It has been a long haul. Much different than I had envisioned it would be. Not sure how to describe it. There were days I wondered what the hell I had done. Then there were days that were glorious and unforgettable. Sadly the 'wonder what the hell" days out numbered the glorious and unforgettable but I would not have missed it.
The lead up to the games was lots of hours, missed days off and those dreaded 2:00 AM call outs. Games Time was great with the to-ing and fro-ing of the athletes. Like a vampire, I fed off their energy and it was fun. Sadly interaction was limited but enough. Got to spend some time with the Chinese woman's curling team. They were thrilled to meet someone who lived in Harbin which is where they hang their tams when they are not traveling all over North America attending bonspiels every weekend. This is how they came from no where to win the World Championships in 2009.
Nonie and I enjoyed some great curling, fitting it in when ever my schedule would allow it. The area around our apartment was party central. Every night and I mean every night for 18 days we were treated to a fireworks display outside our balcony. The first few days were great, but they became a bit wearisome around day 15. We took every chance we got to wander around sucking up the atmosphere of the games. Canada did itself fine. I have never in my life seen such a grand and noisy display of Canadian patriotism. Everyone seem to own a Canada jersey and wore it with pride. Flag tattoos were the makeup of choice for both men, women and all children. Spontaneous outbursts of the Canadian anthem were pandemic. Patriotism became an acceptable display for Canadians. Much deserved
When Canada beat the USA in men's hockey. Whoa. We were watching the game on our little 20" TV and the roar that broke out when Canada scored the winning goal in overtime, shook the windows in our apartment. I was living in Vancouver in the early 70's when Canada beat the Russians. The whole City stopped for five minutes that day and we reveled in the win. It was neat to be here when once again Vancouver stopped for five minutes.
We enjoyed free tickets to the opening ceremony dress rehearsal, compliments of VANOC. We got to see the whole show accept for the lighting of the torch which was kept as a big secret. You all saw what happened. I think the dress rehearsal was the exact moment my Olympic spirit kicked in to full gear.
The Paralympics were a bit of an anticlimax. The Village shrank to one fifth of its original size. It is the athletes who made our days. While most of the Olympians were focused and introverted, the paralympians were outgoing and so wanted to share their experience with whomever they could.
As in all our adventures, it was the people who we will most remember. Their youth and commitment to the Olympic goals was awe inspiring. AHH, to be young again. For a few weeks I was.
Nonie and I are looking forward to some new adventures. Stay tuned.
