Friday, February 26, 2010

The Power of You and I



Curious to experience the Vancouver vibe we head down for the day first stopping at the cauldron to see the flame.


The must-have token photo in front of the cauldron.


Those rumours you've heard of ridiculously long line-ups are all true. At Russia's Sochi Pavillion (normally Science World) we wait an hour to get in but the day is glorious and it's worth it.


Sochi, Russia will be hosting the 2014 Winter Olympics and the fuzzy, blue Cheburashka welcomes everyone.


The Mounties "always get their man", or in this case their woman.


Back in Whistler Village we attend the Medal Presentations.


Bode Miller of the United States receives gold for the Men's Super-Combined Skiing.


The celebrations continue with the help of the popular band, One Republic.


Singer-songwriter Ryan Tedder croons out the tunes.



It's early morning and we're slopeside at Whistler Creekside at the Women's Giant Slalom. The weather conditions deteriorate canceling their second run so being versatile Whistlerites we make the best of it and head to the local pub for brews and burgers.


On to the Four Man Bobsleigh at the Sliding Center. Go Canada!! ...and they take the Bronze medal!


The Brits are down but not out ranking 17th place in the end.


We spent three wonderful weeks laughing, crying, and celebrating with the world. As the 2010 Winter Olympics come to a close it is clear that it was not just about excellence in sport but maybe more about, as the Olympic Theme Song goes, believing the power that comes, from a world brought together as one. Believing together we'll fly, believing in the power of you and I.

Great job everyone!

Friday, February 19, 2010

With Glowing Hearts



The Olympic torch runs past our house en route to the cauldron in Skiers Plaza at the base of the chairlifts.


The cauldron alights. Let the games begin!


Our first event is the Women's Skeleton at the Whistler Sliding Center. With two hours to go before the race begins and the temperature dropping Tim resourcefully turns his neck gator into a head warmer.


Sandi meets up with her friends.


And they're off! Can you spot the Canadian Skeleton racer going head first at 140 kilometers an hour? This isn't a sport for the faint of heart.


The proud Canadian fans go wild as proud Tim reminds Sandi that Amy Williams of Great Britain is in first place.


Don't blink or you'll miss it. It takes a steady hand and quick eye to get a shot like this.


Every night at Skiers Plaza skiers and snowboarders show off their incredible skills jumping and flipping through rings of fire at the Fire and Ice Show.


This morning we head to the Men's Ski Jumping at the Olympic Center in the Callaghan Valley, a 30 minute bus ride south of Whistler Village. We arrive early at 8 a.m. as the sun rises over the mountains and pinch ourselves that this stunning part of the world is where we live.



The ski jump here, built specifically for the 2010 Olympics, is already setting records as we watch several of the world's best jumpers surpass 140 meters.



The only Brit in the event. What style! What form! Surprisingly, he doesn't make the podium.

Monday, February 1, 2010

Go Canada Go!

It's here and Whistler is ready to shine.


Olympic fever has hit as The Village bustles with anticipation and last minute preparations.


Construction workers put the finishing touches on the stage at The Medals Plaza.


Sandi meets the Vancouver 2010 mascots, Sumi, Miga, Quatchi and their little sidekick, Mukmuk.


Tim likely won't hang up his skis for the bobsleigh but a guy can dream.



Thousands of lights festoon the trees throughout The Village, some in national flag attire fit for the occasion. Who says Canadians aren't patriotic? It's a magical Canadian wonderland.


We'll be attending several events over the month including Ski Jumping, Alpine Skiing, Skeleton, Bobsleigh and awards presentations so stay tuned - we'll share a few of the highlights.

Watch for our waving red mittens as we cheer on the Canadians (and Brits of course but we couldn't find any British mittens).