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Only six months has passed since the Beijing Olympics and the Birds Nest stadium which hosted the spectacular opening and closing ceremonies is already beginning to lose its shine. The paint is peeling and stains have appeared on its famous lattice design. Accelerating the deterioration of the iconic National Stadium is the absence of a permanent tenant. [...]
Posted on 11 February 2009 | 12:06 am
The Olympics are now over, but my adventures continue. You can continue following my travels in Asia here.
Posted on 17 October 2008 | 1:17 am
The opening ceremony for the Paralympics was held last night in Beijing. The ceremony was spectacular but perhaps not on the scale of the ceremony for the Beijing Olympics. Most of the show was performed by people with disabilities, including Li Yue, who lost her left leg in the Sichuan earthquake and performed [...]
Posted on 6 September 2008 | 7:44 pm
The Beijing Paralympics are just a day away from starting. Here are some pictures from Tiananmen Square which has some pretty impressive floral displays on show now.
Posted on 4 September 2008 | 8:59 pm
Posted on 4 September 2008 | 7:47 pm
The ticket scammers who defrauded people by selling non-existent tickets through the internet are getting ready for the Vancouver and London Olympics. “I was shocked by the brilliance and hard work of the thieves fleecing the Olympic family — and they are setting up to do the same thing in Vancouver in 2010 and London in [...]
Posted on 2 September 2008 | 8:23 pm
Beijing did a lot to improve the air quality leading up to the Beijing Olympics, with mixed results. The days before the opening ceremony were pretty bad, but a burst of rain cleared the air and pollution became less of a talking point. Almost straight after the closing ceremony the hazy skies returned. A [...]
Posted on 1 September 2008 | 3:56 am
Beijing recorded 6.52 million visitors for the 2008 Olympics, with 382,000 of those coming from overseas. Authorities long estimated that 500,000 foreigners would visit the city, but tougher visa controls reduced that number. The Xinhua news agency reported that tourist spots in the city reported total revenues of 162 million yuan (US$23 million), according to [...]
Posted on 31 August 2008 | 8:34 pm
To the athletes tonight: You were true role models. You have shown us the unifying power of sport. The Olympic spirit lives in the warm embrace of competitive rivals from nations in conflict. Keep that spirit alive when you return home. These were truly exceptional Games! (Source: Dr Jacques Rogge, Chairman of the International Olympic [...]
Posted on 24 August 2008 | 4:39 pm
The fireworks are still going on over Beijing tonight as the Olympics comes to a close. The closing ceremony wasn’t as long as the first one and not as spectacular, but still very well done. We had a short section to mark the handover of the Olympics from Beijing to London. London’s mayor [...]
Posted on 24 August 2008 | 7:16 am
IOC Press Release
Closing ceremony under a full moon
"The Closing Ceremony will take place on Sunday 29 August at 9.15 p.m. under a full moon. It will be a totally different style of ceremony, announced Dimitris Papaioannou, Concept Creator and Artistic Director of Opening and Closing Ceremonies of the Athens 2004 Olympic Games.
Eat, drink, sing and dance
“The Opening Ceremony was a celebration of humanity while the Closing Ceremony will be a warm and human celebration. It will be like an invitation to eat, drink and dance and sing with us, the Greek way. It will feature a colourful mosaic, compiled of pieces of Greek celebrations gathered from all regions of Greece featuring a fast edit of a constant flow, like rivers of energy, of 2,100 volunteers“, Papaioannou told journalists in a press briefing.
Sixty pontos dancers in a field of wheat
Among other things, the Closing Ceremony will feature 100 “koudounatoi” - a Greek custom with direct origins in the Bacchic rituals of ancient times, as well as a line of 60 Pontos dancers, one of the most powerful Greek dances. This will be staged on a field of play that will be transformed into a field of golden wheat made of 45,000 stalks of wheat.
Marathon Medal Ceremony
The medal ceremony for the men's marathon, as the last discipline of the Games, follows. Then enter the flags of all delegations and all the athletes without any distinction of nationality. The Presidents of ATHOC and the IOC are invited to deliver their speeches, and then the mayors of Athens and Beijing are introduced and the national anthems of Greece and China played. For eight minutes, a cultural show staged by Chinese artists will provide a taste of what can be expected in Beijing in 2008.
