Even if you didn't paint your face red and white on Sunday, we're guessing it's been a while since you felt so ... Canadian.
It will be interesting to see what kind of lasting effect the Olympics will have on our country. Pessimists say before the end of the week we will be complaining about how much they cost us and the mess we're left with. Or have they actually brought the country together and helped us to get beyond the identity of 'little brother'?
Ok so a few highlights from our Olympic excursions...
First Victory Ceremony: Brenda, Shaun, Gina, the Baby, and I rocked out to Theory of Deadman (see previous post). This was followed by watching the olympic cauldron through the chained linked fence and then watching a light and fire show at Robson Square.
Men's Aerials Qualifications: Myra, Larry, Gina, the Baby, and I watched the qualification round for the men's acrobatic ski jumping on Cypress. We rode up on the same bus and waited in the line up to get beside Shannon Bahrke (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shannon_Bahrke), Olympic Bronze Medalist in the Ladies Moguls. We were pretty excited because we watched the whole competition on TV and we all thought she was a pretty great personality (very excited, and hugging everyone). We got to see her bronze medal, and Gina told her that she really liked her attitude during the competition. Her brother happened to be in the competition we were about to watch (he didn't do so great, but I think he was just happy to be in the Olympics). During the aerial competition itself, there wasn't a bad seat in the house and it was an awesome experience. (See pictures in previous post)
Second Victory Ceremony: Gina, the Baby, and I saw another victory ceremony, this time in honor of Newfoundland & Labradour (how about that for the longest province name). Of course, Great Big Sea played. We enjoyed this concert much more than the first. Also, quite fun was rolling into the streets just after Canada had one the hockey game and being mobbed by crazy hockey fans. On our way home we got off the sky train for a quick 10 minute fireworks show, before hopping back on and heading home. We were surprised to get a seat on the skytrain, but we quickly learned why... we wer next to the most excited, rowdiest hockey fans there ever was. They cheered, and blew their horns, and chanted all the way to King George Sky train station.
A pretty tricky lighting situation with the bright lights, a dark night, and some fast moving objects. It's crazy to think that they train for four years (well more than that I'm sure) and there probably only in the air for 3.5 seconds for only two jumps. Regardless, these guys are doing the crazier twists than turns than any gymnasts or divers. As the athlete comes down the hill, a hush comes over the once cheering crowd and everyone is absolutely silent while they twist and turn in the air. Everyone hold their breath hoping they'll be able to stick their landing... and than either an immediate outburst of cheering if he lands it or ooohs and awes if he doesnt.
I kinda wish I was downtown experiencing this, but at the same time I'm so glad I don't have to deal with the traffic.
