Paris Switches From Fashion To Olympics

On Friday (July 26) morning the local metro railway staff in uniform stepped into the train at some stations after the automatic doors opened and asked the commuters to alight declaring that the service was terminated because of unspecified issues and requested the regular travellers and visitors to find alternative ways to reach their destination. Paris, the fashion capital of the world, awoke to the news of unpleasant incidents hours before the inauguration of the 33rd Summer Olympics, the city’s third Summer Game, but the first after World War II. France, which was all set to put up a grand show on the Seine River, positioned thousands of police across the city served by a fantastic railway, tram and bus network to assure its citizens and tourists that all was in control. After the twilight hours, the Seine River came alive with a show that mirrored its ethos and culture to the 10500 athletes who sailed on the waterbody and to millions of television audiences. It was quite riveting; the opening ceremony itself being held outdoors for the first time in the history of the summer Olympics. The security apparatus will be in full force and alert over the next weeks for the smooth conduct of the games at venues scattered across the city.  The opening ceremony has been described as “ground breaking” by the IOC with President Emmanuel Macron and wife Brigitte receiving world leaders at the Elysee Palace. From July 26 to August 11, the Elite Athletes of the world will take the centre stage with the ultimate aim of winning a medal, with their minds not affected by any security concerns.