The countdown to the Olympics has ended, and the Games have at last returned to their nation of origin The scene seemed tranquil at first. Just after dawn, sunlight struck the steel arches supporting the gleaming roof of the Olympic stadium, the masterpiece of an event that once seemed destined never to be ready on time. Beneath the massive structure, though, another scene so familiar to Athenians was playing out as temperatures began to rise. There, crews were pouring cement, planting flowers, dabbing paint and building tile walkways. The sound of hammering was in the air, and in the stands a solitary worker swept one of the 75,000 seats in preparation for Friday's opening ceremony. At last Athens is ready for the Olympics -- casting aside controversy of months past that the city would never be ready. Organisers point proudly to the impressive main stadium, the deep-blue swimming complex and other spanking-new facilities that have sprouted in various corners of the city. What many critics considered impossible as little as a year ago has suddenly become reality -- venues are for the most part finished, roads are open, trains and subways are running. "Everything is ready. Greece is finally realising this giant accomplishment," said deputy Culture Minister Fani Palli-Petralia, who coordinated Olympic preparations. Organisers are expressing confidence that there will be no problems. "Venues are ready. Our people are ready," said Athens organising committee chief Gianna Angelopoulos-Daskalaki . "The tram, the suburban rail and Olympic lanes are working. The athletes of the world are training in our facilities." Less than a year ago there was no tram running from central Athens, no suburban rail line connecting the city to its airport. The new suburban rail's Olympic stadium stop, which also connects the line to the rest of the metro and tram network, was built in less than three months. "I can describe this project with just two words: mammoth and express," said Mihalis Liapis, Greece's harried-looking transport minister. Seven years and many delays since being awarded the games, Athens seems to have made the most out of its second wind. "People couldn't imagine that in six months or one year there is such a difference," Angelopoulos-Daskalaki said. In recent days, surprised smiles have replaced frowns on the faces of many disbelieving Athenians. For years they have had to live with construction projects slowing traffic and causing sleepless nights. Athens today bears little resemblance to the city that three years ago prompted a despairing IOC president Jacques Rogge to plead: "We want buildings to start coming out of the ground, because without them we can't have the games." At the time, most of the multi-lane highway that now connects Athens' new airport to the Olympic stadium was a stretch of dirt, while the 8,000-seat wrestling arena was still an olive grove where sheep grazed. Even the showcase steel-and-glass roof for the main Olympic Stadium, designed by Spanish architect Santiago Calatrava, existed only on paper. Athens' race to finish, though, will be felt by Greeks long after the games. The total price tag for the Olympics has grown in the last two years from $5.5 billion to more than $7.2 billion. Some analysts predict the final cost could climb to $12.5 billion. A record $1.5 billion is being spent on security alone. "The IOC is pleased with the progress and glad to see the promises made by the organizers have been kept," IOC president Jacques Rogge said. "They have delivered in due time. It is for us a great satisfaction. We feel these games will be very, very good." Rogge, returning to Athens this week, finally looked relaxed, as he joined ministers in various ribbon-cutting ceremonies. "I discovered a new city," Rogge said. He'd probably agree with Greek President Costis Stephanopoulos, who seemed prophetic when he said three years ago: "There are complaints, but we will succeed. We will manage the Greek way -- at the last minute." The opening ceremony too it seems will be tended to in traditional style; the director of the ceremony promised what he called a dream show full of surprises. Dimitris Papaioannou signalled he was unfazed by the reports and confident an estimated global television audience of four billion was in for a treat upon the grand opening. "Nothing has been spoiled. What happens there on the ground is always the surprise," Papaioannou, who is also directing the closing ceremony at the August 13-29 Games, told the press. "The ceremonies will tell the world a very ancient story, using contemporary techniques. They will present a dream show inspired by Greek history and art, but approached from a modern perspective and using the latest technology," he said. Papaioannou, one of Greece's most influential modern dancers and choreographers, gave little away but said about 9,000 artists, technical staff and others would take part in the show. More than 75,000 spectators are expected at each ceremony. "The participation of the public is the deciding factor in creating the right atmosphere in the stadium," said Papaioannou, who has won considerable critical acclaim in Europe and the United States. Games sources have said the opening ceremony will not be anything like previous ones. "I can only say that it will be nothing you have ever seen before. It is a completely different concept from any other opening ceremony, including the parade of athletes," said one official, who declined to be identified. By Abeer Anwar
