Did I Mention That I Just Loved It!

Did you watch them?  The Opening Ceremonies of the Olympic Games in Beijing?  As a kid - I was always riveted to the TV during the Olympics - and I remember getting to stay up late to watch them.  I have to admit, though, that it has been a long time since I have really followed them at all.  But tonight I sat and thoroughly enjoyed the whole experience - including some of the commercials (24 Hour Fitness had the best of the evening).  I just might have to do a little more watching this year.  

So tonight - in honor of the Opening Ceremonies - a few thoughts and observations.  I truly just loved everything about the Ceremonies - the first part of the ceremonies - the artistic part - China really put on quite the show.  All of the performers and the drummers and the precision - just fascinating!  And then the Parade of Nations - I love watching the athletes coming into the stadium - they are all so excited - the big smiles, all them taking pictures and waving with conviction and the little countries that only have a few athletes - they are the best!  Did I mention that I just loved it!

And hearing all the interesting stories about the countries...  Did you know...

Japan has the oldest athlete competing in equestrian - he is 67 and competed in the 1964 Olympics.

The president of Israel had to walk back to his hotel so he didn’t violate the Sabbath by being driven in a car (thank you, God, for sending your Son!).

Great Britain has a 14 year old diver competing and will host the 2012 Olympics.

The flag of Paraguay is different on both sides.

Hong Kong had its own delegation - they weren’t part of China - which only has one time zone for the entire country.

Roger Federer was the flag bearer for Switzerland and today was his birthday - what a cool birthday present!

The Prime Minister from Australia is fluent in Mandarin.

China represents 1/5 of humanity - 1.3 billion people!

I found it amusing when the British Virgin Islands came in after Great Britain and either Bob Costas or Matt Lauer commented about them following the Mother Country!

I noticed a lot of Track and Field athletes carrying the flags.

And since when did Sailing and Table Tennis and Taekwondo become Olympic sports?  I heard that BMX is going to be a sport for the first time this year.

And what exactly is Whitewater, Flatwater and Judo?

And all politics aside - it was wonderfully moving when the Chinese athletes entered the stadium - moved me to tears (go figure)!  That and the little boy that survived the earthquake back in May that walked with flag bearer Yao Ming.  Again, did I mention that I just loved it!  God Bless all the athletes and Good Luck to them all!