On the morning of August 4, the 1.83-meter-tall Vega arrived in China to promote the research on AIDS after concluding her visit to Indonesia. The final of Miss Universe 2003 competition was held in Panama on June 4. After competing with other girls from 71 countries and regions, Vega finally won the crown. At the airport, she received a special present: a medal with the logo of the 2008 Beijing Olympic Games, which was officially launched the day before. She told the reporter of Beijing Youth Daily that it was a great pity she was on the plane and could not attend the launching ceremony of the Olympic emblem. Anyway, she said, the emblem made her very happy and she wished all the best for both China and Beijing.

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Reporter: Did you know something about China before you came? When did you learn about China for the first time?

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Vega: I started to know China when I studied history in my childhood. I feel very happy and proud for being able to come to China. It's my luck. Chinese characters are very beautiful, they are really miraculous!

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Reporter: Not many Chinese know about your country. Would you please tell us something about it?

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Vega: Well. My country is a picturesque island. I grew up in Santo Domingo, capital of the Dominican Republic. People enjoy an easy and happy life there. They are also very hospitable, opening doors for friends from all over the world. We have beautiful beaches where businesses are flourishing. Besides, you may experience various weathers just in a few minutes there.

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Reporter: Beauty contest is still something new to China due to various reasons. Could you please tell us what is in the beauty contest and how much it has changed your life?

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Vega: For me, it's the greatest pride in my life. Beauty contest doesn't mean competing for beauty only, it consists of many other meanings. Over the past five years, the Miss Universes have been sparing no efforts in the work of taking care of AIDS patients. I am very proud to take part in it now. A few days ago I visited an AIDS patient in Indonesia and had a long talk with him. Later on, he told me that he had profited greatly from my words and laugh. It encourages me to become more devoted to this meaningful work.

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Reporter: What will you do while staying in Beijing?

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Vega: I am so lucky that I will visit many scenic spots, including the Palace Museum and the Summer Palace. I'm glad to have such an opportunity to taste many varieties of Chinese food. It's great. I also hope more people could join us to show love and care for AIDS patients.

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On the afternoon of August 4, Amelia Vega visited the Palace Museum and the Summer Palace. She also took the "job" for Beijing Youth Daily to take pictures of the capital of China. Vega pledged to do a good job and tried very hard. On that day alone, she had finished six rolls of film and took many wonderful pictures. On her way back to the hotel, Vega, who had enjoyed a visual feast of varied sceneries, said to her fellows:"I love Beijing!"

(China.org.cn by Li Xiao August 12, 2003)