The opening ceremony of the Olympics was incredible- the visual effects and the atmosphere created was truly memorable and has definitely earned a place in history.

But all technological wonders of this quickly advancing countries, I noticed many other things, too. Here are some of my observations:

• It was spectacular, but I can’t help but being struck by all that waste! The money filtered into building the huge LCD screens, the stadium and all of the costumes could have been used for so much better causes!
• The announcers sounded very scripted, and one has to wonder if a government had a say in what they said.
• It’s ironic how they talk about being ‘one’ with nature as the smoke from the fireworks spiral up into the night sky to continue to pollute our world.

But overall, it’s good to see China trying to (or seeming to try, at least) to forget ethnic differences and focus on the Olympic Games. And excessive, non-environmentally friendly firework use.

~Rika