The Olympic Flame

So today was a day off from volunteering so Irene and I decided to take advantage of the day and try to see some Olympic Sights. Now, the day is done, and it’s after midnight, I think I’ve realized that you need a few days to get to the pavilions as today all we managed to see was the cauldron, and some sights on Robson Street. However, I have discovered that part of the Olympics is simply being in the streets and seeing the signs, the people dressed up in their countries and just being a part of the day.

Our day started off at by walking to the Olympic Cauldron. I’m not sure how much news you’ve heard about the fence around the cauldron but it’s been in the news a fair amount around here and the lack of accessibility to the cauldron. Unknown to Irene and I when we headed in this morning, they had moved the fence closer to the cauldron but also opened up a pathway that allowed you to take photos without the fence in between. The line up was 45 minutes but there was no hesitation between Irene and I that it was well worth the wait. It was a beautiful day and really, how often can you get close to the Olympic flame. So as we were waiting in line, the CTV crew came by and of course, I was taking pictures of them…  So then they asked us about whether it was worth the line up and the wait and both Irene and I had the same response…  of course it is worth the wait…  It was a good solution for Vanoc and we may only see the Olympic flame once in our life so a 45 minute wait wasn’t so bad. The view is terrific of the harbor and north Vancouver so it was all worth it…  So in the gallery tonight is pictures of the cauldron…  I still need to go back at night to really get a shot of the flame but against the bright blue sky, it still looks good. Tried to find the Calgary 88 Palmer House while we were waiting but I never did find it…

Speaking of 1988 games, I have to share some pictures that were taken this year but showcase the 88 Olympics. First is Wally..  For those that don’t know Wally, he’s my father-in-law and this picture is from the Hitmen Game on opening ceremony night. David and Wally went to the hockey game instead of watching ceremony but I think Wally showed great spirit wearing the sweater…  Wally was a volunteer in 1988 so yes, it’s authentic. The next is from yesterday, outside of Alberta House in the downtown area. They were handing out Alberta pins and low and behold, here’s a young man with a 1988 toque. Borrowed from his dad, he tells us, as he was just a babe in 1988. I’ve also seen a few 1988 jackets, but I’ve yet to get a photo.

I’ve now realized again, there is too much in one day to write about so I’m going to keep the rest of this post to some thoughts about how the Olympic Games are giving Canadians some national pride. Something that I don’t think I knew we had. The victory ceremony had 30 000 some odd people singing O Canada after we watched Maelle Ricker receive her gold medal. I was taking pictures and Krista had the video camera out so I’m putting up some pictures. This site doesn’t support the video so for those of you on facebook as my friend will get access to the video there or through Utube. I’ll have to figure that out yet. And if that wasn’t enough national pride, walking down Robson Street, we would pass groups of people that would break out in O Canada at various times and of course, we joined in. I think Krista’s comment sums it up the best – “if you aren’t from Canada, and you came to Vancouver without knowing our national anthem, you’ll know it when you leave”. Still today, there are still new Canadian flags popping up on houses and everyone is glued to their televisions at night. I even said that I didn’t like going out last night as I was missing so many highlights…

Finally in the picture gallery will be a picture of Quatchi and Miga who were outside the Victory Ceremony. I know that some of you want more pictures but I’m limited. Once I get back, or before, I will try and find a site to upload more – I think I’m up to about 700 pictures – thanks for the digital age.

The best part of the last two days – getting 12 hours of sleep on Monday night – I slept in until 8:15 am and of course, seeing the flame…. and singing O Canada with 30 000 others….

The worse part of the last two days – not getting to spend more time at the cauldron…  they do hustle you along and with so many visitors, it’s to be expected.

Oh ya, I should add – Irene also got interviewed for Russian TV. We were taking pictures of the inukshuks at False Creek and the Russians just stopped to ask here what they symbolized…  For those that don’t know – it means welcome….  and Vancouver and Canada has done a great job in welcoming others…

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