By DPA
Heiligendamm (Germany) : The red carpet was rolled out precisely so that no hint of a shadow would fall on it as Chancellor Angela Merkel prepared to welcome G8 leaders at the start of the main proceedings in the Baltic resort of Heiligendamm.
The sun was beaming down brightly when the opening ceremony began precisely on schedule at 9.30 a.m., the disputes about climate change, missile defence shields and aid to Africa set aside for its 55-minute duration.
At the head of the queue was European Commission President Jose Manuel Barroso, who was greeted in English by a relaxed Merkel with the words: "Good morning. How are you?"
Proceedings speeded up with Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, who was despatched with a terse "OK" at the summit he is attending for the first time.
Italian Prime Minister Romano Prodi was given a full 20 seconds by the German chancellor, before she turned to her protocol chief to ask: "Who's next?"
Prodi is firmly on Merkel's side when it comes to climate change.
Canadian Prime Minister Stephen Harper put on an easygoing air for his G8 premiere, disappearing into the conference hall with a light pat on the shoulder and the words: "See you."
Tony Blair was determined not to let any sign of regret appear on his face as he departs the stage of international politics.
The outgoing British prime minister greeted Merkel with outspread arms and a peck on the cheek.
Blair had earlier enjoyed a brief walk with US President George W. Bush where they decided on the line they would take in the talks.
Bush was once again the easygoing president, waving to the journalists and passing quickly up the few steps into the conference hall with "OK, thanks."
Russian President Vladimir Putin took matters into his own hands, driving his own electrically powered car up to the entrance.
"Did you sleep well?" Merkel asked the Russian leader in German. He responded in the same language, which he speaks fluently following his years as a KGB officer in communist East Germany.
Bringing up the rear was another newcomer to the G8, recently elected French President Nicolas Sarkozy.
Always busy, he was on his mobile telephone when he arrived to give Merkel a kiss on either cheek.
The host cut short further attempts at small talk with, "You're the last," and all the leaders were in the hall.
Proceedings then got underway. At least at the start, there were no shadows over the G8 summit.