By now you might have heard that we are hosting a little party called the Winter Olympics. The world is coming to visit, and we have been practicing sneezing into our elbows for months now. I think that we have it perfected. After all, we are Canadians, and we don’t want to offend anyone.
One of the nicest ideas to celebrate the Olympics, beyond sneezing into our elbows, is the TORCH RELAY. The Olympic flame has been flown in from Athens Greece, and is travelling across Canada, stopping in large cities, and small towns. Over 100 days, and over 1000 communities. Everyone who wants to, shall get a chance to see it go by.
Passed from runners, to walkers, to dignitaries, and ordinary folk. People come out to watch as it goes through, it is a journey of massive proportions. And it has unified Canada, joining together a country in celebration. It makes your throat swell with pride to see the crowds on the nightly news. It passed through the tiny little town of Armstrong, and my parents got to see it at 2:14 pm, in the afternoon.
We have eagerly been waiting to find out the secret time that it will pass through White Rock. Only divulged a week before the actual event, it could be during any of the waking hours. Our time?
6:30 AM.
Right, that is 6:30 am.
Yes, 6:30 am, when the air is still freezing cold, and it is pitch dark outside. When most likely, the rain is falling, and I will be regretting leaving my warm bed, and trudging down a dark street. Wondering if I made the right decision, and should I just give it all up and go back home.
I am counting on the euphoria of the cheering crowd, of feeling my heart swell, in seeing the pride on the face of the chosen torch bearer, proudly running their designated 1000 meters.
Then I will know, that I have made the right decision. And that this is the chance of a lifetime.
Oh Canada, by torchlight.
With Glowing Hearts.
We stand on guard for thee.
Jen, I'm sure it will be awesome when the torch comes through White Rock, regardless of the time of day. We saw it here in Whitehorse in the evening, also pitch dark. But, still very special. Hank
ReplyDeleteAs I write … it is about 7 in the morning and it is still pitch black outside my window. I, too, wanted to see the torch go by, especially since this might be my only way to experience a piece of the Olympics in person. I also hoped to take a photo of the torchbearer for my blog, although not too sure how to do that in the dark. Too bad the Semiahmoo Peninsula got this time frame. However, the Peace Arch newspaper does say they are finishing up at Semiahmoo Park at around 7:22 (I’m waiting to see how the light is then) to eventually continue to Peace Arch Park for a celebration at 7:30. Not sure where I should go to get that heart-swelling feeling that is sure to happen IF I catch a glimpse of the flame.
ReplyDeleteWhat a beautiful post! I do hope you get to see it.
ReplyDeleteI'm sure it will be worth the early wake-up call. It really is an emotional site. :) Enjoy...then tell us all about it! Your photos are beautiful.
ReplyDeleteI think it will be an amazingly heart expanding experience. Drink it in!
ReplyDeleteOnce in a lifetime. Don't miss it, Jen, please!
ReplyDeleteG'morn ~ How awesome a sight, will love to view you capturing the events.
ReplyDeleteHave a beautiful week.
TTFN ~ Marydon
Don't blink because it may go by fast.LOL! I am sure you will get excited as you see it coming. Just don't sneeze Jen. LOL! I still have to laugh at this one.
ReplyDeletealoha jen,
ReplyDeletebeautiful, i'm not canadian but i felt a little tingle from your post too. You can go out in the early morning and i'll be your virtual buddy admiring your adventure soon i'm sure :)
Love your photos! 6.30 am is nice if it's light, but just think how the flame will glow like a jewel against the morning darkness.
ReplyDeleteGosh, that's a tough one....warm bed.....torch.....hmmmm...well, it's probably an experience worth having and it's not every day the torch will be running in neck of the woods...you can count on the warm bed more often then seeing the torch run by...so probably best to go watch it...
ReplyDeleteYour photos are magical- LOVE them!!
What a privilege to even have the opportunity to see the torch...see it if you can and then share the photos you will surely take....wonderful post.
ReplyDeleteGod Bless You
There is no question that you will be filled with pride as you stand in the icy, rainy darkness with many others. The torch will shine like a beacon to the world. I tear up just thinking about it. Yes, you must go see.
ReplyDeleteFrances
What lovely photos! The one of the water at dawn had me mesmerized.
ReplyDeleteI'd say go and see the torch. I saw it when it came through the outskirts of Atlanta way back in the '90s, and it was kind of cool, especially to remember that it came from halfway around the world. So many people around the world never get the chance to see it.
And congratulations on hosting the world's next big party up there! We'll be watching. :)
Your photos here are simply luscious! I like to hear pride like that, girl!
ReplyDeleteBrenda
I have my spot all staked out, we checked out the route today. So even if it rains, we will be able to see something. Setting my alarm clock, LOL, [ that would be Bootsie ]. And I am definitely going.
ReplyDeleteJen
Your camera flash will blind the poor torch bearer. The Olympic police will grab you and you will be in a detention cell for months. Be careful.
ReplyDeleteHow exciting to see the torch! It will be worth it to bear the cold.... but I know how you feel... I'm not a morning person to begin with so it would be a big effort for me to get up in the cold and stand outside that early.
ReplyDeleteHi Jen~~ I hope you can get lots of photos. Congratulations to your fine country for the prestige of hosting such a estimable event. You have every right to be proud.
ReplyDeleteAwesome is all I can say, go see it and then I would go back to bed under the warm covers.
ReplyDeleteYour post gives me a thrill and makes me think of my Canadian ancestors and their pride in Canada.
ReplyDeleteCan't wait to see your photos of the torch runner...how cool that will be! In answer to your question about the little blue birds with tan bellies, they are bluebirds! Eastern bluebirds...they are really plentiful here this time of year. Not everywhere, but just in my yard;-) I feed them and give them water, and that's one way to attract them. But maybe I'm just fortunate, too, because they generally like open fields...and I have a woodsy backyard. Thanks for visiting regularly Jen...I'm trying to get back to visiting folks. I took quite a lot of time off;-)
ReplyDeletePS Please come over and participate in my Earth Day giveaway;-)
ReplyDeleteI saw the Olympic torch a couple of days ago, when it went through Prince George. It was wonderful to see. My Mum lives in White Rock and she is really looking forward to seeing it. The early hour is a bit of a bummer but I assure you it is worth the effort ! :)
ReplyDeleteJen, When the Summer Olympics torched pass through Nashville on its way to Atlanta we cheered with the crowd...It really is a moment to feel pride of nation swell within! Lovely photos...brr it's a bit chilly over there! gail
ReplyDeleteWhat a thrill, Jen! My brother-in-law carried the Athens torch when it passed through here.
ReplyDeleteAh, but you will see the glow of the torch long before you see the faces of the runners... just another view of the torch run from those who see it in the daytime! :)
ReplyDeleteHow exciting!! Make sure you go potty first before standing out in the cold. I am looking forward to your photos..it will be almost as good as being there..and warmer too:)
ReplyDeleteJen... This is very beautifully felt and written... from the stunning scenery in your photos, you will not be disappointed even if you miss the runners with the torch. I do hope you get to see it!! It is good to feel pride for your country ... to be united in a worthy purpose. Your photos are wonderful!! ;>)
ReplyDeleteOur day is fast approaching. It swings through Port Coquitlam on Tuesday at around 645. I'll be waiting!!!
ReplyDeleteGreat pictures as always Jen!