1.   The atmosphere contrasted with that of the sober pilgrimages of the past, when determined crowds rallied for freedom.

2.   The atmosphere contrasted sharply to the mute reception a smaller crowd gave Mugabe two days earlier when he kicked off his re-election campaign in northeastern Zimbabwe.

3.   The amicable atmosphere contrasted with awkward moments in Beijing Wednesday.

4.   The festive atmosphere contrasted sharply to the subdued celebrations of Christmas past when Israeli troops patrolled the streets and posted sharpshooters on rooftops.

5.   The festive atmosphere Sunday contrasted sharply to the subdued celebrations of past Christmases, when Israeli troops patrolled the streets.

6.   The festive atmosphere Sunday contrasted sharply to the subdued celebrations of past Christmases when Israeli troops patrolled the streets.

7.   The peaceful atmosphere contrasted markedly with the violence that characterized previous visits.