Ni Hao!

Imagine escaping, for a short time, from the world as we have come to know it. Away from the harsh confrontation of the realities and pictures of war. Away from political campaigns and vulgar propaganda. Away from disaster, destruction and hardship-- if only for a short time.

The Opening Ceremonies of the 2008 Olympics in Beijing offered just that kind of escape. Never before has such a spectacular visual delight been seen by more than a billion  people around the globe.

The colors, the pageantry, the sheer numbers did not fail to impress. The technology was awe-inspiring.

And-oh yes...the fireworks

Witnessing perfection is a rare event, but this was as close as it gets. The world stage has been re-set. But that is a story for another time. Right now, let's just savor the moment.

"Ni Hao!"~ Hello from China