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4 years ago my home city played host to the winter Olympic games and now with the 2014 winter games in Sochi, I’ve been reliving many of my memories during the games. It was a great time to be in the city of Vancouver. Sometimes called a no fun city, Vancouver brought the fun during the games. Everywhere you went, there was something to do and to see. Never had I seen such national pride so openly displayed. With every medal, the country came together and when Canada scored that final goal in overtime of the men’s hockey final between the US and Canada, it was like the whole country exploded.
I wasn’t able to snag any tickets for events as they were sold by a lottery system and I wasn’t lucky, but there were plenty of free things to see and do. Lots of pavilions and each province in Canada had a house to visit. It was like Disney Epcot but bigger and spread out throughout the city. Sponsors also had the opportunity to have pavilions.
My Highlights of the Olympics
Witnessing a proposal (she said yes)
Street entertainers
Random acts of patriotism
Visiting Sochi-land
Seeing Stephen Colbert & Michael Buble
Stephen Colbert was filming an episode during the games, open to the public. He had on Vancouver native Michael Buble as his guest.
Women’s Super Combined
A friend of mine had an extra ticket for this event and she invited me to go along. The event, being held in Whistler, involved an early morning bus ride and a lot of standing in the cold. The grandstand was situated at the very bottom of the hill so for much of the race you can’t see the skiers – just watch them on the screen. They were such a blur in the parts that we could see. In an instant they came into view and a moment later, they had already crossed the finish line. It was impressive to watch the skill and speed in which they whiz down the mountain.
Norway vs. Sweden Sledge Hockey
While I wasn’t able to get tickets for the actual games, I did snag a pair of tickets to a sledge hockey game between Norway and Sweden during the paralympic games. I had no idea what I was in for and these guys were intense! They had a little blade on the sled they were sitting on, they used their hockey sticks to propel themselves forward and had no qualms about using it to get the puck, forcible. It was intense and crazy watching them just go at each other.
The Olympics are such a crazy and cool experience. If you ever get the chance to be a hosting city during the games, go! There really is nothing like it.
Have you ever been to the Olympics?
I loved looking through your photos! I’m a massive Olympics fan (hence the blog name :P) and I think one of the best things about it is just the atmosphere in the host city. Everyone’s a bit sick of hearing about it for years beforehand, but as soon as it starts the city just comes alive. I went to the Games in Sydney and then in London in 2012 and I wouldn’t swap those experiences for anything!
I adore the games too! I turn into a total TV junkie for the two weeks they’re on. I totally agree with the atmosphere – there really is no way of describing it in words. Sounds like you’ve had some great Olympic experiences 🙂
Awesome photos! I went to these games and had a blast. I went to a curling event, long course speed skating and a hockey game. I was only in Vancouver for just over a day – I wish I would have spent more time there but it was so expensive due to the games!
Oh wow! You packed a lot into just a day. I would have loved to see a hockey game! Vancouver is expensive anytime of the year so I can only imagine what it was like during the games. Hopefully you’ll come back another time 🙂
I wish I was able to head to Van for the games. I was in Alberta at the time, but we watched a lot on the TV 🙂
It’s so special to have been a part of that in your own city — I am so jealous! The Olympics were here in LA in 1984 but I was five — I don’t remember!
I’ve never heard Vancouver called the no fun city. I visited there a few years ago and it was lovely! So many cute restaurants as we wandered through a neighborhood. It looks like the Olympics were a lot of fun! I love watching them on TV. I can’t imagine what it would be like to even be in the same town as them. #SITSBlogging
The vibe of the city has been changing with every year since the games. I think everyone is realizing that yes, we can have fun outdoor festivals and events. You should definitely try and visit a host city during the games if you can!
how amazingling cool!! this is on my bucket list of things to do before I die. I just think even being in the city, like you said, would be such an incredible experience. I wouldn’t care if it was winter or summer! LOL
glad I stopped by. great blog 🙂
#sitsblogging
What a great experience!! I hope one day I can take my son to see the Olympics! How fun!
This is awesome, I’ve always wanted to go to the Olympics!! one day, these are great pictures.
I’m so jealous you even got to be there!! I was drying to go to that games because Apolo Anton Ohno was going to be there, and I LOVE HIM! Great pictures as well!! 🙂
Amanda // Happily Ever After