Goodbye to the flame
Eight volunteers will contribute to lowering the Olympic flag. Finally, the crowd and the world say goodbye to the flame, symbolically keeping the flame in their hearts. And all this to the sounds of great composer Manos Xatzidakis. Afterwards, seven major Greek singers invite the world to dance."
What can i say "BRAVO" to the Greeks a job well done. You really showed the world what the Greeks are capable of (i had NO doubt). Like the IOC president Dr. Jacquess Rogge said "UNFORGETABLE" they will definately be unforgetable. A very proud Greek..
Posted by: Penny Kyriakidis Ganis at August 30, 2004 11:15 AMhello
just like 2 say that the olympics were great 4 the aussies this year we came 1st
bye bi
lov billy
i am really fasinating by the ancient GREECE opening and closing ceremony.
really amazing and i can understand GREECE is still with the technology and economic advancement.
i thank you on the behalf of my people for your valuable and memorable ceremony.
daniel from ethiopia(east africa)
Posted by: daniel getachew at August 30, 2004 09:07 PMdoes anyone have a list of the Greek singers at the closing ceremony.
Posted by: john jones at August 31, 2004 12:25 AMThe closing ceremony was amazing. Question: does anyone know where to get artificial wheat stalks like they used in the closing ceremonies? I'd like to get some, but I don't know where. Thanks!
Posted by: Karin Cozzolino at August 31, 2004 06:11 AMDoes anyone know the name of the ten year old Greek orphan girl who put out the Olympic flame at the closing ceremonies !
Peter Agriostathes
(greekster101@hotmail.com )
1stly i wanna say dat was ta best olympics eva!
The closing ceremony totally roxd!
I luvd ta singers
Anna Vissi was soo good and beautiful- she did Greece proud!
and that Michalis - i dont noe he's last name was a total babe!!!!! (Just lyke my Nikos Verdis!!)
yea so if any1 noez what he's last name is (michalis)can you plz tell me!
cool
luv ya all
xoxoxo Dimitra mwahz
Greece u did it
u totally roxd
u were unforgetable ta best olympics 3va!
im so jealous i wish i was there!!!
Posted by: Dimirtia at August 31, 2004 09:09 AMThe closing ceremony of the 2004 olympic games was awesome. Does anyone know the names of the seven singers? There is one woman who sang a song and it was to an techno sounding beat. Email me if you happen to know their names and who she is. Thanks Athens!
Posted by: Dan at August 31, 2004 10:06 AMThe closing ceremony of the 2004 olympic games was awesome. Does anyone know the names of the seven singers? There is one woman who sang a song and it was to an techno sounding beat. Email me if you happen to know their names and who she is. Efharisto Athena!
Posted by: Dan at August 31, 2004 10:07 AMUnbelievable opening and closing ceremonies great show...........and all this from a small country with a population of less than 11-12 million people. No wonder...... these are the people that controlled the world. Without them we would still be swinging from the trees. TXS AP
Posted by: angelo paloumbis at August 31, 2004 11:04 AMThe Olympics were awesome so much medals for australia, 49 gold medals thats a mighty good effort in knew we could do it we didnt win but we tried
Posted by: Rob at August 31, 2004 11:41 AMBRAVO athens did it beatiful
Posted by: rob at August 31, 2004 11:44 AMBRAVO athens did it beatiful
Posted by: rob at August 31, 2004 11:44 AMBRAVO athens did it beatiful
Posted by: rob at August 31, 2004 11:44 AMexcellent job, greeks!
too bad about the marathon scandal, it really was a pity to see a lunatic destroy that poor brazilian's effort...
could someone tell something more about a greek singer who took part at the closing ceremony, I think her name was anna vissa, or smth. like that?
I mean, she looks really hot, and whemn someone told me that this lady was actually middle-aged, I could not believe it! I would appreciate some more details on her, if possible...
Posted by: srgo at August 31, 2004 07:22 PMDoes anyone know who theGreek singers were on the stage during the closing ceremony? In particular, the women with short dark hair?
Cheers.
Does anyone know who theGreek singers were on the stage during the closing ceremony? In particular, the woman with short dark hair?
Cheers.
Does anybody know the name of the singer who led
the last song Athena? the petite lady with the very short haircut?
