Golden Moment

Today we walked over the Burrard Street Bridge and spent the day in Vancouver.  We saw a native dance with hoops and watched the downhill skiing and snowboard cross qualifications in a pub.  The people sitting next us worked with some of the Canadian skiiers and cheered enthusiastically, even though the results weren't what they hoped for; they were very disappointed for Manuel Osborne-Paradis.  A couple from Boulder Colorado at the table on the other side asked us for advice on tipping in Canada.  He had volunteered at the rink during the Salt Lake City Olympics and told us that at first when they heard about the "lucky looney" they were amused.  Then they realized they ought not to have been amused and weren't anymore.

Then we went to the Live City Downtown location and watched the snowboard cross in the beer garden with a few hundred other Canadians.  A silver for Canada, celebrated with other Canadians.  We think we will go back and watch more there.

But the event of the day was the victory ceremony.  This time we weren't literally the first in line but we were close.  The victory ceremonies include thematic concerts and the theme tonight was Quebec which was fitting, since Bilodeau is Quebecois. 

There aren't words to describe watching the historic medal hung around a Canadian neck and singing along with the national anthem as the flag is raised.  It was stirring and uplifting and beautiful.  It did not disappoint.

While many left after the victory ceremonies, we stayed to savour the moment and watched the rest of the concert.  It was energetic and fun.  We felt bad for the singer, Gregoire Charles, since so many left, but you had to admire the way he just kept working hard, singing medley after medley of classics. He was good, although for us the performance of the night was by five school-aged children who spontaneously burst into "Oh Canada" as we left the building...the crowd joined in and we left as one singing throng.

Tonight we will sleep with O Canada ringing in our ears,

With Glowing Hearts,

The Entity
Paul McCulloch Alexander
Kim Boara Alexander