Today in Almaty, another torch was passed. Eighty times to be exact. Almaty was the first stop (after Greece and Beijing) for the Olympic Torch on its 2008 worldwide relay. This is the first time the torch has ever passed through Kazakhstan. At noon today, President Nazarbayev carried the torch for the first leg. Eighty runners in all relayed it from Medeu, the large ice rink in the mountains, into the downtown area.
We (and thousands of others) gathered on a street corner just 2 blocks from our apartment to wait and cheer. Ironically, we stood directly across from the Beijing restaurant (the most expensive Chinese restaurant we’ve ever eaten at) as the torch ran by on its way back to Beijing. We had an incredible view, in spite of the throngs of people. Zoe made a few new friends (mostly crowd control policemen and one particularly friendly babushka) then proceeded to nap as the torch approached.
The crowd waved flags and chanted “Kaz-akh-stan, Kaz-akh-stan, Kaz-akh-stan” as the torch passed by. It was really quite moving. We will definitely be watching for the Kazakh athletes at the Games this summer!
8 comments:
Sounds like the last few days have been positively magical. What a moving experience it must have been to see such a display of pride and allegiance with the running of the torch! I will also keep a close eye on Kaz athletes this year and be rooting them on!
If/when you have a moment, I'd love to see your top 5 recommendations on what to do while in Almaty. Things you think shouldn't be missed. Since we all have to spend time there it would be very useful to so many, and you seem to have excellent taste in all things cultural. :-)
Thanks for sharing your joy with everyone through your blog. I am looking forward to your next phase!
What an exciting event to be part of. You have been part of so many celebrations and milestones during your stay. I wish you a safe jouney home. Zoe just looks so content.
You two (now three) have had such great experiences during your stay there in Almaty. I am sure it has made it even more special. We will gladly take that adoption torch from you. We're ready to run with it!
Yes you win again :)! One more great moment to save for prosperity. Enjoy your final spring day in Almaty. What's in the laundry basket? Looks like a cat, did Julian get you a cat while in Almaty? Chris
That is SO COOL that you got to see the torch!!! What a spectacular experience that must have been. The photos are great and we are so happy for you that you have been having such a great last few days there! Safe travels!!!
What a great thing to experience. I know what you mean about it being moving....years ago like many many many years ago I was on vacation in Cancun, Mexico with a friend from college. We were eating at the Hard Rock Cafe of all things and inside there were two huge TV screens showing the news which happened to be the President of Mexico coming to the podium to speak about the Mexican Independance Day. He got to the podium and all of a sudden everyone in the restaurant stood up and started shouting in unison 3 times Viva Mehico. I remember being awed and impressed by the event and sheepishly realizing that, "Oh yeah, other people are proud of their country too." It was pretty moving.
What an opportunity to be able to see the Olympic torch go by with your daughter! Great photos, too!! Ah, the last day......what a mix of emotion, I am sure. But the prevailing one is that you are headed home as a family. Safe travels - we are so very happy for you. Thank you for keeping an awesome journal of your travels to become a family.
Sara, Julian and Zoe. What a great memory you will have of the olympic torch in Almaty! The city looks great in the spring.
I want to wish you a safe, safe trip home to Toronto. It has been wonderful to follow along on your journey to Zoe, thank you for including us.
Look forward to one day getting to get our two Kaz cuties together in Toronto.
The Keoghclan
Post a Comment