Olympic Closing Ceremonies
Ok, The opening ceremonies were just amazing (minus the play by play call from the guys at NBC - It would have been so much more enjoyable had they not felt like every motion required a 30 minute explanation). Thankfully for the closing ceremony they only made a few comments (I guess they heard the complaints).
After a mind blowing opening (plus nearly turning all of Beijing into a giant Roman Candle) I thought it would be extremely hard to top the opening... and it was. They didn't but they came very, very close.
The imagery was just spot on. I especially loved the entire extinguishing of the Olympic flame segment. Just when you thought it was over, in came the memory tower showing that the memories of the games will go on. A particular fitting sentiment considering that in just a few days the Paralympics will take place in the exact same venues.
Who could forget the handoff to London? I'd love to know if it was the Chinese or Brit's idea to open the top of the double decker and do that little diddy. It definitely changed the tone from "This is the end" to "Let's get the party started". I feel a bit sorry for London actually. How on Earth do you follow up China's performance that was so massive, so awe inspiring, so insane? You have David Beckham kick a soccer ball into the audience. I guess that works. But yeah, London 2012... you have your work cut out for you!
Overall the issues that plagued China from the beginning of the games are still there. Even the games themselves generated controversy for them. From the torch relay to the images of people being pulled out of their homes and businesses to make way for the Olympic venues, China still has a lot to learn. I think though, the world and China reintroduced themselves to each other for the first time in a long time.
After a mind blowing opening (plus nearly turning all of Beijing into a giant Roman Candle) I thought it would be extremely hard to top the opening... and it was. They didn't but they came very, very close.
The imagery was just spot on. I especially loved the entire extinguishing of the Olympic flame segment. Just when you thought it was over, in came the memory tower showing that the memories of the games will go on. A particular fitting sentiment considering that in just a few days the Paralympics will take place in the exact same venues.
Who could forget the handoff to London? I'd love to know if it was the Chinese or Brit's idea to open the top of the double decker and do that little diddy. It definitely changed the tone from "This is the end" to "Let's get the party started". I feel a bit sorry for London actually. How on Earth do you follow up China's performance that was so massive, so awe inspiring, so insane? You have David Beckham kick a soccer ball into the audience. I guess that works. But yeah, London 2012... you have your work cut out for you!
Overall the issues that plagued China from the beginning of the games are still there. Even the games themselves generated controversy for them. From the torch relay to the images of people being pulled out of their homes and businesses to make way for the Olympic venues, China still has a lot to learn. I think though, the world and China reintroduced themselves to each other for the first time in a long time.