After an arduous four month journey around the world, the Olympic Torch finally returned home to Beijing this morning, embarking on the final leg of its relay. At the surprisingly non-propitious time of 8:45am, the Torch left the Meridian Gate of the Forbidden City and began its tour of Beijing, passing by some of the capital’s most famous landmarks, including Tian’anmen Square, the Egg (aka the National Center for the Performing Arts) and the Temple of Heaven. It is scheduled to continue its trek through all 18 of Beijing’s districts tomorrow and the day after with appearances in Yanqing, Changping, Huairou, Miyun, Pinggu, Shunyi, and Tongzhou before arriving at the 101 District Middle School – its last pit stop before being transported to the National Stadium for the Opening Ceremonies.

While most of us have seen photos or read stories of the Torch’s adventures through Hell and high water, it is something quite extraordinary to actually see it live and in action. Contrary to popular belief, being a torch bearer does not require much athletic aptitude. In fact, the only physical requirement seems to be a willingness among middle-aged men and women to wear an over-abundance of tube socks and sweatbands.

The actual ‘run’ itself is only about 50 feet, at which point the flame is passed off to the next torch bearer. The fact that these exchanges are choreographed unfortunately doesn’t make them any less awkward to watch as runners nervously touch torches and engage in an imperfect series of high-fives and handshakes. Some try to “spice things up” with improvised cheers and fist pumps, which succeed only in making the whole thing clumsier to look at.

But for all its silly pageantry, watching the Torch Relay pass through Beijing did arouse some genuine emotion. There is something about the sincerity and unselfconsciousness with which the relay is conducted that I find totally endearing. While many (including myself, from time to time) may question the value of the Games, the goofy grins and cheesy poses temporarily restored my faith in the Olympic spirit.