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Once in a lifetime
Author:admin Date:2008-08-09
It was a sleepless night, one never to be forgotten. Night this special happen just once in a life time.
A whole nation's century-long dream was realized, the whole world's largest party started.
The opening ceremony directors, including Zhang Yimou, appeared to be peaceful during the conference held late into the midnight. They didn't say much, or perhaps they just had too much on their minds to know where to start.
However complicated their feelings were, they were surely relieved, as the trembling anxiety before a big show seven years in the planning would be something hard to handle.
Everyone will have likings and dislikings and the discussion over the ceremony may not end until the Games are over. I, however, got the message I was expecting from the opening ceremony – One World, One Dream. Although I was not lucky enough to go into the Bird's Nest, my experience watching with other journalists and volunteers allowed me to enjoy the big show in the same way as the rest of the world.
The whole program was beautiful, just like director Zhang's movies. I liked the "Welcome" part the most, where 2,008 performers beat the fous and sang to welcome friends from all over the world. It was a performance unique to China, the most populous nation on earth. The drum beats and flash provided the world with a spectacular highlight from the start.
The movable-type printing performance was impressive. Chinese people's wisdom from ancient times was illustrated in a high-tech way; the nation's cultural treasures and spirit have never disappeared but have merged into the soul of the nation and were emblazoned in glory last night.
And there were other surprises, including the "Footprints of History," with 29 colossal footprint fireworks, symbolizing the 29th Olympic Games, which erupted on a path leading to the stadium. History can be a heavy subject, but this time it shone as a brilliant light, as if all the Olympic ancestors were looking over and blessing Beijing. There was also the Chinese ink and wash painting, with artists dancing while drawing onto the scroll – the masterstroke of the whole opening ceremony.
The ceremony further lifted my respect towards the countries which take part in the Olympic Games. Even though they might be represented by only be a few athletes – who might never have won a medal and still might not stand a chance – isn't participating the exact spirit of the Olympics? Whatever the skin color, wherever people come from and whatever language they speak, it's a big gathering where bias or prejudice can be put aside. We are here only for the pursuit of progress and humanity. It was warm. It made me proud of China as the host of the Olympics.
One scene that captured my mood was after the parade, when spectators imitated performers on stage to shape a dove with their hands, a symbol of peach and harmony. The camera lens stopped in front of one out of the hundreds and thousands, who was soaked with sweat but brimming with enthusiasm. Instead of appearing clumsy, the spectator was obviously overwhelmed with joy and his delight and vigor was contagious. I was close to tears – for the beauty I saw, for the involvement I sensed. He was beautiful, because he did not give up; he was beautiful, because he was fully involved and devoted.
The lighting of the flame was a spectacular and moving end to the opening ceremony, which declared the start of a 16-day sports festival. I feel contented, having watched the ceremony with journalists from all over the world; with volunteers who have devoted their time and instilled their passion into the Games. I feel I am part of the 2008 Beijing Olympic Games.
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As for the ceremony itself, I won't say here anything original: it was absolutely amazing.
Go China!