Olympic afterthoughts.

Back in the 90s when I travelled to Nepal, I was struck most forcibly by the faces of the Nepali people -- I had never seen such open, sincere smiles on so many people in my life. It looked different from what I saw every day on the streets of New York or London. Completely different.

Last week, my daughter and I were watching the closing ceremony of the Olympics when she turned to me and said, "I know what it is about the Olympics -- everybody's smiling.  That's what's making us all feel so happy."

And she was right. It wasn't just the gold medallists. It was the fans, the crowds on the street, the volunteers, the coaches, the commentators, the people at home watching TV, everyone.

Big, open, sincere, happy smiles.

For a while, we were all part of one big joyous party. And it felt so much better than being grumpy and cynical that I wonder why we don't try it all the time.