The Beijing Olympics Ceremony yesterday was probably the most amazing stuff I've ever seen on TV. The one hour performances left me wanting more and the couch and I'm really close to shouting "Encore!" at the TV screen. I guess there's no way for them to tell the stories of 5000 years in one hour.
You really have to give it to them for not only the effort they put in, training for a simple movement takes up to 13 months; and also the concept of how things were presented. Although the huge number of ang mohs in the audience and those sitting in front of the TV set at home might be lost at times because of the lack of commentary. Because you probably need a little knowledge on the whole Chinese history and culture to see the beauty in not only the performances, but the flow of it as well. The painting says it all. It started with a blank paper, one of Chinese's great invention, and it was used throughout the performances when they introduces the other important element of Chinese culture, like caligraphy. And then it was added colour by the children of the day, and then it ended with the athlete's footprints during the march-ins. Simply impressive. I wonder where that painting would end up?
Well, being China, you probably already predicted that they'll put their best resource, people, to full use. And indeed they did. Almost ALL the performances were done by people. Even those which seem not possible. The part where they present the character 和 in different way of Chinese writings. My parents and I all thought it were machine generated. But then the Hong Kong commentator kept saying stuff like "well, you will be surprised how that effect is made. just wait and see. just wait the see." And the other performances as well. HOW IN NAME OF GOD DID THEY ORGANIZE SO MANY PEOPLE. We are talking about close to a 1000 people doing everything in sync. And the way the torch is lit, no one expected that. That guy is at least 60?! Impressive.
Oh, and I actually sat through the whole march in. 200+ countries. Phewww. Were trying to spot the Liverpool kids, but saw none. Saw quiet a few tennis players though. Nadal, Almagro, Federer and Gonzales. Oh, but only one occasion and one country got me to sit up straight during the march in. Luxembourg. They've got the HOTTEST flag bearer. And then the commentator decided to NOT mention his name. Wheee. But he looks like a swimmer or something. In terms of uniform, the sight of Bermuda athletes marching in Bermuda shorts is quite a sight. For the ladies, I thought the Belgian look great in the dress. And I have to give it to USA for the men. Proper and yet not too exaggerating. But the Hungarian ladies totally lost it. I do not know what the heck they are wearing. Their outfit is like covered in spots of blood stains.
Watched the Qualifying Round of Men Artistic Gymnastic this noon. USA, Spain, and Italy and couple of mixed group were on. None of the Spaniards were good looking surprisingly, and on top of that, the Munez guy did so bad that I choke on my lunch. But they did get the highest score on the floor from Feddher(sp?). The Italians look gay as usual. And I do NOT like them. But the one who caught my eyes is probably Justin Spring from the States. He was great on high bar. And when he finished his routine and was looking for his bag and can't find it, without knowing that camera is behind him, he shouted "WHO STOLE MY BAG?!" at his teammates. And the commentator were like "uhmmm" for a few seconds.
Am going back to Melaka tomorrow and so probably won't be watching anything anymore. Damn. I want to watch diving! I only get to watch Alexander Despatie like once every 2 years at the least.
