Olympic Experience – Week 1

Thanks to the power of the digital age, I have been able to take some wonderful photos and share them with my friends locally and around the world.   A tip of the hat is also in order to the weatherman.   I have never seen so many people  on the streets of Vancouver  in such an upbeat,  festive mood.

On Monday February 15,  my partner  Cindy and I  got the opportunity to watch the women’s hockey teams  from Sweden and Slovakia play to a packed house at the UBC arena, complete with a standing ovation at the end of the game.   The players subsequently turned around and saluted the crowd.   It was a great symbol of what the Olympics are all about – competitiveness and sportsmanship.

On Wednesday, Febnruary 17 we  ventured to the Ozone, the city of Richmond’s Official Celebration Site for 2010.   There, we were able to experience a virtual bobsleigh run that featured some wind and spray.

On Saturday, February 20,  prior to attending  Short Track final events, we decided to become tourists in  our own city.   What a day to pick.   It was gorgeous.   However,  we had to blend in with 50,000 other people who had the same idea.

Below are some shots of my Week 1 experiences.

Above:   Hockey action at UBC and preparing for bobsleigh run at the Ozone Celebration Site.

Above:   Mascots on ice entertaining the crowd at Robson Square in downtown Vancouver and posing as a “tourist” in my own city.