Opening Ceremony

We didn't have tickets to the Opening Ceremony and could have watched on TV.  Then again, we could have done that at home.  While we were watching the flame relay, a local guy told us that there were big screens set up in David Lam park.  In the typical helpful Vancouver way he described the event, gave us directions and wished us well.

When we arrived at the park, more than two hours before the event, the line up went for blocks and blocks.  It was the the longest line up either of us has ever been in.  We were concerned that we might not make it in, but others were still getting in line and the helpful "Blue Coat Volunteer" told us we would get into the venu.  With some nervousness, we joined the line.  We then worried.  The line moved slowly and time was ticking towards 6:00pm.  Impressively, the people in line stayed calm and friendly.  One pair of older women behind us a bit were particularly delightful, making sure they finished the wine they had brought before they got to security and relying on us to tell them what they didn't catch from the Blue Coat about the chances of getting in.  When it looked like, instead of watching the Opening Ceremony, we would be standing on the street in the rain missing the show, and others were giving up and leaving, the ladies told us they were counting on Kim's positive attitude to get us, and them, in.. Another Blue Coat assured the line that there was room for everyone (the venue holds 8000) but that the problem was that security screening--almost at airport security level--was slowing things down and we may not get in before the start.

We made it to the front gate RIGHT ON TIME.  It was awesome.  It was raining, we were cold and by the end of the show, after six or so hours of combined walking and standing, we were sore.  But we are so glad we did it. During the parade of athletes people at the venue from the different countries cheered for their favourites.  There was a group of Russians in front of us, one in a Kovalchuk jersey, there was a confusing South American contingent who cheered for Chile, Brazil and Mexico but booed for Argentina and were silent for Peru, there was a loud cheer for the US and Paul was the only one who cheered for New Zealand, (he is also a Kiwi citizen, thanks to his mother).  The loudest cheer of all by far was, of course, for Canada.

We thought the ceremony was amazing--it was much more about Canada than just about Vancouver.  Kim loved the slam poet.

Our first sporting event is today--short track speed skating at 5:00pm.  We are pumped.

With awe and joy,

The Entity
Kim Boara Alexander
Paul McCulloch Alexander