The opening ceremony was a joy to watch. It embodied the strong desire of the Chinese people to showcase to the world, their 5,000 year history and culture, their musical and artistic achievements, their innovation and technological advancements.
As an ethnic Chinese working and living in China, I am proud to share in a celebration of China's coming on to the world scene, an Olympian feat that no other country should be able to replicate in the foreseeable future.
The plan was simple:
1. Build world-class and state-of-the-art venues (Bird's Nest and the Cube) and litter the capital city with innovative and architectural wonders (CCTV, National Theartre)
2. Razzle and dazzle the world in a 4 hour spectacular showcase of history, technology, arts, admist a political backstage of the world's leaders
3. Unleash a stable of atheletes fueled with nationalistic desire and passion for excellence, hungry for nothing but gold.
Harder than scaling the moon? Li Ning was a favourite sporting son of the post Cultural Revolution era. He had shifted his post-Olympian career in gymnastics to a successful entrepreneurship in sporting wear. Now, he will be forever etched in the memories of millions around the world as the man who lit the Olympic flame in almost melo-dramatic style.
Amongst all the spectacular acts of the opening ceremony, I was most impressed by the sheer audacity of the act. A flying man lighting a cauldron (shaped like a giant torch)? I would never have imagined it possible.
Well done, China! It is indeed a proud moment for all 龙的传人!
