Since my experience with the Olympic hotline, I have developed quite a soft spot for the volunteers of the Beijing Games. On Friday, they further confirmed their place in my heart by not only rescuing me from an embarrassing moment of confused misdirection, but also being so darn cute while they did it!

Anyone who wandered the streets of Beijing over the past weekend surely noticed the omnipresent white-and-blue tents dotting every other street corner and bursting with exceedingly eager kids. These fresh-faced youths – smartly dressed in an Olympic uniform that includes a two-toned track suit and a fanny-pack large enough to make even a German tourist blush – are your friendly, neighborhood Olympic volunteers!

When I first passed by the volunteer station, I spotted a girl wrestling with a giant tourist map of Beijing, seemingly tangled in between the third and fourth ring roads. I smirked with condescending glee thinking up all the many and varied ways I would mock her on this blog. The karma police clearly sensed my negative chi as I was soon struck down from my high horse and forced to return red-faced begging for directions out of Dazhongsi.

After nervously consulting his teammates for advice, a volunteer finally emerged from the huddle ready with confident directions. Escorting me to the nearest bus stop, he pointed out the exact bus number I should board and even which stop I should debark at. His earnest professionalism impressed me greatly – even as the girl I had mentally teased earlier was still struggling to re-fold the map.

Though they alternate between looking bored, stunned and somewhat helpless, the Olympic volunteers are, collectively, a knowledgeable and well-trained bunch who are ready to address any of your Olympic needs. Go ahead and ask. They’re ready.