Opening Ceremony-Olympics

 A dazzling display of imagery, a rainbow of colors and elegant dance. The choreography was spectacular. The symbolism; ethnicity, cultures and environmentalism is welcoming an breathtaking. The elegant moving scroll on the floor, flanked by ships of open trade to the scrim of hospitality s awesome. More than 10,500 elite athletes, some for the first time, others returning for another opportunity to earn the title, "Best Athlete in the World".

Tremendous pride is in one country, around the globe. Hope. Faith. Trust, Friendships, Ethos.

 Eight months of training for the opening night, men dancing and doing flip on an elegant globe as it personifies coming together, individuals who can become one.

Images of the world, dancers, singers bringing us together; One World, One Dream! a stunning opening for the Parade of Nations at the Birds Nest stadium.

A beautiful tapestry of countries, represented by dedicated, appreciative citizens who are outstanding athletes. The countries were actually entering the stadium, not by size or alphabetically, but by the number of stroke i Chinese each countries' name took. The announcers did a wonderful job with the geography for those of us watching the Olympics at home. We were given some interesting tips about the participating countries; the average income for some, notes about some of the athlete and their history, Vanuata (where a soldier wrote, Tales of the South Pacific) Japan's delegate will ride again this year, 44 years after his first event, in 1964, his horse, Whisper, is a chestnut mare in the equestrian event. 

Sometimes I root for the underdog. I'd love to see a country who has yet to win a medal in the Olympics bring one home for their deserving country. Especially those in turmoil. Some countries have only one or two athletes and others have several hundred representing their home country.

The athletes, as they walk through the arena are leaving their footprints on the scroll, adding detail. Eligibility of athletes in different countries in order to make the Olympic team, is interesting in which the athlete can shop around sometimes for another country to represent. 

many countries have turmoil, political issues, threats and clans being disruptive prior to the Olympic Games, causing more unease on the government as well as the athlete. 

Some countries are offering cash for medals as an incentive for their athletes.