A magical journey
The Beijing Olympic Games burst into life last night with an awe-inspiring extravaganza of light, colour, history and culture. The opening ceremony lived up to all expectations, treating 90,000 spectators and 4 billion television viewers around the world to a magical night. It was a performance fit to mark the realisation of China's Olympic dream.
The evening began with a dramatic countdown by hundreds of drummers and ended with the traditional lighting of the Olympic flame. But the centrepiece was a spectacular cultural show that drew on 5,000 years of Chinese history.
The beautifully choreographed display highlighted significant Chinese contributions to art, history and culture.
While it will be remembered for its vibrant colours and spectacular set pieces, the ceremony carried deeper meaning. It conveyed the message that China sees its past as creating the firm foundations for building a better future. The tai chi performance was of special significance, symbolising mankind in harmony with nature - a sentiment of great relevance today as the world seeks to combat global warming and bring about a better environment.
The evening also symbolised harmony among nations, so important a part of the Olympic ideal - especially when the words 'we are family', from the Games' theme song, You and Me, resonated in the National Stadium.
This was China's night of nights, an evening of unabashed pride. But it was also one in which the country reached out to the rest of the world with a message of peace, unity and understanding.
