Vancouver – Living amongst the flame
The opening ceremonies last night were incredible. Watching them at home I was just as blown away with the spectacle that is the Olympics as I always am, but then I take a moment and realize – that’s here. Here here. Like “if I lean far enough out my balcony I can see that”here. Going home on the skytrain yesterday the whole car just burst into the national anthem, a whole bunch of strangers heading to the suburbs and celebrating the true north strong and free.
Now that’s cool.
Vancouver’s ceremony definitely did not disappoint. It’s weird, I think we all have this slight Canadian inferiority complex that expects everything we do to be good, but always has the feeling that someone could have done it better. I know, it’s stupid, but the show last night reminded us all to snap out of it, that we really are awesome and we’re going to prove it to the world. Repeatedly. While wearing a toque. Preferably one shaped like a maple leaf. My favorite moments were the projected whales breaching across the floor of BC Place stadium (oh, and just let me add while I remember, BC Place looked incredible, I kept having to remind myself it has a roof – the first in Olympic history – and that the snow was fake. The parkas worn by all the athletes were definitely not needed as it was probably 25 degrees in there, although Bermuda’s shorts were right on), and the beat poet’s declaration that Canada was here to kick some ass and take names. It reminded me of the Molson Canadian ads from years ago that ended up printed on t-shirts and can most likely still be at least partially recited by 70% of the population. Come on, you know it: “…the beaver is truly a proud and noble animal. A toque is a hat, a chesterfield is a couch, and it is pronounced ‘zed’!”
As a city we were all pretty hyped up for the games before, especially getting behind the torch relay, but after the opening last night, we’re now officially Olympic mad. I work in a mall, and both the Bay and Zellers – the official Olympic apparel suppliers – are packed. I mean hold-on-to-your-children packed. It’s crazier than the last minute Christmas rush to get your Canada mittens and tees, and there was actually a fight over the last scarf when I was in Zellers. It’s like we were all laid back “yeah, I’ll get some of that stuff eventually”, but last night has spurred us and our wallets into action. Personally, I’m one of the true north strong and cheap, so I’m waiting for them to go on sale after the games. But as soon as those markdowns come, you can bet I’m going to look fabulous.
And this is only day one. Tomorrow we get the super fantastic combination of Chinese New Year, with it’s giant parade and great food, and the Olympics, so the roof is going to be blown off this town, that’s for sure!