Counting Down to the Olympics!

Posted by Shiny

The games will start in about 100 days. Recently, the 2008 Beijing Olympics torch has passed through Hong Kong and quite soon it will be relayed in my hometown. What an exciting event!  It is a pity that I can’t go back to China to witness it, but I’ve been to the torch relay in London roughly one month ago.  It was such an unforgettable experience.

On the last day of the Easter holidays, we four boys went to London to witness the relay of the 2008 Beijing Olympics torch.  Although we knew it would be snowing on that day, we didn’t feel cold with few clothes on due to the great passion on our magnificent significance.

Just after we got on the 9:17 train to London Bridge, the weather started roaring with a heavy snow.  On the way to London, everything was white with almost 3 cm of snow.  It was the heaviest snow I’ve ever seen in Brighton, and also in my life.  It was unambiguously an unforgettable experience to the people who have been living in South China for a long time.  So taking photos and chatting have become our ways for refreshments.

It was raining and snowing in London's China Town by the time we reached there.  But it didn’t reduce the number of enthusiastic people who were keen on seeing the event.  People were holding British, Chinese and Olympics flags, either in the rain or in the shops.

The police were already there and metal fences had been set up on two sides of the path that the torch will be passing through.  We were excitedly waiting on both sides regardless of the weather as we believed that no matter what sorts of weather we were going to encounter, the torch would be relayed successfully by the shields of the athletes.

When both sides of the path had been filled by people, two lions came out to create the atmosphere followed by a group of people playing dragon dance.  Knowing the truth that the performers are youngsters who are green hands, we guarantee that we could have given a better performance if we got involved as the five lions we performed in the Chinese New Year in Brighton were doubtlessly one of the top class part-time performances.  We were extracurricular volunteers who have got lots of practice.

Afterwards the Friendlies, also officially known as FUWA, waved hands to us followed by Fuying, the Chinese ambassador who carried the torch along the China Town, covered by a group of Chinese strong men in blue.  Outside them were a group of British police.  It was generally quite peaceful though someone came out to warn us about “twin tower issue”.  Like the Five Olympic Rings from which they draw their color and inspiration, Fuwa will serve as the Official Mascots of Beijing 2008 Olympic Games, carrying a message of friendship and peace--and blessings from China--to children all over the world.
      

Although the torch relays in some countries were interfered a bit, it is just an intermezzo of the whole game.  We all believe that the 2008 Olympics will be a great success.  I realize that I am so lucky since within four years, I can experience two Olympics (in Beijing and London).  Look forward to seeing the games!