Foreign spectators praise ceremony

Our reporter Xu Zhoaqun interviewed many of the foreigners at the opening ceremony.Politicians attending the big night were lavish with their praise.

Kalonzo Musyoka,Kenyan vice president: "Brilliant, absolutely brilliant. We congratulate China for put up a first class show.I am from Kenya, and I am very happy to be here."

The International Olympic Committee and National Olympic Committees expressed great satisfaction with the hospitality provided for the Olympic family.

Robert Ctvrtlik, IOC member: "Absolutely spectacular. Very very great. just celebrate what China's bringing to the Movement. Everyone in this country should be proud.I think they ( IOC) will be very pleased. there are still a couple of weeks , still a lot to do, but what a fantastic opening ceremony."

Quite a lot of the guests have plenty of experience attending Olympic openings, but they were still amazed by the one in Beijing.

Tamas Szabo, NOC guest from Hungary: "I know the others, those in Athens, Sydney... but this is the best. It's very impressive for us, because the first part is about your history and the whole thing is perfect."

Vladimir Esheev, INT'L Archery Federation: " I have been to many Olympics. This is my sixth time,it is amazing."

Ordinary spectators also called it a winning performance: "The first gold medal is already for China. It's very good. Congratulations."