Day One

I know, I know... it was supposed to be a daily update. But is has just been tooooo busy!

Day One started off early! Poor Jesse woke up at 4:30 with his body still in Eastern Time. So and early start down to breakfast and with no real plans for the morning, we decided on a downtown walk. Some streets are closed off but packed with very enthusiastic Canadians. We made it all the way to see the torch burning. Ah, those mountains in the background make a perfect backdrop!

Now, you may have heard of the commotion around the fencing. The torch is walled with a chainlink fencing covered in a Olympic banner. Some people have cut away the banner in places so at least we can see the torch! Since the complaints started coming in that there isn't even a spot to take pictures, they've changed the set up... but not by much. I got some good shots though!

But it was really fun to just walk around, take in all the Olympic hype in the city which I expect will only build! Now for the real fun! Rugge and the kids are heading off to the Men's Speed Skating at the Richmond Oval. Laniards are handed out with tickets and VIP passes, CN clothes are on and the transportation is here to pick up the family. Jesse and I went down to see them off and ended up jumping in for the first drive. It is so beautiful outside, such a lovely drive.

Off they go to the event, Jesse and I head back to the hotel for some down time. I turned on the tv to hear that a zamboni accident had delayed the event and called Rugge for an update. They had seen quite a few skaters but were waiting for the ice to be prepared. Instead of waiting it out, Jesse and I picked them back up to go to the Victory Celebrations! Every night there is a party at BC Place to televise the awards presented at Whistler, a live medal performance as well as a concert. With Alex Belideau receiving the gold... we had to be there!

Once we found our seats... Wow! What a party! We can see the white circular ceiling art hanging above and it registers that we are sitting in the same room as the Opening Ceremonies were held! Just the thought of that sends a thrill through us. The medal presentation was unforgetable with the singing of O Canada an incredible experience. Seeing Alex receive the gold with that big smile on his face... fun.

Back to the hotel with an exhausted troop, we fell into bed and hoped to sleep in to at least 7 tomorrow?