Kevin, his friends Ravi and Karen and I hit up the Winter Olympics in Vancouver. Talk about a once in a lifetime experience! We were blessed with spectacular February weather (which was sadly why we didn’t get to see our Ski Cross event, see below post) and felt overwhelmed with goodwill and patriotism. Mostly Canadian patriotism, but tons of energy nonetheless!
Several months prior, we had found a wonderful family to stay with (on CL). They turned out to be one of my favorite parts of the trip. So welcoming, generous and friendly. It was like we had known them for years. They had two boys, five and seven. They all lived, breathed, played and watched non-stop hockey. Not too surprising, as Canadians are koo koo for cocoa puffs for their hockey. They quickly converted us into Olympic hockey fans and I shouldn’t admit this but I’m totally rooting for Canada to beat the US in the gold medal match. It means so much more to them; “Go Canada, go!”
I’m having a really hard time putting into words the electric atmosphere that took over an entire city so I’m turning this post into a picture post; but even the pictures don’t do it justice. During the day, it was camaraderie and strangers bonding over shared experiences. At night, it was like New Years turned on repeat night after night. Simply, Awesome.
The Olympic torch!
Watching the Canada v. Swiss hockey match in Robson Square with the Canadians.
Brodie and Rob celebrate the win!
Granville Street, packed with celebratory Canadians.
Kevin and me with Quatchy and Miga!
We saw a Latvia v. Czech Republic hockey match.
Canadians, full of pride, sing “Oh Canada” riding the sea bus to North Vancouver.
Karen and Ravi in front of the torch at night.
Kevin and me with the Inukshuk in Stanley Park.
Kevin, enjoying his Japadog! (We tried the Kobe beef and Ume- YUM!)
A co-worker of mine went and she came back with a similar sentiment as you. And she didn’t stop talking about Japadogs for a week!
Sounds like an amazing time!