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!
