Olympic Fun- Days 1 to 3

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Wow is really the only word I can come up with. The last couple days have just been amazing.

Friday night I watched the opening ceremonies at a friends place. Having seen the dress rehearsal, I was excited to see the faces of my friends as they experienced it for the first time. From the orcas, to the fiddlers, to the slam poet. Everyone just loved it. Of course the technical difficulties at the end, was a shame, but didn’t mar what I thought was just a wonderful representation of Canada from east to west coast!

Our flag bearer, Clara Hughes.

I spent Saturday watching events on TV and found myself riveted by sports that I have never really had any interest in, like ski jumping. What a beautiful thing to watch!!!

I made my way downtown early evening. I had no idea what to expect and I was surprised and thrilled by what I found. People everywhere. Canada flags everywhere. Canadian hockey jerseys everywhere. Canadian t-shirts and hoodies, scarfs and toques and of course the red mittens! The vibe was electric. All smiles and no anger! Just a feeling that everyone was here to celebrate and have a great time! And did we ever! We had dinner at Section 3 and along with everyone else in the restaurant, celebrated Jennifer Heil’s Silver medal in the mogul competition. We walked down Robson and stumbled upon the light show which was just incredible! Especially because there was huge amounts of people watching together! I laughed at the spontaneous “Oh Canada’s” and the “Go Canada Go” chants! How could you not smile?

Robson Square Show.

Robson Square with friends.

Next on the agenda was to go check out the Olympic Cauldren but on our way finally got a picture in front of the Olympic countdown clock. I can’t believe that it has been there for so long and I had never thought to take a picture with it before. Better late than never!

Amanda, me and Sean.

And finally the Cauldron!

Olympic Cauldron.

It’s a shame that it has to be behind a fence but I guess I can understand why they do it. After seeing this, we decided to call it a night. Afterall, the Olympics are here for 2 weeks. It’s all about pacing ourselves!

I was out the door early on Sunday. Lined up at the Olympic Superstore and bought a few more “Canada” wearables. A shirt, toque and scarf. I didn’t want to feel like I was wearing the same thing for the next two weeks!

We then headed to the Shark Club to watch the Canucks game. What a dismal game that was but did manage to see Canada’s Kristina Groves win the silver in the 3000m speed skating event! So exciting to see her do so well and fun to have watched it with a 100 other proud Canadians!

The rest of the afternoon was spent just walking around Yaletown and soaking up the ambience. It was such a beautiful day to be outside.

Sue and Sarah in Yaletown

Next bit of business was to make sure we saw Alexandre Bilodeau in the mens mogul finals. What an event as he captured the Gold and the hearts of all Canadians. The first person to ever win gold on home soil!  

 

 

Mogul medalists

Oh what a day! Spent with friends, family and all Vancouverites as we celebrate this electric time in our city!

Sue and me.

Olympic Excitement

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The Olympic plan officially started last night as I was lucky enough to get to see the Opening Ceremonies dress rehearsal. I was blown away. It just made everything so real for me. The Olympics are really happening in the city I live in!! Crazy!!! I have to admit that I got a little emotional last night and I am sure I will again tomorrow night as I watch the Opening Ceremonies live with friends. I am looking forward to hearing what other people think.

I know a lot of people have already seen the torch relay come through their communities and tonight it is my turn! The torch will be coming through Kitsilano just after 7:00pm tonight and I am giddy with excitement! What a special moment to share with my neighbours and friends!

My friend Jason Manning running with the torch just outside of Medicine Hat.

 

Vancouver Olympics

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I remember the day when the 2010 Olympic city was announced. I went in to work late so I could stay home and watch it live. It was so exciting to hear Vancouvers name announced. I can’t believe we are now just weeks away from the opening ceremonies. The city is definitely in the final preparation stages. The tents around the downtown core are being erected. Road closures are starting. There is a definite buzz in the city.

Yesterday I started to plan my Olympic experience. I want to embrace the Olympics being here and immerse myself in all this beautiful city has to offer. There is so much to do besides just going to see or watch the actual sporting events.

The two Livecity sites are free to attend. They will have big screens that will show some of the events (like hockey) as well as have live music. The downtown location (Georgia and Beatty) is licensed while the Yaletown location (David Lam Park) is more of a family environment. Check out the website at www.livecityvancouver.com for all the details and event listings.

Heineken House looks like a must attend. It is in what is being coined as the Richmond Ozone and is housed in Minoru Park. It has a restaurant which will take reservations, a store to buy Heineken merchandise and of course lots of beer!!!

The Irish Pavilion is going to be next to Doolins Pub and who doesn’t love a little Irish music and a couple pints of beer.

Other houses… Russia House at Science World, Switzerland House at Bridges and the French Quarters on Granville Island as well. And so much more. Check out http://www.citycaucus.com/2010freevenues for a full list of all of them.

I have also heard rumours of a German beer garden by Steamworks in gastown… I sense a beer theme happening here.

Molson Canadian Hockey House would be amazing to attend if you can afford it. Tickets did drop to $99 but most of the good days are sold out already. And just announced today was ClubBud which is putting on five rockin parties at the Commodore. No word on how to actually get tickets though.

And there are a ton of different cultural events happening in the city too.

So in finding out all this information out, I have decided I need to put a calendar together in order to plan this all out. What days to just wander the city, what days to go into work early so I can leave to watch the hockey games, what nights to check out some free bands, what nights to drink some beers at the many different houses, what nights to work out and stay at home and watch the games. I have my 2010 gear bought and ready to wear with pride. It is going to be a fun two weeks. I hope my liver thinks so too!