Well, it's early Saturday here. I just finished watching the opening ceremonies of the Summer Olympics. It was quite a show. Quite a show. No doubt there will be the usual political flaps and athletic scandals at this Olympics. We can't seem to hold one without them. But as a start for a week long orgy of sport, this was pretty spectacular.It wasn't possible to watch the opening without observing the enormous pride and excitement the Chinese people were feeling. The ceremonies were a demonstration of determination and teamwork. There was one particular segment that consisted of moving boxes that were manipulated in an incredibly complicated pattern over a period of fifteen or twenty minutes. While I was watching it, I was thinking, this isn't so tough--that's all computerized. And then when it was finished, the tops of the boxes were flipped back to reveal the people who were moving them. Maybe a thousand people. In 85 degree heat with 85 percent humidity.
The costumes were gorgeous and elaborate and wonderful. The ceremony represented both past and present with symbolism and style. It's late now. I rarely watch television. But I'm glad I took the time to watch the pageantry unfold.
Anny
I didn't watch it. I expect the highlights will be repeated a million times.
ReplyDeleteWhat about that smog in Beijing? Bloody hell...we are stuffing up the planet good and proper.
Ah, yes. It's going to be a mess. I looove watching the foot races and the swimming. Fun stuff. I missed the show tonight sadly but, like AJ, I'm hoping to catch some glimpses tomorrow. The invest soooo much money in these shows but they are basically showcasing their country to the world.
ReplyDeleteQuite the show indeed. Very precise in all the patterns they created while running full out in that heat with no visible guidelines on the ground. I love seeing what the host countries choose to express in the opening ceremonies every time. It's a tremendous honor and they should take the opportunity to show the world what they're made of. Too bad so many countries will never have the chance to be in the spotlight.
ReplyDeleteI think everything can be summed up by Bob Costas' remark..."Just one wrong step could result in decapitation..." or something like that. Very well executed and choreographed! Just think of the months of practice to make it look so effortless!
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