After all the torch run excitement from yesterday, it was time to get ready for the Opening Ceremonies.
Around downtown, it seemed like you could find torch bearers all over the place. People were telling a lot of them congratulations and even stopping them in their tracks to get a photo with them and the torch they get to keep.
Ticket scalpers were out in force. If you’re selling anything, they want it.
Robson Square and the area around it was just a party zone. People were all over the streets, taking photos, and soaking in the atmosphere. Even being a little rainy, no one seemed to care.
We were really fortunate to get tickets for the Molson Canadian Hockey House to watch the Opening Ceremonies on their numerous TV screens in their tent.
I won’t say it was the best place to watch the event, but being surrounded by so many proud Canadians was pretty worth the experience. The sound of the broadcast was hard to hear in the venue, but there are always rebroadcasts of the ceremonies to watch later.
Another testament to these “green games”, compostable cups for your beer. Brilliant.
Like I said, even though the sound of the announcers was hard to hear, everyone was pumped when Canada entered BC Place.
We have yet to make it down to see the cauldron, but we saw this on our exhausted walk home last night.
Even though there were technical issues in these ceremonies, I think they were pretty great. We’ll certainly watch them again from the comfort of our own couch, but they put on a hell of a show. If there is anything more Vancouver, it’s sticking Wayne Gretzky in the back of a pickup truck and driving him through the streets with people running along in driving rain. Nice touch.