Please, email your answer, thanks.
I agree. Greece did a great job. Bravo!
I believe that Eleftheria Arvanitaki, Giorgos Dalaras, Marinella were some of the performers earlier on.
I think the lady with the short hair was Alkistis Protopsaltis. Some of the others were Antonis Remos, Anna Vissi, Sakis Rouvas... I'm not sure about the rest.
Does anyone know the titles of the songs they performed?
Posted by: Sophia at September 1, 2004 11:59 AMthe singers were:
1. Anna Vissi (the babe). She has a website at www.anavissi.net ---availble in English if you click on the british flag
2. Eleftheria Arvanitaki
3. Michalis Hatziyiannis -- the young guy
4. Alkistis Protopsalti
5. Antonios Remos
6. the old guy I dont know....
it's www.annavissi.com (2 n's, not one)
Posted by: pauli at September 1, 2004 04:23 PMWhat was in the olympic gift bags
Posted by: tw at September 2, 2004 12:12 AMWhat was in the bags at the closing ceremony?
Posted by: at September 2, 2004 12:14 AMWhat was in the bags at the closing ceremony?
Posted by: at September 2, 2004 12:14 AMThe 'old guy' was Dionysios Savopoulos, a very important and influential figure in Greek music. He also looked pretty impressive until he put on weight and got grey hair. For him, at least, the Athens Olympics should have been in 2000.
Posted by: Steve at September 2, 2004 04:06 AMI was VERY impressed with both the opening and closing ceremony.
BRAVO ELLADA !!!!!!!!
The singers at the closing ceremony were awesome.
Sakis Rouvas should have been on stage longer!!!!
He is the epitomy of a greek god!
Anna Vissi is a total goddess.She is one of Greece's most famous singers.
Does anyone know her age?
I've heard she is in her 50's.
The dance song where Anna Vissi was lying down with a techno feel is called "Eisai".
I would also like to know, what was the song those asian girls playing the drums for the China performance was? & where one girl was dancing with red ribbons in between all the singing girls? I really like that song & I've been trying to find out information on it!
If anyone knows, please contact me thankyou!!
Posted by: Lilithia at September 2, 2004 04:21 PMI thought that the closing ceremony was absolutely fantastic. Marinella the Great Lady of Greek Music was a HUGE! Star. Anna Vissi was better than ever. Sexy, gorgeous and very provocative she is obviously the younger version of Marinella. Above all the entire ceremony was extremely well planned, with enormous thought put into it. Ellada Rox !!!! Dani
Posted by: Dani at September 2, 2004 07:42 PMthere are no good results
Posted by: khalid abbasi at September 3, 2004 02:34 AMhe singers were:
1. Anna Vissi
2. Eleftheria Arvanitaki
3. Michalis Hatziyiannis
4. Alkistis Protopsalti
5. Antonios Remos
6. Sakis Rouvas -- The guy with white clothes
7. Dionysis Savvopoulos -- The old guy...
he singers were:
1. Anna Vissi
2. Eleftheria Arvanitaki
3. Michalis Hatziyiannis
4. Alkistis Protopsalti
5. Antonios Remos
6. Sakis Rouvas -- The guy with white clothes
7. Dionysis Savvopoulos -- The old guy...
hi
i like the song anna vissi performed with the singer in black playing guitar !!!do you know the title?????
i want to tell you that the woman in silver trouser is Eleftheria Arvanitaki she's my favourite ..and the woman in short dress is anna vissi...the others are George Dalaras ,Marinella ,Alkistis Protopsalti ,Sakis Rouvas .
Thank you all for the providing the names of the Greek singers that performed at the closing ceremony, I've been searching the net for weeks with not a whole lot of luck and finally found this website. THANK YOU!!!
I really loved the music! Have any of you found recordings of it anywhere? Maybe an Olympic CD or by individual artist? Anyone know any of the song titles? Please email me! I'm mostly interested in Antonis Remos (very hot!!!), Anna Vissi and Eleftheria Arvanitaki....info on the others is great as well. Thanks! Linda
Posted by: Linda at September 8, 2004 10:52 PMI was at the games and does anybody know the song that was performed at all the medal ceremonies? It was just an instrumental song.
