The world thinks we are reserved and polite. They may be discovering this month that, in fact, we Canadians are a playful lot.

I spotted these two examples of Olympic pride today.

Gold Medal Pooch

By Linda Olsen

Metro Blenz News Squad staffers joined the crowds to snap shots of the festivities.

We have gathered some of their shots, and will be adding more as they become available.

Anticipation! (Photo by Brian Noble)

West Side Vancouverites gathered to witness the progress of Olympic Torch through their neighbourhood.

The Olympic Torch was carried through Vancouver's West Side last night.

The Olympic Torch is carried past Broadway & Balaclava (photo by Brian Noble)

Metro Blenz News Squad staffers Derrick Lee, Aki Tokuhara, Taka Oshima, Yukie Yunoue and Zoe Wethersett were in Party Hearty mode as they awaiting the Olympic Torch at Georgia & Thurlow.

Taka Oshima was up well before dawn to make his way to Stanley Park to see The Terminator carry the Olympic Torch. He took this shot.

Daybreak on Opening Day (Photo by Takahiro Oshima)

Takahiro Oshima, ESL student and Blenz intern, caught some great shots of the Torch Relay and torchbearer Arnold Schwarzenegger this morning.

Linda Olsen
Blenz Coffee, Metro Blenz News Squad

Photo by: Takahiro Oshima

It's coming.

It's so close now, I'm watching more than a count-down clock. I'm seeing more than road closures signs.

I'm seeing strange new edifices that seem to have grown in no time, from nothing, of nothing, yet convey such excitement - six storey structures built from scaffolding and colourful canvas.

On Friday I saw two gentlemen in athletic garb - matching! - and today, a threesome wearing AUS jackets.

They're excited too.

It's coming. They're coming. Are we ready? REALLY ready?