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2006 Olympic Torch Arrives in Torino
The 2006 Olympic Torch has arrived in Torino, Italy for the start of the 2006 Winter Olympic Games. The torch has seen Italy from the toe of the boot in the south to the Alps on the northern boarder.
Before arriving in Torino the 2006 Olympic Torch toured most of the Olympic venues including Pinerolo, Sestriere, Cesana, Sauze d’Oulx, Claviere, Torre Pellice and Bardonecchia. The torch has also made side trips to six countries: Vatican City, San Marino, Slovenia, Austria, Switzerland and France. While in France the 2006 Olympic Torch visited three host cities from past Winter Olympic Games: Grenoble (1968), Albertville (1992) and Chamonix (1924).
By visiting Rome, Florence, Sienna, Naples, Palermo and many towns in between the torch has made a journey through history. The torch has traveled back in time to the Etruscans and Romans, to the bleakness of the middle ages and through the enlightenment of the Renaissance. The torch has crossed rivers and lakes, visited the Mediterranean and Adriatic Seas as well as the Dolomites, Alps and the rolling hills of Tuscany.
The 2006 Olympic Torch has conducted its sightseeing on foot, boat, bicycle, skis, skates, cable car, gondola and horseback. Like many tourists, the torch has had to change its plans due to bad weather. The torch was unable to ascend Mont Blanc this week and instead had to cross the Gigante Glacier.
This week the torch traveled through Gran Paradiso, the first national park established in Italy. The 2006 Olympic Torch was able to enjoy the same beautiful views as all tourists to the park. The park is a beautiful combination of scenic peaks, wide alpine grasslands and glaciers.
From Sicily to Torino, including a trip to the Island of Sardinia over 7 million people have enjoyed watching the torch on its visit to Italy.
It is still not known who will light the 2006 Olympic Torch at the opening ceremonies of the 2006 Winter Olympic Games. Most people believe it will be Alberto Tomba, but there are any number of possibilities. It remains to be seen whether or not the Italians can produce a more dramatic lighting of the flame than the archer at the Barcelona Games.
Posted by Jackie on February 9, 2006
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