Photos from my Olympic trip are up on Flickr. Some highlights after the jump.
Nearly the entire city was decked out in red & white, and in a collective good mood. I’d expected to see more countries represented in the crowds, but the only other flags/head-to-toe country-wear I saw came from the Americans and a strong Russian contingent.
We lucked into a connection with a major sponsor, who was able to get us great seats for some events. The catch was that what was available was a bit random. So, the downside was that the only sporting event I saw live was the USA/SUI hockey quarterfinal. The upside was that I had a VIP second row seat (just above the photo pool) for what turned out to be one of the best hockey games I’ve seen. (And I’ve seen a lot of hockey.)
After that, I watched the first period of the CAN/RUS quarterfinal in Robson Square. (We’ve just scored the first or second goal in this shot.)
It was freezing, and pouring rain through the first period, so I spent the second period warming up and drying off, then watched the end of the game out on the street in front of Alberta House. (NB: We won.)
Then we went to that night’s medal ceremony. Here, Clara Hughes is being awarded her bronze medal in speed skating. The Vancouver and Whistler ceremonies were simulcast, so we also got to see a friend’s cousin receive her gold medal in bobsleigh.
Then INXS performed. A good show, if made slightly surreal by their new American-Idol-esque lead singer.
The Olympic flame(s), from behind the anti-terrorist barrier.
