Miss Universe 2006

Turned on the TV tonight and stumbled across the opening of the 2006 Miss Universe Pageant--and I'm glad I did.

The opening number showcased the delegates in their National Costumes. So many of these costumes were just fabulous, and in so many different ways...

I loved the attitude and spunk behind Japan (Kurara Chibana)




the energy and brightness of Bolivia (Desirée Durán)




and the richness and fluidity of Trinidad & Tobago (Kenisha Thom)







What I really enjoyed about the opening number and these National Costumes in particular are the way they demonstrate the national pride of so many different countries. Being in the U.S., sometimes it seems as if (we) Americans think that we've cornered the market on patriotism. Seeing each of these delegates was a great illustration to the contrary. It was also amazing to see 86 women--each from a different country--all on the same stage. (When does that ever happen, outside of pageants like these, and olympic events?) It certainly helps the dream that maybe someday we can all get along...