Friday, August 8, 2008

Beijing Olympic Opening Ceremony

This evening I went to the Olympic Opening Ceremony. Arriving at the Beijing National Stadium was a surreal experience. The stadium, also known as the Birds Nest, along with the The National Swimming Center (Water Cube) and rows of giant organic shaped lights made the scene look like one out of a science fiction movie like Gattica.

I can't get enough of the Olympic mascots.

The mascots were on all the participation items at our seats. I wasn't a very good participator. It was hard to keep up when we were supposed to wave our flags, light our lamps etc.

The stadium was huge and a good thing because there were thousands of spectators, performers and athletes.

These are row after row of row of fou drummers.

There were lots of led lights and performers suspended high above the ground.

This was a giant earth that came up from below. The scene on the sphere changed and there were people running around on the surface of it. On top was Sarah Brightman and Liu Huan singing together.

I think the Birds Nest looks best at night, all lit up.

My mouth was hanging open for the entire show. Really spectacular. We waited a long time to get in and we didn't get back to the hotel until 1am, but it was all worth it.

Piglet and Domo had a good time too. Well, except when they got squeezed at security.

Check 1000Words Blog for more opening ceremony pics

12 comments:

  1. wow, wow, wow! Having watched the opening ceremonies last night on TV with my own mouth agape I can't imagine how inspiring they must have been to see in person. Thanks for the little peek behind the scenes. And love the new blog header!

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  2. I agree. I watched it on TV and got goosebumps. I can only imagine how amazing it was in person.

    Your pictures are great! Makes me wish I could have gone.

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  3. great pics keep 'em coming!

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  4. I am COMPLETELY jealous and in awe of the fact that your job sent you to China and the Olympics! What an amazing experience! Thanks for letting us get to be a part of it though your pictures. Keep 'em coming!

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  5. I thought of you as we watched last night. I can't even imagine how incredible it must've been in person! Judging by the perspective of your photos, it looks like you had a good seat, too!

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  6. Seeing the games through your eyes is so cool! I'm super jealous that you got to go, but in the nicest way possible. ;)
    Can't wait to see the rest of your posts.

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  7. I thought of you too when I saw the ceremony on TV last night. It was soooooo impressive on TV, I can't even imagine how it was in person!

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  8. LJC,

    This is completely unrelated to the olympics, although I think it is very cool that you are in Beijing.

    I saw this cupcake carrier posted on "mighty junior" and thought you might be interested - http://www.organize.com/cupcakecarrier.html

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  9. loving your posts LJ - I think you are going to have sore cheeks from smiling =)

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  10. Beautiful pictures! I am really enjoying your posts from the Olympics!

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  11. I can't even imagine what it was like to be there in person. My friend got to go to the LA Opening in 1984 and said it was like nothing she had ever experience, but Beijing was so much bigger. The energy in that arena had to be unreal! The emotions that were stirred up. I know so many people who cried while watching it at home. This is the thing to share with the grandkids one day.

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  12. This is just SIMPLY amazing, Jenny!! We have hand-made Fuwas here at work made by our vendors and they are so cute - I can only imagine seeing them up close and personal. This is definitely a trip of a lifetime for you!

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