Vancouver's Olympic Cauldron

        Google Image

When Vancouver hosted the Winter Olympics in 2010, our city was enraptured with the joy of being Canadian and playing host to the world. The games galvanized our national pride, made friends out of strangers and showed us we each have a heart that is even bigger than we know.

For most of us, the celebrations were a joy from start to finish. I still grin widely when remembering hands clasping and smiles shared in the busy downtown core where we'd previously walked unnoticed.

That gentle linking of humanity seemed to me to be Vancouver at its best

Russia has gone into the games with considerably more conflict than troubled us, and has drawn lines they're not willing to bend.

Few are more vehemently opposed to Russia's rigid stance on gay rights that I am. If we're lucky enough to be truly cherished -by anyone- we've already been given our own gold medal to treasure for all time.

No-one has the right to tell us who we may and may not love.

 That said, I remain in absolute awe of the athletes who are brave enough to try and fail - over and over again- until they finally succeed in pushing boundaries and forging new ground.

What spirit that must take, and how glorious it would feel to know you've given every piece of your soul to achieving your dreams! Surely that experience truly lets you know  you're alive.

Politics and bigotry cannot tarnish courage like that.

Our cauldron remains unlit most of the time, yet attracts many visitors who want to remember that wonderful time. Yesterday, the Province Newspaper ran an article highlighting complaints that the cauldron is still not being lit, even though Calgary has proudly ignited its flame from the 1988 Olympics.

Thankfully, voices were heard and the Vancouver Olympic Cauldron is to be lit each evening Canada wins gold medals and again on the final day of the games.

I'm still hoping for more but am glad we're stepping up and adding our light to celebrate the world coming together.

                            

                                                   

                                                          

Today I'm linking up to several memes. Do stop by  

and visit them...you'll be glad you did.

Sweet Shot Tuesday  http://kentweakley.com/blog/ Signs, Signs  http://signs2.blogspot.com/ Weekend Reflections   http://weekendreflection.blogspot.ca/ Skywatch Friday http://skyley.blogspot.ca/  The Saturday Photo Hunt   http://whistlestopphotohunt.blogspot.ca/ Shadow Shot Sunday   http://shadowshotsunday2.blogspot.ca/

Four Mêmes in One

On Saturday morning, we drove my sister downtown to catch her flight to Vancouver Island.

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As she’d booked a floatplane, we made our way to the waterfront terminal just down from the Trade and Convention Centre.

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Though the day

hesitated between

cloudy and clear, I

happily grabbed my

camera to record the

early busyness as we

waited

for boarding time.

 Boats of all sorts dotted Coal Harbour...everything from sleek, compact skulls to a massive cruise ship docked at the Convention Centre.

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Coal Harbour: North Vancouver Sulpher Works in the background and a marine gas station just off Stanley park.

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Once we'd seen Nikki off, we climbed up to the overview of the Olympic Cauldron, immediately reminding us of 2010's wonderful  Winter Olympic Games.

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This calm, clear morning little resembled the rainy, hectic evening we'd lined up to see the glow of our Olympic torch lighting up the  night sky.

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Promenade to the convention centre with cruise ship in background.

 I wil be linking my post to four wonderful mêmes this week. If you get a chance, do check them out...

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My World Tuesday http://www.showyourworld.blogspot.com/

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Watery Wednesday http://waterywednesday.blogspot.com/

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Skywatch Friday
 http://skyley.blogspot/.

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 Weekend Reflections

 http://newtowndailyphoto.blogspot.com/

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