were absolutely amazing!!!! There are not words to describe the feelings, the emotions, or the pure awe inspiring performances that occurred in Vancouver tonight…and for that matter the feelings and emotions I felt just watching from my home in Nebraska. Each Olympic Opening Ceremony does such an amazing job showcasing the beautiful and unique characteristics of the hosting country, and Canada was certainly no exception!!!

The entrance of the Olympians from each country is my favorite part, because for one special moment in time, I can feel the hope, the preparation, the desire, and the dedication that each one of those athletes must feel during that walk into the arena. It is a feeling that most of us will never know first hand, but one that we can all share in through the success and talent of our country’s Olympians.

This year, like always, there are some amazing athletes competing in the 2010 Winter Games. First and foremost, Nodar Kumaritashvili, a 21 year old athlete from Georgia, must be recognized for the amazing life he dedicated to achieving the elite status of Olympian…and the amazing life he gave today in pursuit of that goal. The horrific accident that took his life was one that will not be soon forgotten and is one that will forever remind us to cherish every single moment of life that we are given.

Also, Marjan Kalhor was an inspiring sight to see walking into the arena. This lady is the first woman from Iran to ever compete at the Winter Olympics. This is an extraordinary day in history. Another amazing Olympian is Peter Forsberg who has already won 2 gold medals in his life with the Swedish Ice Hockey Team. You might recognize him as a member of the Colorado Avalanche Hockey Team.

Finally, I want to recognize an amazing athlete in Alpine Skier Hubertus Von Hohenlohe of Mexico. This man has competed in, including 2010, 5 olympic events. He is 51 years old. YES…I said 51!!!! This man proves that there is absolutely NO excuse for not reaching for the stars regardless of your circumstances!!!!

After the Olympians entered the arena, the show really began!!! The enormous lighted polar bear rising from the “icy” floor was a site to behold. From there, Canada really touched on some emotion with the “breaking of the ice” scene on the floor of the arena. What an absolutely amazing sight. However, what came next was something that I simply cannot explain…whales “swam” across the “ocean” floor and the realistic blow-hole scene that arose from that arena floor was a touching tribute to a country that has such incredible beauty just waiting to be discovered!!

The aboriginal dancers showed an endurance and skill all their own, dancing for at least the entire first HALF of the opening ceremony show. I was absolutely amazed and astounded at the beauty of the story that was told by the characters and their dance. Then…behold a lovely tap dancing man was spotlighted and he was A.M.A.Z.I.N.G. There was such an extraordinary amount of talent showcased at these ceremonies that there are not words to explain the wonderful job Canada did with the Olympics this year!!!

You all know that I love Canada because it is a country of unique opportunity and unexplored beauty. It is a country that holds some of the best fisheries on this planet and some of the most lovely, accomodating people that I have ever had the pleasure to meet. Tonight was absolutely no exception to my wonderful opinion of a country that has offered me so much emotion and insight into life and such natural beauty. I believe that they did a beautiful job of showcasing that same emotion, insight and natural beauty to those who, perhaps, have underestimated what Canada has to offer.

You know…I have witnessed first hand the aboriginal cultures, the breaking of the ice, and the whales soaring through the vast ocean…perhaps we should all remember that each country has a unique and lovely story to tell and that if we can look past what we “think” it should represent then just maybe we will be lucky enough to learn a lesson of the ages that will enlighten us beyond belief!!

Happy Olympic Dreams ~

LIZZY aka The Fisherbabe