Astrodome. People cling to him.

12:57 AM: The Mojito girl just tried to get me to take her last drink, but I wasn’t having it. I can’t really do Mojito’s.

1:05 AM: “Sweet Child O’Mine” just came on. Please play it to the end!

1:06 AM: Nope, that didn’t happen.

1:13 AM: It’s tough to look cool when the girl you are dancing with just suddenly decides to sit down and check her text messages without warning. Do you keep dancing? Do you sit down with her? This guy just did a little of both and it’s a little awkward. Don’t worry, I think I’m the only one that noticed.

Professional athlete Melvin Fowler (R) poses with party goers at the 2008 MLB All-Star Week - Getty Images and Johnnie Walker Party at Tao on July 14, 2008 in New York City. (A H Walker/Getty Images)

1:16 AM: I feel bad for the single guys at this party. You know how to ensure that a regular guy won’t get a phone number at a party? Fill the party with a bunch of athletes and celebrities.

1:26 AM: Luke Russert just walked by me and headed over to the bar. He looks just like his father.

1:36 AM: This woman who was headed up the stairs wants to stay at the party, but I think the bouncers have other ideas. Her husband agreed that it was bedtime. I will say that was the biggest confrontation of the night and it was nothing. This is a very, very well-behaved party. Not that people aren’t cutting loose and having fun, but no one is crossing that line.

1:44 AM: I just helped a woman confirm that she actually met a baseball player. It’s late in the evening so conversations get a little more difficult after a few cocktails. She said he plays for Minnesota, but that he’s not from there originally. Yeah, I would kind of figure that. She said his name was John, but I didn’t find any pitcher named John on the Twins’ roster. After showing me the picture, she meant Joe. As in, Joe Nathan, the elite closer. That took much longer than it should have.

Pitcher Joe Nathan attends the 2008 MLB All-Star Week - Getty Images and Johnnie Walker Party at Tao on July 14, 2008 in New York City (Picture by J. Kohen/WireImage)

1:56 AM: A very nice woman named Maria sits down next to me and introduces herself. She wanted to ask me the same question that others did all night: What are you writing? So I told her and she was excited to check it out. So, Maria, hopefully you actually logged on to check the blog.

2:15 AM: I get back to the Port Authority to realize I just missed the last bus back to Jersey. This is a great time to learn about the bus schedule. Taxi!

TORONTO, ON - JUNE 12: Alexander Ovechkin of the Washington Capitals poses with the Hart Memorial Trophy, the Lester B. Pearson Award, the Art Ross Trophy and the Maurice ‘Rocket’ Richard Trophy during the 2008 NHL Awards at the at the Elgin Theatre on June 12, 2008 in Toronto, Canada. (Photo by Al Bello/Getty Images)

The hockey season came to an abrupt end in early June, and was followed by the NHL Awards Ceremony in Toronto. The historic Elgin Theatre on Yonge Street provided for a classy location for the event which was televised in the US and Canada.

Getty Images trotted out a full crew of photographers including me (red carpet and theater shots) along with stringers Claus Andersen (posed trophy winners) and Dave Sandford (winners with families) along with our own fun loving award winner Al Bello.

Getty Images photographer Al Bello poses with Alexander Ovechkin.

Al spent a moment with superstar Alexander Ovechkin mocking our resident hockey loving shooter Jim McIsaac, and then got down to business producing some great portraits of all the nominees and trophy winners.

TORONTO, ON - JUNE 12: Alexander Ovechkin of the Washington Capitals poses with the Hart Memorial Trophy, the Lester B. Pearson Award, the Art Ross Trophy and the Maurice ‘Rocket’ Richard Trophy as photographer Al Bello takes his portrait during the 2008 NHL Awards at the at the Elgin Theatre on June 12, 2008 in Toronto, Canada. (Photo by Bruce Bennett/Getty Images for NHL)

Editor Mike Heiman cranked out the images, and media placement that evening and in the following days exceeded expectations.