Chapter 1: A Bold Opening

The Olympic opening ceremony in Paris was nothing short of a breathtaking spectacle. With iconic moments like France’s legendary soccer player Zidane navigating the metro while carrying the Olympic flame, and Céline Dion delivering her first performance in years from the Eiffel Tower, the event was truly a show-stopping affair. I spent several hours glued to the live broadcast, hardly able to take my eyes off the screen.

Initially, I felt a bit anxious. My daughter, who lives close to the celebrations, faced the reality of heightened security due to the threat of a terrorist attack. With road closures making it hard for locals to move around, she was less than thrilled to be in the city at this time.

If I were not so averse to large crowds, I might have made the effort to witness this once-in-a-lifetime event in person. Yet, the thought of overpriced tickets and packed streets made staying at home a more appealing option. (My daughter even noted that train fares had skyrocketed this past week. Really, Paris? You should prioritize your residents.)

The decision to host the ceremony outdoors rather than in a conventional stadium was commendable. It was a colossal task, and from my perspective, it went off without any major issues. While there may have been some minor glitches, they were far from noticeable.

One of the biggest takeaways was the absence of any significant problems. Given the day's ominous start with arson attacks on high-speed train routes, it was impressive to see such a large public gathering occur without incident. The security measures in place to support a six-kilometer-long stage were remarkable.

Chapter 2: Celebrating Openness

The theme of ‘openness’ was prominently featured throughout the ceremony. Athletes made their grand entrance down the Seine on various boats, proudly waving their national flags. What a unique and delightful experience! I remember being there just over a year ago, shivering in the cold.

The entertainment was a vibrant mix of fashion, art, culture, history, equality, and acceptance. From historical figures emerging from riverside pedestals to a heavy metal band performing as pyrotechnics erupted from grand buildings, the variety was exhilarating.

The event showcased technology in spectacular fashion. Was that a horse galloping across the Seine? Or perhaps a hot air balloon serving as the Olympic cauldron? I can hardly wait for my daughter to snap a photo of that for me!

As I watched the ceremony, the Canadian Broadcasting commentary was buzzing about Céline Dion's presence. As the event unfolded, it became clear why she was there: for an unforgettable comeback. After her struggle with Stiff Person Syndrome, what better way to reintroduce herself than by performing atop the Eiffel Tower, singing l’Hymne à L’amour?

Céline delivered an unforgettable performance, serving as the cherry on top of an already spectacular event, even though I wouldn’t call myself her biggest fan.

Kudos to Paris for pulling off such a stunning event while ensuring the safety of both locals and visitors. Now, let's support the extraordinary athletes who can proudly call themselves Olympians. Let the Games commence!