Last night my friend Nancy and I went downtown to see Robert Lepage's brilliant theatrical production, The Blue Dragon, at the recently opened SFU experimental theatre in the old Woodward's building. The refurbished building and the show were both great.
But theatre was not our only reason for taking the Sky Train downtown. Nancy has been volunteering for the Olympics and it was her umpteenth trip downtown since the celebrations began.
For me, it was the first, and my friend was determined that I should experience the festive atmosphere in the heart of the city. For my part, I was determined to brave the crowds to witness at first hand a modern ritual that has roots in the distant past.
From Waterfront Station, we went first to look at the Olympic flame, then to another vantage point from where the interlocking Olympic rings can be seen in lights out on the water. When a medal is earned, the lights turn gold, Nancy explained.
The streets were full of people from all over, and they seemed in joyous mood, chatting together and giving one another information and directions. Many were wearing the red mittens with the maple leaves, and many were singing. Food and drink was flowing in specially set up tents as well as the usual places.
Vancouver as Lotus Land was putting on her best show: cherry trees in full flower, crocuses and primulas in brilliant bloom, and even some early pink rhododendrons.
Near the Olympic cauldron, a man sat high up on a lifeguard chair with a megaphone, encouraging people to come over and see and advising them how to get the best views.
Huge TV screens made it easy to watch the action from practically anywhere. A hockey game was going on, and every time a goal was scored, the crowd would roar.
Tomorrow the flames of the Olympic cauldron will be put out, and the flag passed on to the next host city. The party will be over. While it lasted, it connected us with people of the distant past.
What would those ancient Greeks think if they could see what the modern world has done with their ancient ritual?
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