France likely would have preferred a cloudless day with stars shimmering overhead as night approached. However, life doesn't always give us what we want. And in the end, the rain at the unique outdoor opening of the Olympic Games added not only sparkle amid vast glimmers of hope but also a sense of cleansing that the world seems to need right now. Yes, the games are about sports but they are also about overcoming and collaborating while competing with mutual respect. I was inspired by the inclusive, remarkably creative, vibrant and bold opening ceremony, concluded with a
soul-gripping performance by Canadian singer Celine Dion who had her own health issues to overcome. The
events unfolding on television reminded me of my 2010 visit to Paris when a smudge of moon met a beam of light from the Eiffel Tower and I took pictures.
Beautiful thoughts and images. Celine Dion's courage and beautiful music inspire. I agree, during tense times, glimmers are especially precious.
ReplyDeleteStunning picture of the Eiffel Tower and moon, Maria! And your poem moving...
ReplyDeleteI recently saw a documentary on Celine's journey with her debilitating illness - very inspiring. And she has a stellar voice! What a life she's had despite her challenges.
Beautiful post.
While I didn't see the opening ceremony live I did watch clips and Celine Dion was remarkable.
ReplyDeleteDe très belles réflexions accompagnées de superbes images (kwarkito)
ReplyDeleteThe Eiffel Tower and moon photo is jaw dropping! I've been having trouble watching the olympics. TV availability of events seems kind of disjointed. I've watched a little here and there.
ReplyDeleteLove your photos of the Eiffel Tower and your inspiring words
ReplyDeleteI have been to Paris several times. It's very interesting for exhibitions and museums, but the city is awful when you live there and I did for 2 weeks helping a friend to move into her apartment ! People are very aggressive the city was dirty even in the posh area where she lived. The Eiffel tower rusty, maybe they repainted it now for the Olympics. I liked the opening show very much and then I heard and read what really happened behind all this. The Parisians are very special and the rest of France doesn't like them at all.
ReplyDeleteMy stay in Paris was brief on holiday more than a decade ago. I found the Tower and city immaculate, utterly charming, resplendent with history and fabulous architecture and its people quite likeable. However, there were terrorist threats that year and also protests due to raising the retirement age by two years to 62. From the Tower, one could see pollution hovering over the city as it does throughout the world, particularly where heavy traffic spouts carbon emissions … the most damaging dirt not in the nooks and crannies but in our air.
DeleteGreat thoughts and images - Celine Dion was inspiring
ReplyDeleteWonderful shots and a good story to go with it. IMHO the SWF community is a fine example of how easy and fun it can be to just share stories and pictures without looking at someone's skin colour, religion or sexuality.
ReplyDeleteKeep up the good work!
Magical.
ReplyDeleteI loved this post! Thank you.
ReplyDeleteBeautiful shots.
ReplyDeleteLovely pics and words.
ReplyDeleteHave totally ignored this olympics though I did see the stunning picture of the full moon framed in the eiffel tower on my timeline...
ReplyDelete...thanks for taking me along to see the sight, I doubt is if I will see it in person. Where are we off to next?
ReplyDeleteWow! What a beautiful opening to your post. Your photograph and poem are very moving. I've always thought France would be a beautiful country to visit.
ReplyDeleteMagical post and photos about your visit to gay Paree ~ enjoyed the opening of the Olympics ~ the rest were too filled with commercials ~ c'est la vie now ~ hugs,
ReplyDeleteWishing you good health, laughter and love in your days,
clm ~ A ShutterBug Explores,
aka (A Creative Harbor)
I love your photos. I've never traveled abroad so it intrigues me!
ReplyDeleteNice photos and thoughts, thanks for sharing. Yes, I agree, we have only one planet that we can live on (that we know of) and it is best not to muck it up.
ReplyDeleteWatching sports on television is not now nor ever has been my choice of activity, and the athletes at the Olympics are but a side show to the scurrilous activity to first gain the rights to host it. Then the drug scandals, the need to guard participants from some countries around the clock, (so much for brotherly love at the games), Canada spying on competitors with drones, xenophonia, jingoism, questions as to the gender of the participants, polluted water in the Seine, athletes stripped of medals and being sent home. And so it goes. As for visiting Paris, I have done so twice, and while there is much to commend it, I have no memory of a clean city. Trash was everywhere and the air quality was poor. On balance, better to take a walk in the woods. Better do it soon though, we are burning them all to the ground!
ReplyDeleteLovely pics of Paris. Celine Dion was the star imo of the Olympic opening. Most tourists find the Parisians rude and off hand. However if you wear an Akubra hat and speak fluent French with a perfect accent you will be treated like royalty.:)..Rall
ReplyDeleteI don't follow new music enough to have heard about Celine Dion but I'm glad she was feeling well enough to sing, whatever's been wrong.
ReplyDeletePK
Beautiful blog
ReplyDeleteHello,
ReplyDeleteWonderful photos of Paris and a great post. I think it is amazing to see so many great athletes competing. Sorry I am late visiting and commenting. Thank you for linking up and sharing your post. Take care, have a great day and happy week ahead.
Thanks for inviting me along on this colorful journey.
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