We watched the opening ceremony from a bar (Deighton's Well) in Gastown. I have to think we had a much better time than if we'd actually spent $1000-plus per person to see it at BC Place. The place was fairly small, served good food and drinks and had a fun vibe. Afterwards we were able to get out in time to see the fireworks:
Fireworks after lighting the Olympic Flame at Canada Centre.
And then we walked down to Canada Centre to see the "real" Olympic Flame. Unfortunately, some genius at VANOC decided to surround the Flame with ugly chain-link construction fences to keep the peons out. I'm hoping this was just for tonight and the fences will be gone tomorrow, but I kind of doubt it. Here's what it looks like through the fence and the scene around the area:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-aEwk8KYX5U
__________________
-- Andrew
Just Andrew.
Do I contradict myself?
Very well then, I contradict myself.
(I am large, I contain multitudes.)
-- Walt Whitman, "Song of Myself"