I did not attend the opening ceremonies tonight. It was a conscious decision, not one of necessity despite the fact that had no choice regardless – I simply did not have a ticket.

I must admit though, I was being somewhat nostalgic. I have now attended three Olympic games – two as an athlete – and have not chosen to be a part of the pomp and circumstance.

It may partly be my disdain for watching things go in circles around a track – yes, NASCAR, I am talking to you – and partly due to the fact that I just do not understand the whole show aspect to the ceremonies.

I guess I could have attended just to say that I “had been there,” but that is just not me. Don’t get me wrong, the bits and pieces I saw on television looked interesting, but not compelling enough to keep my attention. In person. For four hours.

What I care about is the flame being lit and the competition getting underway (note to the IOC – maybe in London you could have a cliff notes version of the opening ceremonies – something 30 minutes long or so?).

But in Beijing, I just had this strange vibe that I may be alone in my feelings about the ceremonies.

This is Beijing’s Games, but more importantly it is the people of Beijing’s Games.

Walking Tall

I chose to walk back to the hotel tonight, and I truly believe that I was the only person walking away from the Olympic Stadium.

That fact drew some odd stares from the locals – something I was never completely comfortable with.

The first 30 minutes were quiet – oddly quiet. As I strolled along the Beijing streets practically alone, I began to get the feeling that for a city of 17 million to be this empty – especially on the eve of the biggest event to ever be held within its borders – was strange.

Then I saw it. Just within my line of sight I saw the city that is in love with its Games. As I moved closer, it grew larger.

But it was held back. Detained, so to speak. Just beyond the tanks. Secure.

Think Times Square on New Years Eve, but occurring a mile or more from Times Square – and heavily fortified.

I have never witnessed an excitement quite like it.

It was a strange experience to witness thousands, if not hundreds of thousands of people cheering, yelling, and screaming – utterly overwhelmed with enthusiasm – while not having a clue what was occurring just up the road inside the Olympic Stadium.

To bear witness to that excitement far outweighed any second I could have spent inside the stadium itself and for that I am grateful.

This is Beijing’s Games and they are just getting started.