The Winter Olympics in Vancouver.

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I haven't been to any of the events as I don't have tickets. My dad is going to the Russia/Czech game on the 21st (I believe), which should be an awesome game.

I have been downtown twice now, and am going again today, to check out some of the different 'community' venues.
There are different 'houses' featuring the different regions of Canada, as well as some of the different countries here competing in the games. Some are up in Whistler so we won't get to see them all.
Also the VAG (Vancouver Art Gallery) is hosting some Davinci display and it's free to get in so I think we're going to see that as well.

On top of all the stuff going on We are experiencing some un-seasonaly warm weather, it has been about 10 celcius every day since the start of the olympics, with some rain, it's been mostly sunny. Contrasting that though, Whistler is experiencing record snowfall for this time of year. The only venue that's hurting a bit is a local mountain called Cypress Mountain, their having a bit of a problem with the snow there.

It's quite nice to have the opportunity to experience this before we leave for our journey around the world. I feel like I will be leaving with a good memory of my hometown. 😊 Reply to this

I think the Olympics in general have become not just the sporting events, but a HUGE festival or sorts, drawing in crowds from every walk of life.

I haven't given it much thought, or experienced this part of the Olympics at all. Most likely because I have never been in a city where the Olympics were held, it is something else.

Everyday there are free concerts (at least 10 or more artists a day) plus tons of free hand outs, houses and different shows from different countries. I went downtown Vancouver yesterday and today, it's very easy to lose yourself in the crowds and forget the Olympics are going on (sad but true).

It's become more of the festival then the actual events I think that people are looking for, but I think people who are not local from the city that is hosting the Olympics, won't come unless they have tickets for one of the events and while their here they get to take part in all these things going on as well.
It's also exciting for locals (such as myself in this situation) because it gives us a chance to go and be tourists in our own cities. I haven't walked in downtown Vancouver so much in my life, there are also many public places I have never visited that I got to see.

I would consider going to other Olympic cities, London in 2012 or Sochi 2014, not only for the amazing level of athletic ability and competition involved, but also the festivals and country pride involved. Reply to this

Hello from Vancouver, Host City of the 2010 Olympic Winter Games!

Favorite events:
Watching the Opening Ceremonies from our home theatre after waiting 7 years!
Soaking in the atmosphere and excitement on the streets of Vancouver! It's an incredible and proud moment! It brings tears to my eyes to see the world on our doorstep!
Nelly Furtado concert on February 14th at Victory Ceremony - Jenn Heil received her silver medal for Ladies Mogals and Kristina Groves received a bronze medal in the 3000m long track speed skating event. It was there that we heard that Canada had won its first gold medal at home in the history of holding three Olympic Games in Canada!
Seeing George Canyon and Ashley McIsaac at Atlantic House on Granville Island Stages.
February 5th opening party of the House of Switzerland and eating fondue, Swiss cured meats and cheeses. Great party atmosphere!
German beer and Bratwurst at German Fest's beer garden in Gastown.
Visiting Canada's Northern House and doing an electronic live action postcard to enjoy for years to come!
Visiting the Ontario Pavilion and Four Hosts Aboriginal Pavilion.

Most Anticipated Events:
Seeing the Barenaked Ladies at BC Place Stadium tonight after watching Canada's Men's Hockey Team play Norway at Canada Hockey Place!
1500m Men's Long Track Speed Skating Men's & Ladies Long Track Speed Skating Team Pursuit Quarter and Semi Finals at the Richmond Oval!
Watching the Men's & Ladies Hockey Gold Medal games!
Seeing Jully Black in concert at Livecity Vancouver at Yaletown on Feb 21st!
Seeing the Olympic medals at the Royal Canadian Mint Pavilion!

We have been so excited to live and experience the Olympics, we started blogging about the host city 6 months ago. Check our blogs out when we post our photos! We are having such a great time attending events, pavilions, entertainment venues and eating at great restaurants we haven't had much time to blog over the first week. We will start posting blogs hopefully next week when we have fewer events to attend! Reply to this

There are more on the way!

Cool! 😊
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My friend who came with me to the Beijing Olympics, Fi, is now over in Vancouver and is seeing a variety of events - Short Track Speed Skating, Ice Hockey, Curling, Nordic Combined and Figure Skating. I didn't attend as I'm saving for my Africa and Middle East travel later this year.

She has provided some interesting comparisons with Beijing - though it is really difficult to compare a Summer with Winter Games due to the sheer size and scale of the Summer Olympics when compared to the smaller Winter counterpart - but it is still interesting to hear what she had to say.

Fi said that Vancouver 2010 is friendlier and more relaxed than Beijing 2008, and the Canadians will cheer on the best, regardless of their nationality - true Olympic spirit there! The Chinese did too, but the Canadians seem to do it more. The security in Beijing bordered on paranoia, which did dampen the relaxed feel somewhat. It appears the Canadians have combined security with their usual warmth - so this is a commendable achievement!

As the venues are spread out in Vancouver and beyond, she didn't find a large area humming with Olympic excitement - such as the Olympic Green in Beijing (after the athletics commenced) where there were 10 Olympic venues within a short walk. Also, the various stadia didn't reach the standard of Beijing, but as I stated in one of my Olympic blogs back in 2008 - The Passion and the Power - the amount of money the Chinese poured into the infrastructure was astronomical, so that would be difficult to match.

Her favourite event has been the final for the Short Track Speed Skating on Saturday 20 February - the Men's 1000m and the Women's 1500m. Having watched this live from Australia, it was an amazing session of sport, so it must have been something very special to witness in person!

I'm already planning for Sochi in 2014, and seeing these photos and hearing other first hand reports is whetting my appetite already! Reply to this