I watched the 2010 Olympic Opening Ceremonies and I loved them. I thought they were amazing, a display we Canadians could all be proud of… but like true Canadians, we experienced considerable angst over them.

Quebec complained there was not enough French; Chinese and East Indians complained there was not enough focus on immigrants; Native Indians complained only the Four Host Nations were adequately represented, and on and on…

[First about the French – during a first viewing of them, I felt French was more than adequately represented. It was the first language spoken by the narrators at every turn. French was the first language used when countries entered, and it was used quite extensively. On a second viewing with Pam (I recorded it because she was working) I see where their complaints had some validity. The “story” was often only in English, and that could have been better done. Does that bother me? Only slightly – these are OUR games here in predominantly English speaking BC, and we will foot the bill when they lose money. French was spoken enough.

And let me say this — do you think China even considered using a pop-tartlet from separatist Tibet to sing their national anthem during the 2008 Olympics? I seriously doubt it. We considered it, and we let a singer from Quebec, a separatist province, sing our National Anthem here. And I felt she did a truly poor job… For me, this was a major disappointment with the Opening Ceremony, but you know what? It’s ok – we’re fine with it, I wouldn’t change it, because we want all Canadians to feel part of these Olympic Games, even the separatists.

The complaints of the other Native bands was silly. Native elements dominated the story line, and if they felt more Native representation was needed, tough. Deal with it. The Native community in BC is vibrant and alive and those nations whose land is being used were excited and pleased with their showing. The Native elements all over Vancouver for the Games is exciting for all of us, and in no way were Natives denigrated.

The story line was moving and interesting. I’m sorry that not every single aspect of our culture was made clear – like the oppression of Irish settlers, the prejudice against Hutterites, the sacrifices of the Calgary Highlanders, a volunteer regiment of mostly Scottish men… but you know what? You only have so much time in an Opening Ceremony and you can’t include everything. I’m sorry Chinese and Indians felt left out. But I’m not sorry for the way the event unfolded.

I loved the dude flying over the wheat fields, loved the floating bear, loved the whales breaching in the stadium! SO much was RIGHT with the ceremonies, I’m saddened that people feel the need to complain all the time. It was a joy for me and for Pam and we enjoyed it immensely. The fiddling was fantastic. Loved it. Ashley MacIsaac was awesome.

kd Lang’s version of Hallelujah was fantastic, breathtaking, a bravura performance. It made tears stream down both our faces. We had to rewind it to listen to it again. But hey! Did she look a little too much like Wayne Newton or what? Terrific, terrific performance. Each note was perfect. Thank you so much kd. Really and truly, thank you so much.

It was a shame that the fourth pylon for the Olympic Cauldron failed to rise from the floor, but stuff happens right? It was still a great event. I’m glad I got to see it. Not sure I would have had Wayne Gretzky hop into a truck to go light the outdoor cauldron, but hey, picky picky…

And I’m glad I have it recorded! Well done VanOc!