I wasn't too surprised to read this story about how hotels in and around Beijing aren't exactly booked for the upcoming summer Olympics.

For one thing, it's expensive to get there. A quick check on Expedia.com this afternoon showed that a roundtrip ticket from Baltimore to Beijing leaving Aug. 2 and returning Aug. 16 costs $2175. Not that all the Olympic visitors would come from Baltimore or even the US, but still....

Plus, every time I read about Beijing of late, it's something about the poor air quality or how athletes aren't going to mainland China until the last possible moment before their events to preserve their lung functions.

Then there's the whole Tibet thing. And the communism issue. And, well, the list goes on.

Still, it's THE OLYMPICS. It only happens once every four years. It's a worldwide showcase of athletic prowess and talent. An event where dreams are realized and dashed. It's drama at its best. You'd think more people might go.

What's your take on the hotel vacancies? Anyone from around here planning a trip?