Torch Time

So Tao and I stopped by the riverbank to take in the festivities for the Olympic Torch coming to our part of the world. I brought the chariot because I knew traffic would be crazy and I'd have to haul a bundled up 3 year old 10 blocks to see what we came to see then another 10 blocks to get back to the van. I also had a sneaky suspicion that she may need a power nap after her first gymnastics class.... totally the cutest little girl on a trampoline!!
Anyway we get to the site where the main stage area is set up and there are thousands of people... it was pretty exciting. I found a place at the back of the pack where they had randomly placed hay bales for people to stand on to catch a glimpse over top of the crowd. Turns out I am standing directly in front of the protesters that showed up to fight for their cause. Yikes.. I felt pretty uncomfortable until I saw all the police standing around, then I just felt the need to move. So a few yards ahead I planted myself on another hay bale and got cozy beside some guy that was cheering, with the crowd instead of against, so I knew Tao and I would be okay!!
The show was full of energy and heavy advertising for RBC and Coke. We really were 'parked' quite far from where the torch was going to pass through but I spotted it over a crowd of people and watched as it made its way to the cauldron. After the torchbearer told her story and all the dignitaries spoke it was time for us to head home. Tao was sleeping by this time and everyone was starting to leave so I tried to get closer to get some better pictures.



We had to walk around the back of a church to get back on track to the van and on our way we came across this young torchbearer with his torch. He was from Rosetown but we missed his name. He was so generous to take a picture with sleeping Tao, my future Olympic gymnast, twice( first shot didn't work so I changed my batteries in record time). It was really neat to be a part of history in a super small way. Just to see that flame that brings so many people together every few years, may never see it again. Hopefully Tao will enjoy seeing this picture when she is older!