Olympic Games Opening Night

After a really busy weekend and lots of walking, I feel like a truck just hit me flat. I still went to work today and I forgot to bring my camera. I went straight to my flat and slept an hour. So sorry if I disappoint you by not giving an update on the Day 3 of the Olympic Games. After the heavy rain yesterday, we were all thinking that the weather would be fine today. A blue sky, finally, so we thought! :)) But, alas, we were disappointed. The sun is, as usual, invisible. The photos below are the ones I've taken on the night of the Opening of the Olympic Games last 8.8.08, 8:08 p.m. The story: Earlier in the afternoon, I sent a message to a Chinese friend if he's interested to join us to watch the Opening at the Holland Heineken House. I was amused by his response: "Sorry, Alain. The government said that Chinese people should stay at home. It's dangerous outside." Hmmmnnn...... and truly, there were not many people on that night around Beijing. And guess what, the coverage you saw of thousands of people at the Tiananmen Square had this story and I quote my friend who works in a prestigious international TV station. "After the camera exposed the people at Tiananmen Square to the world in a matter of SECONDS, the policemen were quick to order the throngs of people to go home. And even the media were told to go. We were shocked. We asked for an explanation but were answered that the show is finished. Of course, the show was not finished yet. They just need those people for the world to see that thousands gathered at the Tiananmen. Those people have waited for along time there waiting for something to happen but at the end, they were shoved away in hurry after such exposure. Imagine, there were no TV screens at the Tiananmen. Those people literally missed the show at the National Stadium. What they saw were only fireworks that lasted for less than a minute. Can you believe it?" PHOTO BELOW This is the Agricultural Exhibition Center of China. Apparently, the Dutch rented the place and made it as Holland Heineken House!

Of course, this is me.

Before the start of the Opening Ceremonies, there was a mini concert. The band was singing both English and Dutch songs. The picture below shows the Dutch and a few other nationalities raising their hands on the air! Guess, what's the song played when this picture was taken? It was the loudest song ever..... they sang it with feelings.... You'll Never Walk Alone! :)) Gosh, I never know that the Dutch are this sentimental people! :))

While parading myself at the venue, a man stopped me and said if he could take a photo of my bag and his wooden sandal with an Olympic logo on it. Of course, I willingly obliged and until now, I'm still wondering what's on his mind. :)

And YESSSSSSSSSSSS!!!!! Ninety-eight percent of Dutch who came were clad in orange shirt, orange hats, socks, etc...

And you know what, Dutch boys are hot. They're soooo tall... ;)

Taken from the show.

We were the only ones who never wore ORANGE!!!

Because we didn't understand the Dutch commentator in the venue, we hurriedly left and moved on to the next place called Saddle Cantina, a Mexican resto bar.

At least here, people are mix and crazier. And the Parade of Nations was real loud and cheerful! The Olympic Spirit was with everyone!

Amidst the noise and cheers, this baby next to our table slept in the entire event. ;)

And so we did our own cam-whoring. It was my idea to print out these papers.

After big glasses of mojitos and margaritas, we were alreay tipsy. When the show was finished, we were all hungry. So, we decided to take a bite at a 24-hour sports bar with burgers and fries. Above the chair where I sat, a friend pointed out my country's flag. And so, this pose happened.....

Group picture. Say, "sex."