Strolling around Vancouver last Saturday I have to say I literally felt like a prop from Sesame Street's 'One of these Things Doesn't Belong.' It seemed that practically everyone was wearing red and/or an article of CANADA emblazoned clothing or a piece of official Olympic gear. Those cheery red mitts were on hand (hee hee --- feel free to laugh) as were those stylish red, black, and white toques and plaid scarves. I felt like the uninvited schlep who arrives to the party with no appetizer, no bottle of wine, and wearing their gardening clothes when everyone is clad in formal wear. The sea of Canada Red (this really should be an official colour --- Crayola take note) projected an instant camaraderie and goodwill amongst the many pedestrians soaking in the Olympic excitement.I was therefore unpredictably excited when someone from the Royal Canadian Mint passed out free Olympic pins to all of us standing in the 2 hour plus line-up to see and hold the medals. I immediately proudly pinned my on (well only after consenting to a trade where I gave up my pin with the snowboarder for one with a curler) and felt a little less like an outsider.
GO CANADA GO!!!
