The Olympic Torch in Xi'an - Part 1
Posted by Metabetable at 7/4/2008 10:30 PM and is filed under Xi'an,Pictures,Personal,2008 Olympic Games,Video 
My July 4th this year was a bit different than one's I've had in the past. The Olympic Torch came through Xi'an today. So instead of sporting my American pride on my home country's independence day, it was all about China for me today.
Xi'an's torch ceremony started at the Small Wild Goose Pagoda, then wound its way to the Big Wild Goose Pagoda, and then finally to Tang Paradise.
Seeing how close I live to the Big Wild Goose Pagoda, I was intent on seeing the torch there around 9:00AM. I didn't care too much about actually seeing the torch. As it turns out, I didn't even get a chance to catch a glimpse of the torch. Instead, I was more interested in seeing the scene that having the torch in Xi'an was sure to create.
What a scene it was.
Below are some of the pictures I took today:
A street completely full of people as far as the eye could see
The designers of this guy's T-shirt obviously took the direct translation of "jia you!"
Cute lil' baobei
A vendor trying to hawk some China gear
Jackie sporting her nationalist pride
Me sporting my wicked new 中国加油 T-shirt in front of the Big Wild Goose Pagoda
The crowd getting pumped up
This video is pretty indicative of the spirit of the day today:
I had an awesome time today. Seeing everything that surrounded the torch being in Xi'an will not be something I soon forget.
Today also got me excited about the Olympics next month. Amidst political problems, pollution concerns, and everything else I talk about on this blog on a regular basis, I'd almost forgotten about the pomp and circumstance, competitive sporting events, and everything else that is going to be sweet about the Olympics. It is going to be really cool witnessing these games from within China.
I'd be lying if I said I didn't miss America today though. July 4th is right up there with Christmas as my favorite holiday of the year.
To all my family and friends back in America celebrating America's 232nd birthday: be safe and have an awesome day in the Land of the Free!
Xi'an's torch ceremony started at the Small Wild Goose Pagoda, then wound its way to the Big Wild Goose Pagoda, and then finally to Tang Paradise.
Seeing how close I live to the Big Wild Goose Pagoda, I was intent on seeing the torch there around 9:00AM. I didn't care too much about actually seeing the torch. As it turns out, I didn't even get a chance to catch a glimpse of the torch. Instead, I was more interested in seeing the scene that having the torch in Xi'an was sure to create.
What a scene it was.
Below are some of the pictures I took today:
A street completely full of people as far as the eye could see
The designers of this guy's T-shirt obviously took the direct translation of "jia you!"
Cute lil' baobei
A vendor trying to hawk some China gear
Jackie sporting her nationalist pride
Me sporting my wicked new 中国加油 T-shirt in front of the Big Wild Goose Pagoda
The crowd getting pumped up
This video is pretty indicative of the spirit of the day today:
I had an awesome time today. Seeing everything that surrounded the torch being in Xi'an will not be something I soon forget.
Today also got me excited about the Olympics next month. Amidst political problems, pollution concerns, and everything else I talk about on this blog on a regular basis, I'd almost forgotten about the pomp and circumstance, competitive sporting events, and everything else that is going to be sweet about the Olympics. It is going to be really cool witnessing these games from within China.
I'd be lying if I said I didn't miss America today though. July 4th is right up there with Christmas as my favorite holiday of the year.
To all my family and friends back in America celebrating America's 232nd birthday: be safe and have an awesome day in the Land of the Free!
Phenomenal pictures! What kind of camera do you use? Happy 4th... or is it 5th now?
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Thanks a lot for the compliment Melissa! I really appreciate it.
My camera is a Canon Powershot G2. I love the camera, but it's ancient (it's bulky yet only 4 megapixels!). It was released in 2001, which for digital cameras has to be the stone ages or something. It was already very obsolete when I bought it in 2003.
It's past time for me to upgrade to a new camera, but a new digital camera (while my current one still works) is not on the top of my list of priorities.
I'll keep trying to take quality photos with it. I'm a firm believer that good photos are more the product of good photographers than good cameras.
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You can get an old canon digital pretty cheap, the d10 or 10d, I forget, its an older model but still works very well. However, if what you have works then go with that.
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hello mark ,i like your pictures about the olimpic torch in xi'an ,i watch torch yestoday too.it is of great interesting and funny.heyhey
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Thank you for the impressive photos.
Thank you for your support for the Olympic Games. Hope you have a wonderful time in China!
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That shirt is so awesome, great find Mark! Cool pics, yea I really wish I had some cash to visit, everything in china looks cool.
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