As for the music, if you liked Anna Vissi's song check out Despina Vandi. She has some really good dancy type songs, one in fact that i've even heard here in the US is a a song called Gia (ya) on a cd by the same name. Another big name is Keti Garbi, she has some more popular songs.
Posted by: Taylor at September 9, 2004 07:07 AMOh one more thing. When I was in Greece I bought the "Official" olympic cd called Phos. It did not contain a single song that I heard at the games. It is 18 songs by Mikis Theodorakis, a very influential older greek artist, all redone by various artists. The CD is decent but not what I had hoped for. Also there is another CD out in english called Harmony with the exact same cover (you can find it on amazon) but it is singers like Destiny's Child and Avril Lavign... not exactly music from the games. Anyway, I didn't want anybody to get duped like I did. The cd is decent but not music that was tied to the actual games from what I can tell.
Posted by: Taylor at September 9, 2004 07:12 AMAnd yes Anna Vissi is almost 50 (46).. born in Dec. 1957. She looks pretty damn good for 46!
Posted by: Taylor at September 9, 2004 07:26 AMOMG!!...Best ever Olympics in history, and i doubt any olympics and beat greece...the mere fact that the olympics have finaly retured to Greece there home...just makes them so much more special!....it makes me so much prouder of being Greek to see what we accomplished..everyone had their doubts..but i knew...the greeks wanted this for so long...they would make it the best ever!!!
i absolutley love the closing ceramony, aminly cos i got to see my 2 favourite singers Anna Vissi who looked so damn Hot on the night and Sakis Rouvas how was alos looking very hot!!!....
ahh what a night...im kinda sad the olympics are over....but this will be one memeory i wont forget...
Bravo ellada, mas kannate perifani!
ZHTO H ELLAS!!!...
A Proud Greek Jen xx
Posted by: Jen at September 10, 2004 11:08 PMActually, what I was more happy about was not only the success of the Olympic Games (we were sure about that), but the fact that in the end all foreign media admitted how wrong they were for not trusting Greeks and apologised for their initial bitter and unfair comments.
I never thought that I'd feel a sense of emptiness now that the games are over! All this endless partying in Plaka with people all over the world..a once in a life time experience!
Valerie, the guy playing the guitar with Anna Vissi is Michalis Hatziyiannis. He's also from Cyprus and performed in the Closing Ceremony.
To all of you who want to download greek artists' songs, try kazaa. Most greeks are registered there.
Take care~!
Posted by: Dimitra at September 11, 2004 08:13 AMBravo Hellas!!!
My memories of the 2004 Olympics in Athens will be with me forever. The atmosphere and hospitality was fantastic, and I wish I was still there now :(
Posted by: trish from UK at September 12, 2004 09:53 AMAmazing ceemony, amazing singers... Greece left me impressed!
Does a list of the music performed during the ceremony exist anywhere? I mean mostly the more traditional songs that appeared... Or at least the title of the song about Ikaria... Anyone?
Eyxaristw, filia sthn Ellada!
bravo ELLAS!
Greece did a great job in hosting the games. The music performers were amazing, i'm a woman, but even i have to say that anna vissi is a milf lol. sakis rouvas was gorgeous, as usual. and michalis hatziyiannis was great too. ya! you guys, if you liked anna vissi, check depina vandi out! she's done "Gia" and her own version of "opa opa"! and check out antique too.
i"d like to know the name of the sings ¨¨cause i liked the songs but specially when that man called MICHALIS...invited to sing that black short hair women ...i can't forget her i really liked that song,...please send me a letter and write me the names of the songs , how may i do for may get thats songs , if are only traditional music or olimpic sings please write me! please ! pele_mele@hotmail.com thanks a lot...!!!!
Posted by: greg ruiton ortega at September 15, 2004 12:26 PMcheck out
www.annavissi.info
is the best international site for Anna Vissi!
Anna Vissi sang the famous Misirlou (old greek song-Pulp fiction theme as well)
Her smash hit Ise (in greek " you are") that is going to be released in U.S soon and will be called CALL ME!
