The Opening... almost there

We are all waiting in deep anticipation for the Opening ceremony in just little more than 2 hours. Despite the rumors of security threats, the hassle of tremendous measures that literally will close out Beijing within the first 3 ring roads from the outside (in some parts even to the 4th ring road)... despite not being able to go to the places where we were going to meet friends to share this experience... despite all that, we wait for this ceremony. The one that will not only start the Games, but "re-open" China to the world and show that China has come of age.

Ironic, no?