I recently paid a visit to my hairdresser for a hairwash and blowdry. There was a young guy (who could not have been more than 23 or 24 years old) who was given the task to shampoo my hair. And as all shampoo people would usually do, he struck a conversation with me.
About sports.
He said he was really looking forward to the Olympics and from the way he spoke about the event, it was apparent that he wished he could have been in Beijing. Well, don’t we all? He told me he would be rushing back home after work on Friday night to catch the live opening ceremony of the Olympics, and in his opinion, it was really fate that China is the host of the Olympic Games this year, on the very auspicious date of 08.08.08. No, according to shampoo guy, this date comes so very rarely, even if it happened in the yeaer 2088, it doesn’t count, because then it would NOT be 08 all the way.
Shampoo guy was also filled with pride when he said it was the first time the Olympics was held in Asia.
And I, of course, immediately replied, “No, it was held in Seoul, Korea in 1988 what…”
He looked incredulous, and it certainly appeared as though what I had just told him was really news to him. In fact, if I am not mistaken the modern Olympic Games had also been held in Tokyo before, although at that time, I wasn’t even born yet.
“Yes,” I replied. “I remember the theme song was some ‘Arirang’ song or something.”
…which left him looking even more confused.
And now that I think of it, that poor guy may not even have been born in 1988. For all we know, he could have very well still be in his diapers, or toddling around, oblivious to the records that were being broken in that year.
Of course, my recollection of the existence of the 1988 Seoul Olympics does not, in any reason, depict how old I am. It merely goes to show that I had the opportunity to witness one more Asian Olympic Games event than that guy.
I’m looking forward to what China will showcase in the Olympics this year. 12 years of preparation will be unveiled tonight as the opening ceremony kicks off. I hope to be able to catch it live on TV tonight. And if not, there’s always the replay.
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I think 080808 only happens every thousand year. A special day indeed!
The Giddy Tigress says: I think it’s every 100 years, so we’ll only experience it once in our lives.
hee hee…probably he only heard of Korea after all the Jewels in the Palaces and the Winter Sonatas……ha ha…:-D
The Giddy Tigress says: Jewels in the what??? I also never heard of it…
I still have the Hodori mascot (Tiger mascot) of the 1988 Olympic Summer Games in Seoul, Korea soft toy kept at my mom’s house! The soft toy was bought by my grandma after she came back from her tour to Korea.
The Giddy Tigress says: Ah, so you DO remember the Seoul games too 🙂
I am very excited about it too. I think people should give the Chinese government a break for a couple of weeks. There are plenty of time to discredit them on whatever issues anybody can think of after the games.
The Giddy Tigress says: The opening was a blast, yes?
080808 not rare, it happens every 100 years mah. I wonder why would I be the next 080808 comes?
The Giddy Tigress says: Wah, every 100 years quite rare already lo…most people will only experience it once in their lives. Hehe.
I’m also looking forward to the opening.. but I don’t have Astro.. 🙁
The Giddy Tigress says: So you watched on TV1?
Hmm… am I showing my age also if I were to tell you that I don’t remember the 1988 Olympics either? Teeheehee!
The Giddy Tigress says: You’re kidding, right? 😛
i find myself sitting in front ot the TV all day supporting Aussie’s swimmers, Rice, Trickett, Hackett, and USA’s Phelps and Lochte. Phelps is a freaking legend.
I love the Aussie’s ads during these period though – so patriotic and touching. Makes me move to tears sometimes, and I love Delta’s song that’s been playing for a while now – We are one.
The Giddy Tigress says: Phelps is doing great. I wish I could see the patriotic ads you’re referring to.
I watched the opening ceremony and I thought it was AWESOME!
Was glued until the part where the Malaysian contingent appeared.
Btw also check out a collection of jaw-dropping photos here!
The Giddy Tigress says: Thanks for the link!
he is a kampung boy is it?
The Giddy Tigress says: Dunno – didn’t ask. hehe.
ha! youngsters nowadays..what do they know hor!
The Giddy Tigress says: Hey…but I am not very old also ma….