Opening ceremonies

Whenever I have seen sporting events held in different countries like the Olympics I have thought that the athletes hosting must miss the fact that they aren't traveling to some distant location. I had no idea what it is like to represent your country at home. People talk to you from their cars to say "go USA". They honk in support. It is really amazing.
Tonight we went to opening ceremonies. There was the usual corralling of the athletes by country to parade in. Lots of pictures taken so I am sure some will be posted. Went inside and had the normal dignitaries giving speeches. Then the music started and we were soon dancing in the crowds. Then the us contingent started dancing over to the other countries and it ended up a huge line of international dancers high fiving. The energy was great and it was nice to see Connie enjoying us enjoying it.
Then, the evening got even more amazing. One of our teammates had met a restaurant owner at starbucks when he was impressed by her biceps. He invited her to bring her room mates back with her to Malios prime where he fed them a three course dinner for free. He told them to bring the team back for free appetizers. We had taken a picture for them and the teammates that had met him had framed it and taken it to him. When we got there tonight we had bread, shrimp, steak tips, cheesecake, chocolate cake... Going back to normal life is going to be tough!
Tomorrow is the 2000. Stay tuned.