We woke this morning to watch Arnold Schwarzenegger carry the torch in Stanley Park and were keenly aware that what we were seeing on TV was happening only a few minutes' walk from where we were sitting. We kept watching the TV coverage long enough to see Terry Fox's dad carry the torch, a very moving experience, and to see Walter Gretzky's turn with the flame.
We walked our neighbourhood, had a tremendous breakfast and stocked up on food and wine. Then we went to see the flame live and in person. We were located right under the entrance to Granville Island. The flame passed and then we joined the procession, the crowd walking united following the torchbearer's beacon. We followed to the water, where the flame was exchanged on a dragon boat.
The city is alive with energy, spirit and comraderie. The locals are helpful beyond measure. Of course, the tragic luge accident has affected the the mood and it remains to be seen how that will influence the opening ceremonies which are scheduled to begin in just four hours.
Our plan for the opening ceremonies is to go to watch in a public space and be part of a larger experience. No doubt we will have more to report.
With awe,
The Entity
Kim Boara Alexander
Paul McCulloch Alexander
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Enjoy! Say hi to Walter and Wayne for me. Oh, and that fellow Austrian, Arnie. You can greet him with "Servus!"
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