Beijing 2008

I know I'm a big nerd when it comes to the Olympics.  I've been waiting almost impatiently since April for the games to start and I'm so excited that they're finally here.  I've had a goal ever since I moved in June to make it the entire summer without TV.  We have two TVs in the house with a VCR and DVD player but not cable or local channels.  So I wanted to go the whole summer watching only movies.  I was going to watch the olympics online through NBCOlympics.com.  However, I soon discovered that my computer wasn't compatible with the video section of the website so I had to break down and buy a $20 TV antenna because there was no way I was going to miss the Olympics.

I anxiously waited all yesterday to find out what the Chinese had in store for the Opening Ceremonies and let me tell you, they did not disappoint.  The ceremonies had to be the best Opening Ceremonies I have seen in my life.  I must admit that I got a little bored during the parade of nations but got a big kick out of the "cheerleaders" that lined the path that the athletes marched through.  My roommate Rachel dubbed them the "Dallas Cowboy cheerleaders."

My favorite part of the ceremonies however, was the lighting of the torch.  If you didn't see it, you really missed out.  I can't even begin to describe how cool it was.  If you missed it, I highly suggest finding it on youtube or something.

As I sat there watching the parade of nations, I realized how many connections I have with other nations.  I will of course still be rooting for the USA- I want them to do really well- however, I will also be cheering loudly for Ecuador and Germany.