CALL ME
im feeling
so lonely
im lost without youuuu
http://www.annavissi.info
for any questions ask www.annavissi.info administrators or sent me e-mail at snowqueen@pathfinder.gr my name is Fedra
does anyone know what was the name of the first song that was performed in the closing ceremony?
and is there is a cd of the music of the amazing
closing ceremony?
hi the techno sounding song sung by eleftheria arvanitaki is called Ti leipei its on a cd called Brazilero there are also some club remixes on there, ti leioei is a top tune ...hope this is some help cheers mark, blackpool uk
Posted by: mark at September 21, 2004 04:32 AMThe lady with a black short hair is HARIS ALEXIOU, the guy in white clothes singing "Karabiberim" (who actually fell if you saw the NBC transmission) is SAKIS ROUVAS... ANNA VISSI was the babe with long brown hair, the old guy was Dionysis Savvopoulos, the young guy is MICHALIS HATZIYANNIS, girl with long black hair is Eleftheria Arvanitaki abd the mid-aged guy with short black hair is Antonis Remos.
Posted by: Vanja at September 22, 2004 03:38 AMThe closing ceremoony was awesome, particulary the singers. I am trying to find about this singer since 2 weeks without much luck. I think he is the first or the second singer. He would be between 50-70 years. He sung only for 2 or 3 minutes, but the voice is unforgettable. Could anyone please let me know his name.
Posted by: samar at September 24, 2004 12:39 AMI think your refering to Chronos Ionnidis
Posted by: dea at September 25, 2004 01:48 AMI think your refering to Chronos Ionnidis
Posted by: dea at September 25, 2004 01:49 AMSorry correct spelling in greek is HRONIS AIDONIDIS
you can find some of his music at:
http://www.studio52.gr/english/AIDONIDIS_HRONIS.htm
does anybody know the titel of the 1st alkistis protopsalti song??
her homepage:
alkistisprotopsalti.com
efxaristo poli ellada, poli kala :-))
Posted by: volker at September 27, 2004 06:35 AMDoes anyone know the name of the song they played as they lowered and extinguished the Olympic flame? It's more instrumental. Please e-mail me if anyone knows. Thanks
Hello. does anyone know the name of the traditional wedding song sung at the closing of the Olympics. Thank you
Posted by: Andrea at September 30, 2004 12:41 PMi sooo love dinata dinata! BRAVO ELLAS!
and sakis, he was absolutely gorgeous!
There's 3 male singers who sang at the end of the show. 1 is quite old. The other 2, one of them is thinnier. Can I know what's their name? Thanks...
Posted by: LowCH at October 11, 2004 06:14 PMKalimera
Please to post the Name of the Song that Haris (Charis?) Alexiou sang during the Closing Celebration. On NBC-TV in US they refered to it as an "underground song" and a "song of the land". She sang it under the full moon with a crescent moon on stage as well.
Efharisto
Posted by: Klaus at November 5, 2004 10:52 AMGuys, the Olympic fever has come and gone. I like you am so proud of what the Greeks have achieved. It was a relief (but no surprise) to put those sour pessimests back it their place. It is correct to say that the Greek spirit should not be overlooked and when we want- we can accomplish great things. Also, I am so proud to see all your emails- supporting Greece. Bravo guys, its really quite touching. (seriously).
And yes it is totally safe to say that Sakkis Rouvas is a TOTAL babe. pity about the stak though!
Does anyone know where we can find the CD of the songs played at the Closing??? Please anyone??
The Closing ceremony, along with the opening, were probably the best ones ever, along with Sydney's.
About the closing ceremony, can anyone tell me the name of the the song that was sung in the beginning, with all singers, and in the very end? thanks.
Posted by: Panagiotis Papadeas at December 5, 2004 03:05 AMDoes anyone know the name of the song sung by Dyonysis Savapoulos?
Posted by: Paris Procopis at December 18, 2004 09:09 AMcan you tell me the name of the most popular folk greek song, i have spent a lot of time looking for that song and in the closing ceremony it was heard , this song has a rithmic slow bouzuki tempo and it becomes faster later it is very popular in greek maybe it´s a weeding.
please help me
Posted by: mario ross at December 24, 2004 11:36 PMcan you tell me the name of the most popular folk greek song, i have spent a lot of time looking for that song and in the closing ceremony it was heard , this song has a rithmic slow bouzuki tempo and it becomes faster later it is very popular in greek maybe it´s a weeding song
please help me
Posted by: mario ross at December 24, 2004 11:36 PMAnyone please has the words of the song "as kratisoun oi xoroi" ?
