Crowds come out to welcome torch

It all began during my first trip to the ancient city of Olympia four years ago.

I visited one of its most historic streets, where people still lived traditional, slow-paced lives. There were few tourists, and those who did drop by found that most shops and restaurants closed at noon.

How things have changed. With Chinese reporters and professionals rushing in before the ceremony to light the Olympic flame, this once sleepy street was filled with vitality and, at least to me, felt like a Chinatown of sorts.