PARIS: The incessant wailing of police sirens could be heard at the stroke of 12 on Friday afternoon outside the Palais des Congres. The city was on high alert. Heavily armed police personnel had started cordoning off the area close to the River Seine. This beautiful world city, which moves at a fast pace, had slowed down by the evening to welcome the Olympic Games home in an open ceremony.
Not restricted to the confines of a stadium for the first time in its history, the opening ceremony was witnessed by many more than the normal thousands. Those who were not lucky to get tickets watched the spectacle on 80 giant screens as strategically placed speakers allowed the Parisians to enjoy the magical atmosphere.
