Well that was amazing. Hosting the Winter Olympics was a wonderful experience. We have never seen such nationalism here before. It was very positive. The closing ceremony was the prefect end to a wonderful adventure.
We all know there were a few technical glitches to the games at first. However, everyone pulled together to make it happen. One of the four pillars to the Olympic cauldron didn't rise at B.C. Place during the opening exercise. As a result one of the four people selected to light the cauldron wasn't able to.
In the closing ceremony, that experienced was relived as a clown jumped out with a tool belt to fix the problem. The fourth tower successfully rose in the end and the person who missed their opportunity to light the flame in the opening ceremony was able to do it in the closing ceremony. It was wonderful. The ability to laugh at yourself and recognize in life things happen. We just need to deal with it and press on.
I thought the whole ceremony was magnificent. Steven Harper was seen standing with that painful look on his face unable to crack a smile while Gordon Campbell was seen hooting and jumping around like he was on crack. Or at least revisiting his last episode in Hawaii before he was arrested there for DUI.
Hedley could have chose a better song. They are very talented but to sing if you want to be a success in life you have to take off your clothes and be a porn star to the Olympic athletes was absurd. Neil Young did well as did Avril Lavigne and many others.
The whole Olympic experience was one of incredible nationalism. After Canada won the gold in Hockey against the U.S. you could hear cars honking way out in Surrey for hours afterwards. People driving around or standing on the street holding flags and maple leafs honking and cheering. My daughter called my son who was in Vancouver at the time and he couldn't hear a word. It was great for my kids to see and experience.
I still reject the slogan the best place on earth. I think that's arrogant and false. I prefer the old slogan Beautiful British Columbia. This place is, like many other places on earth, beautiful. The whole thing has helped us appreciate our own home a bit better and kindled a sense of pride in that home.
Roberto Luongo was born in Montreal. He's still our favorite in Vancouver. As is Joannie Rochette, also from Quebec.
Our deepest sorrow is reserved for Georgian luger Nodar Kumaritashvili. For his family, his friends and his country. We made a horrible mistake. We should never have left a pole exposed on the track. What a tragic loss. We will remember him.
Canada did well with gold medals this time but as one Canadian medalist said it's not about the medals, it's about our values. It's like judging a person by their salary - somewhat superficial. Canada doesn't do very well in the Summer Olympics and we don't even place in the world cup soccer. One memorable moment was when a Canadian cross country skier broke her pole and a coach from Norway gave her another one. Now that's what I'm talking about. Cheers Norway.
Sunday the Olympic flag was flying from Vancouver city Hall but Monday it was taken down as it was passed on to Sochi in Russia. We look forward to visiting Russia. We love you Ruskies. Be forewarned we will try and get you to smile but won't push it if it's a cultural thing.
Our heart goes out to Chile who just experienced a major earthquake. We can't do everything but we can do something to help. Just as Vancouver's turn to host the Olympics has come and gone, so too will Vancouver's turn to experience a major earthquake. Until then our eyes are on Sochi and are arms are spread wide to embrace our Ruskie friends there.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7VH3go5onoI
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u1jrlpRCpcE
Vancouver should twin with Sochi. That place is beautiful. http://sochi2014.com/en/
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