Quoted from NYTimes Russia:

“The U.S., that is country that is really majestic,” he said. “I feel it is a country where everything is possible.”

From a good China friend today:

美国人名万岁！(Long live the American People)

These days have been some of the happiest days in my past 8 years of life. Oftentimes, the more you care about something, the more it affects you, during the good times and the bad. The past 8 years has seemed like a bad dream that I dared not hope to be awakened from, starting with the cheated 2000 election and the despair of my countrymen re-electing the fraud for the 2004 election.  But finally, I feel a breath of fresh air and a release that I had despaired would never be ours again. So in memory of these days, I'd like to share with myself for reference in the future, and for the visitors of RP, some of the most touching momentoes of this time.

I must also say that I was deeply touched by John McCain's concession speech. Though I would still not have voted for him, even if he had chosen a qualified VP, due to his 99% lean with Bush's economic policies, I found his concession speech to be very different from his campaign. It seemed more genuine and more real, and possibly offers a glimpse into him of what others saw in him before it vanished during the campaigning.

I wrote him a letter of gratitude last night, because his concession speech compelled me to do so...

Dear Senator McCain,

I am a Chinese-American from California, and an Obama supporter. I wanted to write you this note to show my deepest respect and humility before you.

You are indeed a true representative of the American people as can be seen from your elegant and dignified concession speech. I stand beside you, as an American citizen, and will work ever smarter and better to make our countrymen and the world proud.

My fellow peers and I salute you and the sacrifices you have made in campaigning for the presidency, for your people, for us.

Humble Respects.

From Sina.com, a popular online portal in China, full-featured following of the 2008 Presidential Election

From the New York Times - Reactions from Around the World and some memorable comments highlighted below:

1. 2. November 5, 2008 4:24 am Link

   Warmest, sincerest congratulations to Barack Obama for his stunning victory! I have great confidence that you, as President, will bring positive change to the US. Your inspiration message, delivered steadfastly with the utmost grace throughout your campaign, restores hope not only to Americans but to global citizens everywhere.

   My deepest gratitude to Americans for having the courage and vision to vote for change. Thank you from a relieved and elated Canadian!

   P.S. I also send my condolences to Barack, Michelle, and their children for the devastating loss of their beloved Toots.

   — Marilyn

1. 7. November 5, 2008 4:59 am Link

   I am an Indian-American living abroad now and it is with the greatest pride that I can declare that my home country has seen past racial division and come to elect our first African-American President.
   What a perfectly run campaign - I look forward to a presidency of that caliber as well!

   — sonal abhyanker

and more...

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Approximately one year and a half ago, I wrote a piece about myself. That piece summed up for myself and my close friends the struggle that I bore for the past several years. For those that haven't read the post, you can find it here.

Today, America and the world enters into a New Era, with a new American President. Today (tonight) creates a new notch in history with 2 superstar candidates (Obama and Hillary Clinton), a well-respected maverick (McCain) and also the most frightful VP candidate (Sarah Palin).

Today, for myself and fellow Americans, we can finally see a beacon beyond the fog, signalling to us the recovery and return to what America was built upon. To think that it will be an African-American who will be the one to lead us back ashore from the torrential storm that we were lured into, by whom some Americans once trusted. It is a historical day and a grand moment in life to witness the American people standing behind this new President-Elect.

This is a significant day for myself and I truly believe... the Mark of a New Era...

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So finally, yesterday afternoon we made it back safe and alive to our comfortable apartment in Hangzhou from Chengdu. When initially entering Chengdu from JiuZhaiGou, we felt the obligatory lack of interest and disgust with polluted cities as most people might feel when they leave a pristine protected natural habitat to enter a bustling polluted human habitat.

However, that was shortly replace by our awe of their exquisite hotpot, which originated from Chongqing (pronounced Choang Ching) and spread to  Chengdu. One of the best hotpots I've ever had, and I'm talking about the spicy one (which I almost never touch, unless I had no choice). 

Besides that, was my awe of how tastefully Chengdu kept it's Chinese architecture and design even with modern buildings, toll booths and such, as if they are truly proud of their ancient culture, architecture and design. What most impressed me was the cleanliness, newness and Chinese style of the shopping streets of Kuan Xiang Zhi (Broad Alley) and Zhai Xiang Zhi (Tight Alley). These allies can be equated to the Hutongs in Beijing and Nontangs in Shanghai, however the Chengdu Xiang Zhi's appear newer and much more well planned, styled and yet, depicted the Tang Dynasty style influence on its new buildings.  When we went to these two allies, it had Chinese style, but modern venues with good lighting, ambiance, environment and all with beautiful Chinese influenced architecture.

Other than Suzhou, Chengdu seems to be the only other city that I have traveled to in China, that seems to be proud of their cultural heritage and has beautifully integrated ancient Chinese design with modern architecture.  Beijing and Shanghai have a lot to learn from Chengdu.

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