Olympic flame on its way

Using the sun’s rays, the Olympic flame lighting for the Winter Games in Sochi went off without a hitch in southern Greece on Sunday, ahead of its journey across Russia’s nine time zones and even a trip to space before the Feb. 7-23 games. The ceremony was held in Ancient Olympia with actresses dressed as ancient priestesses at the birthplace of the Greek games held in antiquity, with the flame lighting using a parabolic mirror. Sunday’s 20-minute ancient re-enactment, involving 21 priestesses dressed in cream-colored pleated dresses, marked the start of the build-up to the games – centered on the torch relay. – AP