Southeast Asian Game kick off

Traditional dancers perform during the opening ceremony of the 27th Southeast Asian Games in Naypyitaw, Burma, Dec. 11, 2013.

Burma laid out a spare-no-expenses opening ceremony for the Southeast Asian Games on Wednesday, part of efforts by the government to convince the world it is open for business following a half-century of brutal military rule and isolation.

Naypyitaw

Burmese traditional musicians play during the opening ceremony of the 27th Southeast Asian (SEA) Games in Naypyitaw, Burma, Dec. 11, 2013. The games are being hosted by Burma for the first time since 1969.

Yangon

A farmer waters his cultivation as balloons decorates a football stadium, a venue for SEA Games soccer matches in Yangon, Burma, Dec. 10, 2013.

Burma will host the 27th Southeast Asian (SEA) Games from Dec. 11 -22 in Naypyitaw, Yangon, Mandalay and Ngwe Saung beach. The games are hosted by Burma for the first time since 1969.

Naypyitaw

Indonesia's Nofrisal, return a shot from Thant Zin Oo during the Men's Team event in Naypyitaw, Burma, Dec 11, 2013.

Naypyitaw

Athletes and officials from Singapore wave as they parade into the stadium during the opening ceremony of the 27th Southeast Asian (SEA) Games in Naypyitaw, Burma, Dec. 11, 2013.

Naypyitaw

Fireworks explode during the opening ceremony of the 27th Southeast Asian Games in Naypyitaw, Burma, Dec. 11, 2013.

Naypyitaw

Burmese sit on roadside in front of signboard of the 27th SEA Games in Nay Pyi Daw, Burma, Dec. 10, 2013.

Naypyitaw

National flags are displayed during the opening ceremony of the 27th Southeast Asian Games in Naypyitaw, Burma, Dec 11, 2013.

Naypyitaw

Athletes and officials from Burma wave as they parade into the stadium during the opening ceremony of the 27th Southeast Asian (SEA) Games in Naypyitaw, Burma, Dec. 11, 2013.

Naypyitaw

Burmese traditional dancers perform during the opening ceremony of the 27th Southeast Asian Games in Naypyitaw, Burma, Dec. 11, 2013.

Naypyitaw

SEA Games and Burmese flags are carried into the stadium during the opening ceremony of the 27th Southeast Asian Games in Naypyitaw, Burma, Dec. 11, 2013.

Naypyitaw

Workers stand on a vehicle as they pass by flags on their way to work in Naypyitaw, Burma, Dec. 10, 2013.

Naypyitaw

A rider in traditional dress performs with a horse during the opening ceremony of the Equestrian competition at the 27th SEA Games in Naypyitaw, Burma, Dec. 10, 2013.

Naypyitaw

A performer prepares to shoot an arrow to light the torch symbolizing the start of the 27th SEA Games during its opening ceremony in Naypyitaw, Burma, Dec. 11, 2013.

Naypyitaw

Students perform during the opening ceremony of 27th SEA Games in Naypyitaw, Burma, Dec. 11, 2013.

Naypyitaw

Dancers perform during the opening ceremony of the 27th SEA Games in Naypyitaw, Burma, Dec. 11, 2013.