Let the Games Begin

I understand now that those of you at home were fully aware that there was a problem with the torch. This was not the case in the stadium. We knew they were taking an exceedingly (perhaps dramatic?) amount of time to light the cauldron and there was a hole in the floor but we really didn't clue in to the fact that one arm of the cauldron did not arise until we were back at the B&B watching the news. Our only inkling of a problem was when the music stopped for a split second and started again - perhaps to buy more time.

The torchbearers were all perfect choices and watching Rick Hansen wheel the flame into the stadium was very moving.

Opening Ceremonies: Before the Torch is Lit

The Ceremonies now seems like a complete blur and we are anxious to watch a recorded version so that we can remember it better and pick up a few things we missed. The thing about watching it live in the stadium is that you have no running commentary as you do at home. Some of the symbolism of the performance may be lost but that is more than made up for with the sheer excitement of being there.

My favourite part was the whales which I have no photos of and I'm glad I don't - if I was busy taking pictures of it I would have missed how brilliant it was. Photos of this part of the Opening Ceremonies have now been posted on the Picasa site.

Alex fell asleep during the speeches, carrying on his tradition of falling asleep in an odd place on our first day of vacation (usually it's during dinner). But, he can say that he was sung into dreamland by k.d. Lang. I woke him up to see the torch arrive though.

Listen to the sound of Vancouver as Canada wins gold

Listen to the sound of Vancouver as Canada wins gold

Just thought this was a very interesting youtube post.