Please e:mail the song to: vassilis.danginis@smsc.com
Thank you
Vassilis
Congratulations Greece, on the best Olympics ever!!
The closing ceremony was excellent, and the last part with all your wonderful artists was amazing. It really made my year. And Sakis...you were great!!
Can anyone tell me the name of the song he did, and if he has released it on cd ??
Thank you.
Anyone please has the words of the song "as kratisoun oi xoroi"?
Thank you
Vassilis
Anyone please has the words of the song "as kratisoun oi xoroi"?
Thank you
Vassilis
Here is a list of the songs of the second part of the ceremony (after the
olympic flame was put out), in the order they were performed:
1. Aeroplana kai vaporia (all together)
2. Dynata (Eleftheria Arvanitaki)
3. Thalassografia (all together)
4. San ton Karagkiozi (Dionysis Savvopoulos - Michalis Hadjiyannis - Anna
Vissi http://www.greekmidi.com/songs/savvopoulos/santonkaragkiozi.html
5. Misirlou (Anna Vissi)
6. Den thelo pia na ksanartheis (alternative title: Pote) (Michalis
Hadjiyannis)
7. Ta laika (Alkistis Protopsalti)
8. Ti leipei, ti ftaiei (Eleftheria Arvanitaki)
9. Karapiperim (Sakis Rouvas)
10. Natan i hara oikopedo (Alkistis Protopsalti)
11. Mantouvala (Antonis Remos - Anna Vissi)
12. Eisai (Anna Vissi)
13. Tremo (Antonis Remos)
14. Gia sena (Michalis Hadjiyannis)
15. Mavri thalassa (all together)
16. An thymitheis t' oneiro mou (Anna Vissi)
17. Ta paidia tou Peiraia (Alkistis Protopsalti)
18. Athina (all together)
19. As kratisoun oi horoi (Dionysis Savvopoulos)
Eleftheria Arvanitaki - long black curly hair, silver trousers, white
t-shirt
Anna Vissi - long straight hair, silver-black short dress
Alkistis Protopsalti - very short dark hair, black trousers and shirt
And below are some links for the artists. In many of those sites you can
find audio tracks of their songs. If you need more information please
contact me.
Antonis Remos
http://www.antonisremos.com/ official site with videoclips - here you can
find the song "Tremo" in the multimedia section, in the 2002 album "Kardia
Mou Min Anisicheis". You can also find "An thymitheis t' oneiro mou" (If
you remember my dream) sung by Remos (in the ceremony Anna Vissi sang that)
http://www.antonisremos.tk/ unofficial fan site
Michalis Hadjiyannis
http://www.music.gr/xatzigiannis/
http://www.xatzigiannis.tk/ Here you can listen to the song "Gia sena"
Dionysis Savvopoulos
http://www.greekmidi.com/english/composers/savvopoulos.html
Sakis Rouvas
http://www.sakisrouvas.com official site
http://www.sakis-star.com/ unofficial fan site
Anna Vissi
http://www.annavissi.net/ official site (here you can listen to the song
"Eisai")
Alkistis Protopsalti
http://www.alkistisprotopsalti.com/ official site - here you can listen to
"Ta laika", "Natan i hara oikopedo"
Eleftheria Arvanitaki
http://www.arvanitaki.gr/ there's a sample audio of the song "Dynata"
(Strong possibility) in the album "Zontana stous vrahous - Summer 95 (1995)"
Best wishes,
Joanne
Great Joanne!
Do you have the list of the songs performed during the first part of the closing ceremony as well..? :)
Posted by: Andreas at January 22, 2005 09:36 AMNot at the moment I'm afraid, I don't. But I'll work on it. ;)
You can send me an e-mail if you like so I can have your address and reply when I find them.
I will post them here too of course but I'm not sure when that will be.
hi everyone, i'm from turkey and i watched the games on tv. neighbours, you have done an excellent job, i dreamed of being in athens during the opening ceremony. this is a late but big congratulation! :)
Posted by: mustafa at February 6, 2005 10:09 AMGreat job, Joanne. I have been searching for Anna Vissi's song names for a while. Great singer, too bad she isn't famous in the world.
The games were the time of my life, thanks Greece!!
