The Loop

Let's just start this at the end and work backwards.

The Skip: Holy fuck.

Me: Yup.

****

Walked down Granville St. where everyone was celebrating Virtue and Moir's Gold Medal hustle. I must say, that lift to shoulder blade perch was one of the most insane contortions I've ever witnessed. Cirque Du Glace. And definite cause for another downtown fouferra.

Passed a young Canadian hooligan engaged in conversation with a very large dude. The youngster seemed quite taken aback by the guy he was talking too. The big guy looked familiar. After they parted ways, I inquired to the hooligan, "Who was that?"

"That's..." he started.

"Rob Blake." We said in unison.

***

Watched a massive show at Robson Square. Laser lights. Lit cauldrons. Fireworks and flame shows. A crazy, crazy crowd. Freestyle skiers and snowboarders zip lined overhead. A hockey goalie emerged as podium raised about the crowd and whipped them into more of a frenzy. It was like some kind of pagan, Canadian scene with our own very Great Canadian Lord Humungous. Talk about The Road Warrior North.

****

Mulled around the live CTV News stage at Burrard and Robson, as they were doing the 11 o'clock news. Hooted hollered like one of those guys in the background.

****

At the corner of Robson and Thurlow, tried to comprehend and process my now very surreal surroundings. These Olympics have definitely made this city I have known for so long, a very different place.

****

Recognized a man walking down Thurlow St towards me, involved in a seemingly very intense conversation. Paused. (Froze actually.) My very Canadian social processing filter kicked in as I debated letting him carry on about his business. He did seem quite busy. Decided that blatant interruption was really the only course of action.

Butted in. And apologized while doing so, as my very Canadian filter would not allow me to do otherwise.

Me: "Mr. Gretzky. I'm sorry. I've just got to shake your hand."

The Great One: "It's ok." And continued on.

***

Observed The Torch, as I figured I needed to go for a solitary look. As I've spent many, many years walking these streets contemplating many, many things. Sometimes you just need to get some air and appreciate things alone when great things happen to you and your city.