I also wouldn't have to be reminded every five minutes that some guy named Snoopy Dog was on site along with random celebrities I neither know or care about. I remember Olympics where athletes were celebrated. Back stories were shared, equipment advances were heralded and the amateur athlete that struggled to become the best also had to hold a job to pay for their dreams was celebrated.
As an American I can only speculate at how bad Europe usually smells in the summer. But, come the beginning of the Summer Olympics, add another half a million people to a country the size of 3 square shaped states and the risk of olfactory assaults rises exponentially.
Then, on top of that, toss in a few thousand athletes wearing nothing but tennis shoes, tank tops and nylon shorts and you've got a recipe for fungal disaster.
For many, the opening ceremonies are their favorite part of each Olympics. Typically held in the home country’s largest outdoor stadium, where each participating country marches their athletes in behind the flag of their own country. This year's ceremony, scheduled for July 26, will look much different. It will take place In a 4-mile long procession of barges floating down the Seine River with several hundred thousand spectators expected to watch from the river bank along the route.
