Although I didn’t catch the opening ceremonies from Paris live, I did watch a good part of them on Friday night. I have to say… they were pretty cool.
Is this the first time ever the athletes came down a river on boats as each country was introduced to the Summer Games? I don’t remember this before. For that reason alone, tip of the cap. Some countries rolled in on the same boat with other countries. There were those countries who rolled in on a little tugboat type vehicle. Then, there was the USA, rolling down the Seine on a Carnival Cruise line. Whatever the number of athletes, however the countries transported their way down the river, it was all really cool. Of course, the Eiffel Tower in the background certainly didn’t hurt things. Sure, it was raining pretty much the whole time, but then again, we are in Paris, so… it’s all good.
We spent the 2nd leg of our honeymoon in this city; I loved Paris… maybe not as much as my wife, but yeah, I was digging it. It was a really big city, which I love. We were able to walk it, day and night… lost track of how far we had walked. Montemarte and Sacre Coeur… that was really nice. The Moulin Rouge was entertaining too, but believe it or not, the highlight of the trip… was the Eiffel Tower. Yes, the biggest tourist attraction there is in the city, was the best part; I would not have guessed that. Yet, when it lit up at night as we passed by in a taxi, after we rode the elevator up the tower earlier in the day, it was written.
My favorite part of the ceremonies was the laser light show coming out of the Eiffel Tower. I couldn’t stop saying how cool I thought that was; I’m sure my wife and son were like shut up already. Hey, it WAS cool; I really enjoyed that. Even Celine Dion (who we never did see in Vegas, but I guess she’ll be back?) put on a great show. I’m saying “even Celine Dion” because I wouldn’t call myself a fan by any means, although the talent is undeniable. The fashion show down the bridge was interesting, but hey, that’s Paris, right? It was a nice welcome to the world for the next 2 weeks of competition.
Now, the games will begin. From cycling to beach volleyball (nice location for this btw), from judo to handball, from table tennis to rugby… this is going to be fun. Clear my calendar I say! It would be great to be there in person… Never attended the Olympics in person; bucket list item? Well, if so, I’ll get a really good chance to check this off in 4 years when the games make their way back to Los Angeles. Until then, game on! Bonne Chance!
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