It's always an inspiring time for me when the Olympics games happen. It's a great opportunity for athletes from across the world to come together and engage in spirited competition. I also enjoy the opportunity to become a little more acquainted with the host country as it showcases its cultures for the broader world stage.
And that's exactly what I got to see on the evening of Friday, February 9 when I viewed the Opening Ceremony for the 2018 Winter Olympics in Pyeongchang, South Korea. Like the commentators said, this ceremony was all about showcasing the ancient traditions and modern sophistication that converge in South Korean culture. The best example of that by far was the numerous drones that flew around and created artistic images in the night sky.
I was intrigued to learn from the commentators, including Katie Couric, about the symbolic importance of the white tiger as a benevolent figure in Korean culture, just as goblins are, for they seek to help people. Then there were the people dressed in special costumes with torches, which was done centuries ago when guests were escorted to an audience with the Korean rulers, a symbol being brought alive again to welcome athletes from throughout the world to the Olympics.
The songs that were performed were so soul-felt, speaking about the ancient nature of the land, along with a spirited performance of John Lennon's "Imagine".
As the ancient Olympics were traditionally a time of truce, it seems like a notable juxtaposition to have North and South Korean athletes march in together, not to mention the North Korean delegation, including Kim Jong Un's sister, sitting so close to the South Korean dignitaries, and US Vice President Mike Pence. Time will tell to see if these gestures lead to anything further.
Certainly, Thomas Bach spoke highly of this Korean unity in his remarks at the closing ceremony, which brought an impressive combination of Korean tradition and technology. The musicians put on quite a show, with a good dose of K-Pop music, and the impressive guitar music of Yang Tae-Hwan, at all of 13 years old. And the drones were back at it again, showing Soohorang, the mascot of these Winter Olympic games. There was also a moving tribute to deceased athletes, drawing from the Korean traditions of the turtle as a symbol of long life and the dandelions sending forth seeds for the future. It was amazing to see the array of graphics displayed on the stadium floor. And we got a good preview of the 2022 Beijing Winter Olympics, with the panda out proudly.
It was quite a show in Pyeongchang for celebrating the conclusion of the 2018 Winter Olympics. I'm certainly glad I finally got access to cable-based livestream so I could watch some curling and that scrubbing action.
A big thanks to the people of South Korean for hosting the world's athletes, and for sharing who you are with us. May you continue to feel the benevolence of the white tiger.
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