"Van-Can-tastic"

"Van-Can-tastic" is a (non)word I heard on the news today that was submitted by a viewer to describe the Winter Olympics that just finished up yesterday. I don't know who came up with it but I think it sums things up very well.

Although I had been looking forward to these days I really didn't know what to expect. Was my everyday life going to be disrupted? Was I going to be able to participate in any way other than watching the TV? Was I going to regret staying in town? Overall, every thing went smoothly and little disruption in my daily routine. I also made a point of visiting as much as I was able to in regards to the pavillions and free activities that were being offered downtown. I even made it downtown to watch the women's and men's gold hockey games! And no regrets for sticking around. I was so fortunate to experience some of history. And for anyone who wonders if the photos of the crowds on the streets were for real - -THEY WERE!! No photoshop tricks there. I have never seen anything like it. And the energy! The energy was, simply put, nothing short of amazing! So much pride. Canadian pride and the pride of all the other nations who were represented. It was magical. Yes, the games did start out shaky, however, our enthusiasm and collective pride brought a vibe that was contagious. YAY!! And 14 gold medals didn't hurt either.

I wish I could show you with my photos what it was like here in Vancouver but unfortunately my camera broke. Luckily, my best friend has taken even better pictures than what I would of had (having a 10x optical zoom compared to 3x makes a difference). Thank you Trina for allowing me to use them.

Large Canadian flag covering the scaffolding of a building undergoing renovations. I think it's a great way to cover a building!


















The Olympic Cauldron - our newest attraction!

Me, Trina & Shannon waiting in line at Russia House (it took over Science World during the games). The 2014 Winter Olympics will be held in Sochi, Russia. We got their early and only had to wait 2.5 hours to get it (believe me, 2.5 hours was a SHORT wait for some things).

Watching the Women's Gold Medal Hockey game at Robson Square. We just scored & the crowd is cheering!

Courtesy of Corina, owner of Moose's Down Under and friend to Trina's family, we got a table at her restaurant (which was packed) on Sunday to watch the Men's Gold Medal Hockey WIN!

The crowd cheering for Team Canada. What a hockey game!

There he is, the boy who scored the golden goal! Way to go Sidney Crosby!! And Luongo (Vancouver Canucks' best ever goalie), Perry, Toews, and all of Team Canada Men's Hockey Team!!