Chinese drummers at the commencement of the opening ceremony
You can say what you want about China but they sure know how to make an entrance, holding an opening ceremony costing the equivalent of a third-world nation’s annual GDP. It was bold, colourful, extravagant, with a couple of nice military touches just to let you know the Middle Kingdom is charge of the whole thing for the next 16 days not the IOC.
Chinese military in firm control of the Chinese flag
Chinese ethnic minority dancers in native dress overlooking the ceremony
One World, One Dream with China on top seemed to be the theme of the ceremony. I did like the focus on China’s history and culture, complete with its 55 distinct ethnic minorities proudly displaying their native dress (and not being persecuted by Han Chinese….). London’s got a tough job to beat that opening ceremony in four year’s time.
The Olympics rings illuminated
In the meantime, it looks like war in Georgia over South Ossetia with Russian troops entering via air and land. US troops are based in the West-looking, EU-aspiring former Soviet republic and it seems Mother Russia won’t let that happen. What would Stalin say? He was ethnic Georgian after all. So much for peace during the games.
Let the Games begin!
The torch is lit
Opening ceremony gallery available here.
Posted by elcanguro76 
