15th Asian Games in Doha, and we went to the Opening Ceremony!

We hosted a pre-ceremony BBQ at our house, and then walked down to Khalifa Stadium to join the other 40,000 people for the opening ceremony. Unfortunately, it poured with rain (go figure - it hasn't rained in two years!) and we got soaked on our way there. Our spirits weren't dampened though, with excitement building all around us.

Fortunately we were seated somewhere above the Emir of Qatar, so we were under cover and protected from the elements. The show was brilliant! Here are some of my photos, but for better quality shots, go to www.doha-2006.com (actually a good spot to have a look at photos around Doha). This event is second only to the Olympic Games, in regards to size and budgets. It is also run every four years, and involves 45 countries competing in 39 sports.

This is a photo of the HUGE torch next to the stadium built by a sheik who now has a 4 storey apartment is the middle of it, with a pool extending out from the tower. Amazing but true. It is lit up from top to bottom and is here scrolling "ASIAN GAMES DOHA 2006".








Here we are entering the stadium grounds. The red arc you can see is the border of the WORLD'S LARGEST SCREEN. It was transparent until they started showing images on it!

(L) A thousand Qataris in dish dash (white gown worn by men) on stage light up red & white torches to make the Qatari flag. Audience waving wildly also.
(R) Giant images of Asia suddenly appear from wagons brought on by dancers in elaborate costumes.












(L) Fifty Arabian horses ridden in formations at high speed and accuracy.
(R) Paying tribute to oil and gas reserves... I think this is when Brendan started cheering!












Some fireworks on stage...
There was also an amzing show of fireworks at the end, but my photos don't do it justice. Let me just say, they had spared no expense!











(L) At the end of the parade of nations, Qatar's team enters to huge applause and cheering. (catch a glimpse of the Emir on the LARGE screen)
(R) Singapore's team in red in the middle... GO SINGAPURA!

Then we listened to Hong Kong popstar Jackie Cheung sing and later Jose Carreras perform. Thousands of Qatari school children ran on with glowing doves to signify peace.




























"The Torch found its way to Sheikh Mohammed Bin Hamad Al-Thani, the Qatari equestrian captain who rose through the floor of the stadium astride his horse to accept the Flame. After giving a brief salute to the Emir, Al-Thani then turned and urged his mount into a gallop as he gallantly rode up a ramp that reached the full height of the stadium, much to the audience’s amazement. At the top the Torch lit a gold star, which turned upwards within revolving circles which became the astrolabe of the Seekers quest. The Flame was lit signalling the start of the 15th Asian Games."


The tower which you saw at the beginning was simultaneously lit, and here you can see the top of the huge structure from our bedroom window the next morning.