Let The Games Begin!

I just finished watching the Vancouver 2010 Winter Olympics Opening Ceremonies (via TV) and am filled with awe pride for my country, city and athletes.

Living in Vancouver and watching over the years how the city has prepared has been interesting. Whether you are for, against or ambivilent about the games, you can't deny that a tale of history is emerging. This is the third Olympic games that have been held in Canada. I first watched the Montreal Summer games when I was but a child (and cried and cried watching the closing ceremonies because they were over, at least according to my dad). I remember watching a bit during the Calgary Winter games in 1988 but I was only 19 and had more important things to do (like shop). I was still proud though, that the games were in Canada. Now 22 years later (and only somewhat more mature) I am thrilled that my city and country is welcoming the best of the best in winter sports. I am even more thrilled that THIS WILL BE THE YEAR that Canada wins gold on home ground. The media campaigns have been stating this over & over and it's true. I saw it in the faces of Team Canada as they entered BC Place. You can feel it all over the city. My friends believe. I  BELIEVE!

Like it or not, the Olympics are here. It is a wonderful celebration of sport and sportsmanship. Kudos and best of luck to all the athletes. I couldn't do what they do. I don't have the discipline, the drive or the talent. They are to be celebrated!

GO TEAM CANADA!!

Vancouver 2010 Winter Olympic Games Opening Ceremonies.








photo from www.examiner.com

One a sad note, I'd like to extend my thoughts, prayers and condolences to the family, friends, teammates and country of Georgian luger Nodar Kumaritashvili, who was killed in a practice luge run earlier today. May you find peace and your spirit live on.

Day Trippin' - Victoria

There is nothing like a day trip to break up the monotony of regular life. That's one of many features that I love about Vancouver and area. So many nearby places to experience: Harrison Hot Springs, Fort Langley, Whistler, The Gulf Islands, Victoria, Bowen Island. Heck, you can even cross the US border and go to Bellingham, WA! What a great way to spend a day off.

As much as I like the idea of those day trips mentioned above, I actually have only gone to two places. Yes, I admit...I am a day-trippin' freshman. One that is still in freshman year when I should have already graduated college! Well at least I know I have that option of a taking off to explore one of these locales.

In Victoria, BC lives a friend of mine, so naturally I make a point of visiting her a few times a year.  I love the idea of meeting a friend for lunch in another town.  I am not talking about crossing a street in Vancouver and meeting them in  Burnaby.  I mean going some distance just for lunch and maybe some shopping. When I worked in a travel agency, at time when discounted or free travel was a common perk, I loved flying from Thunder Bay in the early a.m. to spend the day shopping in Toronto only to return that same evening. It made me feel privledged, even if the flights were usually free. For me, visiting my friend in Victoria is same. I love how it sounds to say "I just spent the day in Victoria.". Funny how the mind can conjure up these ideas and associations. Silly? Perhaps, but I like it.

I'll leave you with a few pictures from my time "wandering" around Victoria BC:

(Top) A BC ferry returning from Vancouver Island as I head to it.

(Below) The marker for the start of the Trans-Canada Highway.

"Hip Hip Hooray"!