Beijing Opening Ceremony

Before starting this post I must admit that I have not watched any other Olympic ceremonies with such a critical awareness.

 

My initial thoughts: one big nationalistic boast. I think the Olympics is about bringing everyone together and celebrating a thing that unites us all, not a platform to promote one country in particular. I think we will see a much more inclusive ceremony from London – we shall see…

Beijing Excitement!

I have to say there are three fascinating elements to the games, due to begin in two days.

1: The protests, which began today with two Brits holding aloft a huge Tibet flag above the Olympic Stadium.

2: The Brits promise of better than 10th place in the medals table and;

3: The air quality, which still looks in a dire state with only two days to go.

I feel completely torn. One part of me wants China to be humiliated, the other, fuelled by my wonderful stay in the country and the lovely kind people, wants them to show the world how much they have progressed.

Whatever happens, it promises to be a thrilling two weeks.