Wow!!!

That's the only word for the opening ceremony last night -- WOW, all caps, exclamation mark. What artistry, what a amazing feats of coordination and imagination.

And just a tad bit creepy, too. Definitely won't ever be replicated by any country with a minimum wage. I hope the goverment was paying attention to their own propaganda about the importance of finding harmonious solutions to the world's environmental issues. OK, I better stop before my visa is revoked. (Yes, you need a Visa to go to China.... $200, make your check out right to the government treasury.)

Here in Denver, we had a family party, complete with Chinese food (or, as they call it in China, "food") and Tsingtao beer. Word from Dalian is that they had a party there too, although no Chinese food. Most of the track and field athletes are still in Dalian until Tuesday or so, training and keeping focused until their competitions begin. (Wouldn't want them to get distracted by watching the beach vollyball competition, would you?)