Why were the Sochi Winter Olympics so different?

Why were the Winter Olympics at Sochi so special, so moving, especially the closing ceremonies.  I have watched several Olympics in my years, but never had I been touched or rather, moved to tears as I was with these Olympics.

What an accomplishment for a country that has always been such a mystery to the rest of the world.  I have always had an immense curiosity in Russia, its people, its customs, and how they endured socialism for so long.  But watching the Olympics from the beginning to the closing, I was yet again convinced that this is a special country.  The men as well as the women are real athletes, and most of the women are strangely beautiful.  It makes one wonder.

I am sorry that my finances would not allow me to enjoy these games in person, yet I am content to have been able to watch them from the comfort of my home.  This is where being a journalist pays off for so many people, to be able to be there in person and partake of the hoopla and camaraderie of such a world event.

I will end by saying that these games have only cemented my love for this cold, faraway mysterious country.  From Mischa the Bear its mascot, to the flawless ballet companies, to their illustrious but highly persecuted writers, the Olympics in Sochi brought it all into perspective for many of us.  I am sure that the world will start to see this mystic country in a different but positive light, exactly what Putin wanted to accomplish.

Hail to Olympics, and hail to Russia!