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The Opening Ceremonies, Inside-Out

Since arriving in Torino last week, I have been most excited about seeing the Opening Ceremonies. Every two years, I prepare for the games with this extravagant and well-designed spectacle. It always helps rekindle my Olympic Spirit.

This year, I wanted to be as close as I could to the ceremony. From my hotel window about four blocks away from Stadio Olimpico, I was only able to see the blue lights circling in the air. It did not seem like there were many people there.

Since I could not buy tickets, which were selling for up to 500 euros, I decided to watch the ceremony as a spectator from the streets. I wanted to experience the ceremony from a more personal perspective than an ordinary television set.

When I approached, I became submerged in an endless sea of people surrounding the stadium, all equipped with cameras. Hundreds were standing in the streets, in the restaurants and also on benches. I felt very safe though, as security was heavy and police could be seen everywhere, even on horseback. It closely resembled the communal organized chaos of the New Year celebration in Times Square.

I got as close as I could to the stadium, without entering the arena. I saw a tall white monument that resembled the Olympic Cauldron, but I was not sure of its nature. I was under the impression that the flame had to be lit from inside the stadium and I did not see a link to the monument.

My gut instinct told me I was in the right place but I still was not sure if I was looking at the Olympic Cauldron. A few nights ago, I saw a large flame by the stadium around 3am. I thought it was coming from the white, spiraled sculpture. I guess it was an essential practice run, but at the time, it seemed strange.

After taking a few pictures, I wandered to the other side of the stadium to find the cauldron. While weaving in and out of the suffocating but friendly crowd, I got comfortable behind a small fence and listened to the music coming from the stadium. It was crystal clear, ever from a block away.

While taking in my surroundings, I noticed a line of ten story apartments behind me, full of viewers cheering from their balconies. As my eyes scanned the building, I noticed the most perfectly positioned big screen TV, visible from a sixth floor window. I saw some of the games, but continued to wonder about the start time of the flame. I had to see the lighting of the cauldron, but there was not a television outside to indicate when it would occur.

I walked back to my original location and started talking to some locals. Despite the chilly environment, you could feel the excitement. I was talking to this one family about Torino.

Flash!

Fireworks exploded up the sides of the cauldron, racing to the top as the flame launched upward from the spiraled cauldron. Everyone grabbed for their cameras and tried to catch the sudden lighting process. From outside, we could not see Stefania Belmondo, the Italian two-time cross-country skiing gold medal winner, who was the last torch runner. But we saw the lighting of the cauldron for the closest distance.

When I saw that flame rush to the sky, I was completely silent, despite the cheering that rocked the area. I slowly took in the moment, looking at the bright flame then back at the crowd. Instantly, I felt part of Olympic history.

After taking a dozen pictures, I began walking back to my hotel. My Olympic moment was complete. The streets began to empty.

Boom!

Fireworks lit up the sky over Stadio Olimpico, as everyone turned around at once. Blues, yellows and reds jumped from the ledge of the pure black sky. They crossed, dazzled and twirled for a few minutes.

Seconds later, fireworks shot up from the park next to the stadium. It was completely unexpected and more amazing because of it; a tasty Italian dessert that concluded a well-rounded meal.

As I walked back to my hotel, for the second time, I was amazed that I saw the lighting of the Olympic torch. I was a part of history. I did not have to spend an absurd amount of money on a ticket, but I got to experience the lighting of the cauldron firsthand.

Posted by Marco Santini  at 12:00 PM | Permalink

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Posted by: martin santini at February 11, 2006 08:19 PM

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