3 replies to this topic

[satellite_eyes]

Let us know about your trip to the olympics when you get a chance. Did you see any snowfall other than way up on Whistler? How much was on the ground?

[lab94]

How was it getting around from event to event? Overal thoughts on the whole trip? Was the beach volleyball snow boarding good?

[jfar57]

Hey guys...it was great. I have been pretty tied up since getting back...sorry to not post sooner.

My wife and I were treated to a great 5 days. First off, Vancouver and up through Whistler is an absolutely beautiful place. We also lucked out with the weather. When we arrived on Tuesday morning, the sun was out and it was 50 degrees. Every day was about the same.

After walking around the first afternoon and just soaking in the city we had a welcome reception with Brian Rafalski (US Hockey team, ex Devil and current Red Wing) and Chris Klug (snowboard). They had dinner and drinks with us for a couple of hours. I gave Rafalski some pointers and he went out the next game against Finland and scored two goals with us in attendance.

We also saw Shani Davis win the gold in 1000 meter long track speed skating and Evan Lysacek win gold in Men's figure skating. Of the two, the speed skating was more entertaining, but they did not do a medal ceremony for that. For Lysacek, there was nothing better than watching our flag go up and listen to our National Anthem. Sitting by Michelle Kwan was pretty cool too.

We had a day up in Whistler for ski jumping and mens/womans skeleton. I have skied my whole life and watched a boatload of jumping on TV. Never in my wildest dreams did I realize how big and steep a ski jumping ramp and landing area were. I also did not realize that as the "fliers" were coming down through the air that they really soar like kites with a good deal of side to side movement and pitching. They are flippin' nuts. About the only folks crazier than them are the group of people who are willing to either skeleton, luge or bobsled. They share the same track and all travel about 100mph with all the protection that lycra can offer. I am convinced that every athlete I saw that day had parents that did not love them or they would have never ever tried those sports.

I cannot post pictures from work....so will have to follow up with some from home. I will go in and change my avatar to me with the Olympic torch.

Last thought....Canadians do NOT hold their liquor well.

[jfar57]

lab94, on Mar 15 2010, 08:59 AM, said:

How was it getting around from event to event? Overal thoughts on the whole trip? Was the beach volleyball snow boarding good?

Was really easy. A good deal in Vancover was within walking distance. For the venues we needed to be transported to we had a bus and traffic was no problem at all.

I think that much of the local population has to be priced out of attending the games. The tickets were $200 apiece ($450 for Ice Skating) and there were very few cars headed anywhere. I am sure that 80% of attendees were either with sponsor tickets or family/friends of competitors or past athletes.