From food to fashion to films, I identify most with my Italian side.
But from my last name, to the 7 years I studied en Français, to that one time I visited Paris, to my beloved Louis V Neverfull large tote, to the fact that I can literally eat my weight in fluffy croissants, I remember...
I am half French too!
And oh la la, France sure put on a show last night.
You know, I don't usually get swept up in Olympics Fever. The last time I remember really following the games was when Michael Phelps was sweeping up gold medals in Beijing in 2008.
But this year just hits different.
The stunning venue absolutely plays a part. I don't think there ever was a more beautiful sight (or site). For the first time, the opening ceremony didn't take place in a stadium but in a whole city.
Magnifique!
And I am looking forward to seeing how Simone Biles, Katie Ledecky and Sha'Carri Richardson fare. But maybe more than all that, I think as a country we really need something to unite us.
Right now.
A reason to cheer!
We live in a time where we are reminded daily of the things that divide us -- especially in an election year. But the Olympics gives us a chance to celebrate being the UNITED States of America.
Remember that? It's in the name!
So, I'm all in with the Red, White & Blue. I've even got my official Ralph Lauren-designed tee, sweatshirt & tote so I can have all of the style and none of the skill of #TeamUSA.
At least I'll look good...
This spectacular show kicked off with the flurry of a thousand can-can girls, even if she was a little soggy from the rain. Since the Olympics symbol has 5 rings, here are my 5 mesmerizing moments from the truly dazzling opening ceremonies:
That Beautiful Boat Parade
How cool was it to see 200 countries float down the River Seine smiling ear to ear with colorful flags waving? I even learned about few new ones! Each team was full of hope and hard work on their way to the torch lighting ceremony. And the rain was no match for our flag bearers Lebron James and Coco Gauff who led nearly 600 emotional athletes in a “USA! USA!” chant as they cruised to the Eiffel Tower. Bonne chance, mes amis!
Heavy Metal Marie Antoinette
Who needs medals when you have metal? The French Revolution was in full swing with Do You Hear the People Sing from Les Mis. As bright red ribbons spilled over the sides of the Conceirgerie down to the cobblestone streets, dozens of Marie Antoinettes held their own decapitated heads as headbangers rocked the river. A spectacle to behold.
Hold Me Closer Flying Dancers
Gravity-defying acrobats were swinging and swaying on stilts twenty feet in the air making for a wild ride over the Pont Neuf bridge, which was as wet as the water below. It was so graceful and yet so nerve-wracking. I still don't understand how they did it!
Her Heart Will Go On
There were many great muscial moments, but it was Celine Dion who brought down la maison with her stunning performance of L'Hymne À L'Amour (her first time singing in public since a sad medical diagnosis). Perched with her pianist on a balcony of the shimmering Eiffel Tower, high above the City of Lights, she was a showstopper. I saw her once at Caesar's Palace in Vegas with Cirque du Soleil and back then she put on a helluva show. It was so moving to see her in this gorgeous finale.
Up, Up and Away
What began with a masked man leaping across rooftops to a steel horse gliding down the river to a steady stream of A-list athletes, the torch was passed from person to person until it lit a flaming hot cauldrom, turned hot air balloon, in the Tuileries Garden. It was a glowing send-off to a fabulous four-hour fête.
After all THAT, I say, bonjour et bonne chance aux États-Unis!
Let the games begin...
(And because I really couldn't choose just 5 moments, here's a whole bunch more pretty stuff.)
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