And despite near-universal dread that Sydney's transportation system would crumple beneath the Olympic demands, trains are running close to time and without too much hassle. Even the weather has been nearly perfect. The Olympics have temporarily suspended the rules of the city's bustling business centre. These days in Sydney, people are behaving differently. Work crews emptying rubbish bins greet businessmen in shirtsleeves, exchanging news on the latest gold medal or close finish.
People happily step aside so that a tourist can get a better camera shot.
Pedestrians flock down main streets normally jammed with cars. A gigantic medal count hangs from an office building. Strangers hug strangers draped in their country's colours as open-air screens broadcast a competitor from their homeland coming out on top. Meanwhile, in the stadium, North and South Koreans step out as one team. And Freeman, an indigenous Australian woman, is honoured and cheered worldwide, not just for her speed but the hope she inspires.