Olympics 2010 in My World

Currently, my world is made up of the 2010 Winter Olympics. A few weeks ago, I went downtown to see what was going on and I managed to capture a few things of interest. There's so much more there now, but this will give you an idea.

First, there's a gigantic Canadian flag on two sides of a building and buses with Olympic pictures splattered all over the sides.



The Hudson's Bay Company, an official sponsor, has decorated its historic building with murals depicting all the different sports included in a winter Olympics. Unfortunately, some violent criminal elements smashed some of the glass panels of the building, not as a protest to the Olympics, but just because they're goons looking for a fun time. The Vancouver Police quickly deterred any more violence and things are going smoothly now.


On Tuesday, February 9th, the Olympic flame passed through my village and it was so exciting to watch it go by. A once in a lifetime experience for all to see!

My sweetie is the Venue Manager for BC Place Stadium where the Opening Ceremonies were held and where the Closing Ceremonies will be held. Also, every night they have the Medal Ceremonies there. He captured a few sights when at work one day. Here is a shot of the Athletes' Village from the waterfront side.

This is a shot of some of the portals where lucky ticket-holders pass through to be screened for dangerous items. It's just like at the airport, but in individual tents (because of the rain).

Olympic flags adorn all the buildings where things are going on. This is part of Canada Hockey Place where all the hockey games are held. Did you see the Canadian Women's Hockey Team play their first game?

Of course, not only is security tight, but there are actually snipers on top of the buildings keeping an eye out for any danger!

I love this shot that my sweetie got of Science World one night when it was clear and calm. Don't you love the reflections in the water?

Sweetie even managed to catch a shot of Wayne Gretzky as he jogged past on his way to light the eternal outdoor flame at the waterfront.

Unfortunately, the eternal flame is currently behind a chain-link fence because it's location is right beside the Vancouver Convention Center and the International Broadcast Center. People are not pleased but eventually, the fence will come down and I'll go and take a photo of it for myself.

The Vancouver Olympic cauldron burns at Waterfront Plaza in Vancouver Sunday, Feb. 14, 2010.

(photo courtesy CARMINE MARINELLI/QMI AGENCY)

Some friends came over to watch the Opening Ceremonies on Friday night and we had a great time. It was noted in the newspaper on Saturday that a lot of people didn't like the way our national anthem was sung, but anyone I've spoken to thought it was great! I think Vanoc did a phenomenal job depicting Canada and its culture, except I hope people realize that we're not a country of First Nations people - we're all nationalities and races, which is what a multicultural country is supposed to be.

NBC is covering the Olympics in the USA, so I hope if you're interested, you'll watch. We're all thrilled that Canada finally has a gold along with a silver and bronze - so far!

Go Canada! But if you'd like to see other places around the world, just click here to see the My World contributors.