closing night

After the game, after the ceremony, there was the most beautiful moonlit night. I have to say that even though, I don't fully understand the Olympics, there was a different feeling in the city. There was a tremendous energy, it was palpable and it was infectious and it was exciting.

face off

The face off for THE biggest game in town:  Canada vs. USA for the gold medal.  Canada just scored the first goal!  The crowd and my neighbourhood just went nuts.

olympic rings

The olympic rings turn gold whenever Canada wins a gold medal - they've been pretty active this week.  Today is day 16, only 1 more to go - curling, speedskating, bobsled, and of course THE hockey game still to come.

canada vs. slovakia

Sochi

Sochi is the site of the 2014 Winter Olympics in Russia.  This character is wandering around the Bay in the Russian team clothing section.  From what I read, he is not the official mascot.  The mascot won't be chosen until next year.

canada post

the mint house

One of the "houses" that are open during the Olympics. This is the Canadian Mint. On Saturday, there were 2.5 hour lines to get in. Someone else told me that there was a 5 hour wait to hold the Olympic medals. Such is the norm in Vancouver now - crowds and lineups.

olympic crowds

These are the daily Olympic crowds - absolutely astounding for anyone who lives in Vancouver.  We've never seen anything like it.  I can't imagine what will happen if we do (or don't) win hockey gold.

spring has sprung

It's unusual to have spring starting in February - especially while we are hosting the "winter" Olympics but there are signs of spring everywhere.  I've seen daffodils, camelia and even tulips yesterday.

athlete's village

Athlete's village complete with giant aussie flag.

canada vs. norway

I had thought that I was done with the Olympics a couple of days ago but here I am again cheering the team on. You can't beat hanging out at the Irish House watching the first Canadian hockey game of the Olympics. We won 8-0.

concrete pick up sticks

Figuring out the Olympic experience is a little like playing pick up sticks with concrete.  There are hundreds of people wandering around pedestrian malls and I'm not sure why.  What is everyone doing?  Who is benefitting from all of this madness?  I don't believe it is the small business owner - they are cast in the shadow of the big Olympic machine.

fire and ice

Currently the Olympic flame is behind a chain link fence.  Wayne Gretsky lit the flame 2 nights ago.  There is talk on the news that the fence  might come down.

inukshuk

The inukshuk in English Bay wearing the people's symbol of the Olympics - red mittens!

the torch 2

My second torch sighting.  I believe this is Terry Fox's father passing off the flame to the next torch bearer.  He was then engulfed by the crowd taking pictures of him and his torch.  This was the final morning of torch relays, having travelled 45,000 km across the country in the longest ever torch relay.  Arnold had carried it earlier in Stanley Park.

the torch

It's almost here..

olympic lights

holt renfrew skates

vancouver art gallery

A Modest Veil

by artist Michael Lin