I know - that was yesterday. Don't worry - I have'n't been smoking anyhting and no I did not lose a day from all the fine red wine I have been consuming. I actually did start to write this on Sunday hoping to post it but didn’t manage to finish in time. So as they say better late than never - I hope you all had a happy V-day with friends, lovers, family or whatever makes you happy. For me - I spent the day with two little doggies - yes - the famous cuddly Morgan and Sidney - and they were appropriately affectionate and spawning attention - so I was not left unloved.
Well – I’ve had some fun the last few days – since Tuesday when I wrote the last blog I have met – I have greeted 100's of athletes, IOC officials and media. Í love that the athletes all travelled wearing their team colours - you knew immediately where they were from and how to greet them (or at least make a garbled attempt at "hello"or "welcome" in their native language. After more than two weeks, it is still so heartwarming to see the smiles break out on their faces - imagine, some of these folks have been travelling for a day to get here, with several flight transfers, so by the time they get off the plane or hit the baggage hall, they are weary. but then that athletic stamina bursts through and they grin and giggle and smile and wave. I wish I could share pictures with you, but of course we are not allowed.
So notables since last week - Jeannie Beker, David Suzuki, Donald Sutherland and more Ukrainian athletes. Í spoke to one of the coaches who had arrived earlier and was meeting this latest group on Thursday. He invited me to Ukrainian House, but was not quite sure where it is. He was surprised since I was born here that I speak Ukrainian and that my parents had spoken it at home. And even more surprised when I told them I went to Ukrainian school – "they have those in Canada", he asked. I made a note to look up the location so my local Uky friend Larissa and I could check it out.
I also saw tons of CBC media come through (although not Peter Mansbridge) – for a moment I forgot that CTV was this year’s broadcaster with all the blue CBC jackets coming through. I used my French, my Ukrainian, helped a Polish passenger (who understood my Ukrainian) and totally wore out my feet and legs. This week, as we drew closer to opening ceremonies, in particular, was intense and non-stop and so thrilling.
Friday morning, I woke up and could not move – I was beat and just knew I wouldn’t manage another 8 hours on my feet. I called in sick. Corrinne (my daughter) chewed me out - "how can you call in sick, you're only there a short time and you've made a commitment". She almost, just almost, made me feel guilty but then pride kicked in - I told myself I had taught her well and she was old enough that I didn't have to worry about practi'sing what you preach! You had to be in my body I told her - this 39 year old needed a break!
The city is abuzz with red and white fever – what a lot of people and what a show of patriotism – Canadian flags everywhere – on people, on buildings, in storefronts, even a rapper was making up his words around the excitement. He did a little ditty about my little flag hanging out of my purse. The Olympics has been good for the Canadian spirit. We really ought to do this more often – we are so modest and do not display our naitonal pride in general – boy was this ever different and pleasant! The other day I had scoffed at Steven Harper's comment urging Canadians to make an effort to show their patriotism during the Olympics - my thought is that we should be making an effort all the time, but sadly, he is right (did I actually say Harper is right???). It has taken this torch flaming across every part of the country and the excitement in the city to publicly display our red and white.
All the stores along Robson and Granville were sporting flags of every shape and colour - Cnada predominant. Roots - I love those guys - was packed with people buying the gear and I loved that they also had shirts for the other teams - after all- that is Canada - multicultural. I was hoping for something Ukrainian, but no luck until I spied this window - there it was - my yellow and blue - see scan right from the Canadian flag and you'll see it! 
The streets were filled - one street has been set up with lantern sculptures - during the day they are scultures, at night they are lit up. Here's a preview - Margaret and Heather in front of the salmon. These are by local and international artists and each has a story - I am going to post more on Facebook along with the labels (I know Lee and Lily will defiintiely want those details!). The overhead paper lanterns in the next picture are made by school children. Some time this week, I'll be heading down in the evening so I'll snap a few at night - apparently they are magical!
I've been told to add photos of me - so here you go - alos in front of one of the sculptures. Can you tell I was taken with this street. See my little red flag? That's the one the rapper spoke/sang about.
So much to see and do. I plan to hit downtown several more times so will add more pictures, but for the moment I'll leave you with this next one. You've all heard about the horrible protestors who destroyed store windows and created some badwill. Well I am confirming these are totally a rogue group, many as professional protestors, coming in from other places .
The real Vancouver protestors have character and creativity and are really peaceful. The steps of the art gallery are a popular spot - large sqaure, great stairs for visuals and of course people buzzing all around. Check this guy out - I think he deserves five stars for making his point in a truly artistic manner. Also check out that floral background - the entire front of the gallery has been wrapped in this. I actually got an odd sense of being transported back in time, when I sgut out all the other images - think flower power and Greenwich Village, Haight-Ashbury. I swear I am not indulging in the sub-culture here, but then the guys from Montreal (I could tell by their French accents) standing next to me were defintiely partaking of the more liberal western attitudes! 
What's going on, you're thinking - she hasnt mentioned food. Well lunch was easy but a bit boring so not worth noting. However - I have to make sure there is one edible entry in every blog so here you go. Take a bite out of that one - I've always liked Inukshuks and whiel the First Nations group may take offence at using one of these wayfinding figures as a culinary object, I for one, am preapred to let this one go. This totally beats the giat Toblerones from Costco at Christmas!
After this I headed off to Larraine’s in Steveston to watch the opening ceremonies with her family. We pulled together our Canadian flags –me with my little paper one and Scott taking the big one from his room.
Seeing the young ones wearing our national colours with so much excitement choked me up. OK, so Liam is too young to know the importance of his waving the flag, but I am sure Emily will explain it to him as soon as he is old enough. Emily on the other hand is a true Canadian, she has been following this Olympics fervently and has some favroutie evetns that she will really be rooting for. Of course as I write this we have won our first gold and the first ever on our home turf. Watch out world, the Olympics have really arrived and all of us, just like Emily shall cheer on our athletes over the next two weeks. Go Canada go!
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