Having seen and watched opening ceremonies at other comps or on you tube, this one was similar in many ways. The local traditional dancing was reminiscent of several other cultures but did not disappoint. It was hard not to want to dance along with them as did most of the local and visiting children.
Ladybug girl 
The parade took us up to the chair lift station (about a mile walk) as the sun went down. Once there a circus troup with mimes and performers on stilts entertained us as we enjoyed bratwurst and fries with beer. 
Eventually the sky grew dark and the stilt walkers performed with fire and smoke. It was really enjoyable to watch. 
The windy forecast was all too accurate and the wind was blowing early the next morning, taking away our official practice day. The extra time we have had has allowed for pilots to put the required numbers on their gliders, put stickers on our helmets and tweak our gear. 
We have quite an assortment of animals living at our house we rented. There are two cats, one black, and one gold and white. Two small turtles roam free and a coop full of pigeons too. 
