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Saturday, August 9, 2008

2008 Olympics Opening Ceremony


I hope that you all got to watch China present the opening ceremonies of the 2008 Beijing Olympics last night or this morning. I have to say, without a doubt, China ROCKED IT!!! I have watched all the Olympics since I was old enough to know what they were, and China's incredibly spectacular display of pyrotechnics, performance, and purely awe inspiring displays was off the charts. Never has an opening ceremony been as monumentally opulent and magnificent. One of my favorite displays was the thousand or so Chinese doing Tai Chi in unison. Being a martial artist myself, I was especially tuned in to that one. They were flawless!

It was also heart warming to see the pride on the faces of the Chinese people for me.
Knowing some of China's history, and how they would never have been able to participate in such an event mere decades ago made it all the more poignant. This spectacular event last night was not only the debut of the 2008 Olympic games, but also a coming out party for the Chinese people, and the new China.

Having started learning to speak, read and write Mandarin Chinese two years ago, I do feel a special connection to them and this entire event. I had planned to be there at this Olympics, but because of personal circumstances and commitments, I wasn't able to make it happen. I tell you what, though, if I had actually been there, I would have probably passed out from all the excitement that was generated from this awesome display of creativity, synchronicity, pageantry and pride. It was truly remarkable!!

Watching China enter the stadium dead last and do their walk around touched me deeply. Just from knowing what it means to all of them in this new day and age for China. And seeing Yao Ming standing tall and representing his entire country almost brought a tear to my eye. By the way, am I the only one that thinks he's kind of cute? He's married now, but back in his single days, he definitely could have made it into my dating pool. Even though I would have had to stand on a step ladder to make it work! ;) LOL

I am hoping that this 2008 Olympics continues to bring us thrills, chills and excitement from beginning to end. Go, 2008 Olympians, and 'Zhu nimen 2008 Olympics kuaile, Zhong Guo!'. I will stay tuned!


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9 comments:

Patricia Rockwell said...

I so agree with you. It was a wonderful ceremony. The Chinese did an excellent job and were wonderful hosts last night.

durano lawayan a.k.a. brad spit said...

Hi Fitness Diva,

The symbolism of Yao Ming - the tallest flag bearer in the 2008 games, should not be lost to the world. China is saying it can now stand tall and walk proudly among the community of nations.

I also watched it on television, making a point to be in the city for the event. I especially focused on the close up of the participants to see the expression on their faces. And I saw determination, dedication, pride, enthusiasm and joy. I was so proud of China and what they had achieved by themselves, through their own efforts and resources - even if they resorted to copying at the outset. It felt great to be part of Asia and to witness an Asian country emerge from the region and cast a giant shadow in such mesmerizing fashion.

It may be ominous as I posted, the sun rising in the East after it sets in the West. It may signal the shift in power economically and politically - even militarily. :-) --Durano, done!

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Anonymous said...

I missed the opening ceremonies. :(

I was in the gym working out.

I couldn't figure out why it was so empty in there...

Glad you enjoyed the ceremonies.

Congratulations on learning Mandarin.
It seems like that would be a hard language to learn.

Peace.

Anonymous said...

I ALWAYS love the opening ceremonies.

for me I get chocked up by the tiny countries with their few delegates marching proudly with their flag...

Fruity said...

It was one of the best ceremony. I'm waiting eagerly for the athletics to begin. It's my fav sport!

Daisy said...

I thought it was a beautiful Opening Ceremony, too. The pride of the Chinese people is so apparent. It was wonderful!

Liz said...

i didn't get to see the whole of it, but i was amazed and i agree it's magnificent!

cheers!

Anonymous said...

I agree with you, just & simply fantastic! Never mind the media trying to say that some of the fire works were stage managed.
Go China you rock! But in terms of Human rights issues in Tibet - no amount of glitz & fireworks can hide that. The struggle still continues for the Tibetans. For that China - NO MEDAL!!

 
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