Dazzling opening for Beijing Olympics
August 9, 2008
BEIJING (AFP) - China’s once-in-a-lifetime Olympic dream became reality Friday as the Beijing Games opened with a dazzling ceremony showcasing the nation’s ancient civilization and an offer of friendship to the world.
The political controversies and pollution concerns that plagued the run-up to the Games were swept aside, at least briefly, as 91,000 people at the iconic “Bird’s Nest” stadium bathed in the colour and excitement of the night.
Billions of people around the world tuned in to watch the spectacular show, an event that had been hyped as a coming out party for a nation whose global power is rising as quickly as its wealth. “If you are Chinese, you have to be here. This is a 100-year dream come true,” said Luo Rensi, 83, one of thousands of Chinese fans who congregated outside of the Olympic venues after being unable to get a ticket. “China has been through some bad times during my long life, but this is truly the best time.” The ceremony began at 8:00 pm (1200 GMT) on the eighth day of the eight month of 2008 " a tribute to the number 8 that many Chinese deem lucky as it represents prosperity.
Those inside were treated to a 50-minute extravaganza masterminded by acclaimed Chinese film director Zhang Yimou, which involved 15,000 performers, a kaleidoscope of fireworks and the thunder of ancient drum beats.
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