Torch Relay in Qingdao

I never would have imagined to be able to see the Olympic torch relay, but it's happening right in front of my eyes. I'm standing on the street on Hong Kong St., the main thoroughfare here in Qingdao. The air is electric. Bystanders are all wearing color coordinated shirts in the Olympic colors: blue, yellow, green, red, and black (I don't see any black, but I do see white.) Bright flags large and small are flapping in the cool salt scented wind. The crowds are rehearsing shouts and sheers, especially the phrase, "zhongguo jiayou," go China! The phrase echos in the air and on nearly all the t-shirts people are wearing. Security is out in full force. Suspense is building; it's almost here!