Rainy Paris Olympics Parade Dampens Many Spectators' Spirits

Wrapped in a poncho under torrential rain, Brazilian Lucas Amadeu said he regretted forking out 2,700 euros ($2,930) for a top seat at the opening ceremony of the Paris Olympics on Friday. "I think for those who are watching on the television it must be an amazing show, with beautiful pictures," he told AFP from a stand close to the historic Alexandre III bridge. "But for us who are here, we don't see the show, just a lot of boats going by. 

"I came all the way from Brazil, I spent a lot of money and I'm having a miserable experience," the drenched 38-year-old boss of a marketing company added.

When they promised a spectacular open-air ceremony at the heart of one of the world's most beautiful cities, the organisers of the Paris Games were praying for fine weather. 

Instead organisers got leaden skies and almost non-stop rain from the moment the first boat appeared shortly after 7:30pm carrying the team from Greece, in line with Olympic tradition. 

The downpour dampened spirits for those watching from the river banks but not everyone was as negative as Amadou.

"The show is fantastic. An interesting idea, very novel in terms of the approach. Just a little bit dampened by the weather," said Mike Smith, 57, a consultant from Britain who was watching with his wife. 

"But we're British, we're used to it."

Huge cheers

After all, the spectators were seeing a slice of history -- it was the first time an Olympics has ever opened outside the main stadium.

There were huge cheers for star performers Lady Gaga and Franco-Malian singer Aya Nakamura when they appeared on giant screens along the route. 

Nakamura became embroiled in a race-tinged row about her appearance in March with far-right leader Marine Le Pen suggesting she would