On August 8th, 2008, I saw the opening ceremony of the 2008 Beijing Olympics, and I must say, it really was a Olympic-level opening ceremony.

Two-thousand and eight dancers prancing around the stadium, giant firework footsteps rampaging around Beijing, a huge LCD screen, enormous scrolls rolling out, Tai-Chi performers in perfect circles, and a human printing press: it was certainly a lot.

The Beijing 2008 Olympics is namely the most expensive sports event in human history, towering over Athens 2004’s expenses. As I watched the opening ceremony, my eyes got tired as the prancing and dancing ate into my alertness.

Soon, I was doing other things. I can sit still and watch the Olympic opening ceremony, but it made my eyes tired. I marveled at the amazing architecture, but at the same time, got tired seeing all the flares and flashes.

I thought back to Athens 2004’s opening ceremony: a child sitting in a paper boat across a huge lake.

Athens’ had my eyes captured. It was amazing, how simple, how tranquil it was. a child waving, sitting in a paper boat, slowly moving over a huge mirror.

Then I looked at Beijing. Fireworks shooting all over the sky, loud sounds, huge bangs, and over-dramatic acts. It was an entirely different style, not of peace, but like a huge show-and-tell: look what we did, look what we made, look at how much money we spent!

I like Beijing’s opening ceremony: I marvel at the beautiful water cube, the gorgeous shrubs and bushes (all shaped carefully) surrounding the Olympic grounds. But I also adore Athens’ opening ceremony: the tranquil and beauty is something to be remembered.

It all depends on taste.