Last evening Imagine Cup 2008 World Festival Event officially kick started in grand style. Well! @ Microsoft we always do everything in grand style.

Ride to the city hall where the opening ceremony was held was a very interesting one. WE were taken on a brief city tour on the way to the city hall from the hotel. Got to see many awesome places in the city. It looks like we are going to need months to visit all these places. Never mind ... there are few key places :) ... First the press, staff and other invitees were moved in to the hall and then the students were brought in, in a parade. After officially welcoming the students by the Deputy Mayor in Paris and few Microsoft folks including John Phillip, Joe Wilson etc, music continued till very late ... btw: Even @ 10 in the night it's not dark here.

Architecture in the city hall was unbelievable. Attention to detail in every single thing is truly spectacular. Checkout the photos ...

Both our teams ...

Magnificent Buildings throughout the city ...

Inside the City Hall ...