I've been watching the opening ceremony for the Winter Olympic games that are officially beginning today in Sochi, Russia. Interestingly, the French spelling for "Sochi" is "Sotchi" - without the addition of the "t," the word would be pronounced "So-shee" in that language. Maria Sharapova, one of HWMBO's favorite tennis players, passed the torch to the runners who just lit the Olympic Cauldron. Spectacular fireworks are now shooting into the skies to strains of glorious Tchaikovsky music. No one does romanticism quite like the Russian composers, IMO.
Beautiful spectacle, yes! Beautiful symbolism, yes! If only the symbolism could carry over into Real Life.
Let us all hope that the young athletes who are representing their countries are able to do their best - whatever that may be - and that all will leave with renewed enthusiasm and hope for a future that is, at best, clouded.
May they each return home safe and sound - and with new appreciation for the wonderful world that exists beyond the borders of their own nation as well as for the peoples that inhabit that world! Wonder-full indeed!
That was the vision of Pierre de Coubertin in reviving these games! May that vision flourish!
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