i'm watching the opening ceremony of the olympics in all its london-esque grandeur. i still remember the excitement of the olympics as a kid, plopping myself in front of the tube (sitting only a few feet away as it was much smaller then). it's funny, up until a couple of weeks ago i still thought the olympics lasted the whole summer, asking my husband why the games hadn't started yet. he told me they were just 16 days, going on to say, "that's why they call it '16 days of glory.'" what, sixteen days? two weeks?? they had seemed to be much, much longer as a child, probably because i actually watched parts of the games (gymnastics!) instead of seeing updates trending via social media.
ah, how the world has changed. the ceremony even featured a segment about changing technology and our digital age finished off by an appearance by the inventor of the world wide web, tim berners-lee, who typed in a message that was lit up by the audience and seen by the world: "this is for everyone."
a simple statement, but it really captured the essence of what the games are about. it's a time of countries around the world to set aside their differences and come together for a moment. i think that is what is so monumental about the games -- nevermind the pomp and circumstance of the lighting of the torch or the medal count or the backstories -- it's a time of camaraderie and sportsmanship; worldwide team spirit.
let the games begin!
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