Vancouver 2010 - "Going for Gold"

What happens when you throw a party and the entire world shows up to celebrate?

A city turns golden...

I apologize for my late Olympic Blog update, but the past 3 weeks have been a blur of people, parties and many more things I probably should not disclose here...

During the Olympics, Vancouverites witnessed 17 days of packed streets, no sleep, long lines, free outdoor concerts, history breaking sunny weather during
these "winter" games, as well as hearing sexy foreign accents screaming to support thier counties while drinking gallons of our Canadian beer
in packed bars and restaurants as the top athletes on the planet live their dreams by winning gold medals representing their home counties!

What an incredible experience it was!

Coming into these Vancouver 2010 winter games I had a unique & privileged perspective because in 2000 I was in Sydney Australia for the Summer Games.
I was not sure how this event on my home soil would compare to the incredible production that the Aussies put on down under.


However, I can honestly say that this
city / Country provided WAY more of a positive celebration than What I felt Sydney did in comparison.

The funny thing is, being 10 years older, it was like coming full circle and I felt like I was 19 again (and I partied like I was 19 again too during these games!)

By being just one of 37 million Canadians, I am honored and very, very proud to have
played a small part in witnessing & hosting the biggest & best event our country has ever produced - bar none!

Highlights:
Chasing & Holding The Olympic Torch!!

-Opening Ceremonies: Snowboarder Jumping through hoop!

-The BC Tourism commercial with our local BC talent...


-Seeing John Montgomery win Gold in the Skeleton - then proceed to down an pitcher of beer in the Whistler Village!

-Womens Canadian Hockey team drinking & smoking cigars on the ice.

-Sidney Crosby's epic overtime goal to beat America and break the Olympic Record for Gold Medal in the history of the Games!

- Breaking a personal record of mine: going out 17 nights in a row!...(actually, I took off one night, my liver needed it haha).

-Watching Grandville Street erupt as hundreds of thousands of people flood the streets with Canadian flags, chants, cow bells, beers, and vibrating with
an incredible energy that traveled coast to coast from Vancouver to Halifax!
(Biggest. Street-Party. EVER!)


Seeing the National Pride and community that was cultivated in a way that we have never seen or experienced before as Canadians.

As a local bonus, thanks to the Olympic's international media coverage, the entire world was able to see why Vancouver is always
rated one of the top 5 cities in the world to live in.

I have to admit, the post games hangover was not one only induced of booze, but of the end of what was a break from the mundane routine that was
replaced by feelings of fun, parties and connection to our community
as our county and city opened its doors to the world. Unfortunately just like after a house guest leaves, sometimes a empty void remains until you see
that person again- so for all the people who came to our city & billions who watched us on TV.

All I can say is a simple quote form Apoo from "The Simpson's" "Thank You & Come Again."

Welcome to Whistler, my backyard :)


Vancouver's Gold Medal Host,
Quinton Carlin :)