Opening Ceremonies. I can't find a word to describe it, other than INCREDIBLE.

Our day started in the mountain, watching the ski jump qualifications. Everyone was having an incredible time, but the mood quickly turned somber as word of Nodar Kumaritashvili's deadly crash on the luge trickled down to us. Everyone felt horrible and were questioning whether the Republic of Georgia would even participate in the opening ceremonies. They did. They marched in with black armbands. I wanted to stand up and cheer for them, but instead I sat quietly, as did the rest of the crowd. I don't think anyone knew what to do.

I found a stand on the streets that sold flags from all over the world. We brought our own American Flags with us, but I bought one at the stand. I bought a flag from Great Britain. When the British Olympiads walked in, I stood up, hooted, screamed, jumped up and down, and said "This is for you, Roy." I was there to represent my British Family.

The Canadians and Americans are like relatives, sharing the same border, so I wasn't a bit surprised at the warm reception the American athletes got when they walked in. I was up front ready to snap a pic of Shaun White, and I got a great one. As I have time, I'll upload all the pics I took and post them. I even got a pic of our Vice President, Joe Biden. One thing I learned today that I didn't know: 90% of the population of Canada lives within 100 miles of the U.S. Border.

I thought of Pat when I watched the Aboriganal Canadians dance. All of the Nations were represented, and they looked a lot like the Native Americans here. It reminded me of being in the Taos Pueblo in New Mexico.

I have so much more I can write, but it is late and we have a long day ahead of us. Logging off and going to bed. Hasta La Vista friends.