UPDATE (8.9.2008) - new videos added that include the Dance of the New Era, Dance of the Tang Dynasty and the ShiShaHai fireworks. These replace the video that was taken off YouTube. These are better quality videos and cover more … so enjoy!

Did you see the Open Ceremony for the 2008 Beijing Olympic Games last night? Wow. Talk about impressive! The fireworks were phenomenal. The show was amazing. I loved the lighting of the torch when the

The theme of the Olympic games is ‘One World One Dream’ and the opening of the games were breathtaking. The Chinese did themselves proud.

I have always been fascinated with Chinese culture, especially pre-Communist China. They didn’t disappoint.

Former Chinese Olympic gold medalist Li Ning literally defied gravity and ran through the air over the top of the awesome bird next stadium. He ‘ran’ the full perimeter of the stadium and finally lit the Olympic cauldron. The synchronized dancers and percussionists were almost unbelievable. It was nothing short of the greatest show on earth.

I enjoyed watching the 7 ‘ 6″ Yao Ming carry the Chinese flag walking next to the 9-year-old hero, Lin Hao, from the earthquakes earlier this summer that devastated parts of China. It was especially fun to watch ming hold the boy up so that he could see the rest of the show above the crowd.

The Chinese have every reason to be proud of the show they put on. They will be a hard act to follow.

There was much, MUCH, more. When I have more time, I might try to post some photos and more videos. Meanwhile, here’s a video of the Opening ceremony fireworks.


2008 Olympics Opening Ceremony Video
Dance of New Era


2008 Olympics Opening Ceremony Video
Dance of the Tang Dynasty


2008 Olympics Opening Ceremony Video
ShiShaHai fireworks

More later :)