The Sconestone and the Olympics in Vancouver!!!!

 

Thankfully it was a beautiful sunny day!!! Unlike most days in February when you can get rained on for 14 days in a row. Our first goal was to see and get a picture of the Olympic cauldron. I have spent many an afternoon and evening in Vancouver but was completely surprised with what I saw as we started to walk down to the water. The number of people – it was absolutely amazing!!!!! It was a sea of people with most folks in red and white!!!! As we navigated our way to the Olympic cauldron we listened to people along the way sitting up on chairs that were 10-15 feet off the ground as they gave directions to the mass of people. 

 

The cauldron itself is very impressive, especially against the backdrop of the North Shore Mountains. We had hoped to get out on the “official viewing platform”; however, we quickly changed our minds when we found out that the lineup was an hour long (not something I wanted to do with 2 boys). Anyway, we did our best to get a few shots with the boys, the Sconestone and the cauldron.

 

We then headed back up to the Canadian Mint. The boys wanted to see all the different coins and how they are made. Once again we were met with a choice - the 3 hour line to get into see the official medals of the Olympics or the 1 hour line to get into the Canadian Mint. We decide to skip the Canadian Mint and headed to the Canada North Pavilion. The pavilion was very good. The boys enjoyed the various animals, games, art and of course the station that showed how they polish diamonds.

 

As we left the pavilion we passed by Birks which is a high end jewelry store in Vancouver. Out of the corner of my eye I saw a family holding an Olympic torch. We decided to duck into the shop. The staff at Birks was very kind and we were able to get a family shot of us with the torch and the Sconestone. The boys also got a picture with an official bobsled.

 

After Birks the boys still wanted to go into the Canadian Mint. We hoped that the line was shorter - nope it was actually longer!!!!! So the boys and my wife headed off to grab some food and take a bathroom break – while I stood in line. Lots of pleasant people and the time went by very fast as I watched hundreds of people walk by - different colours, flags,languages – it was very cool!!!! Then ,of course, the announcement came out that Canada had won a gold medal in the 1000 meter Speed Skating event. The street erupted in cheers and celebration - something I will always remember.   We finally got into the Canadian Mint. The mint did a great job and we all enjoyed learning more about how they make the Olympic coins. The highlight was the $1million gold coin.

 

After the mint we had to rush to the medal awards ceremony. As we weaved our way in and out of the crowds the streets were stuffed with people. Thankfully many of the streets were closed off so we could walk on the street vs. the sidewalk. You had about 25,000 people going to the medal ceremony and another 20,000 headed to see Canada play Switzerland. Of course along Robinson Street every restaurant was packed. Many of the pavilions had outside TV’s as people watched various Olympic events.

 

We got inside BC Place Stadium and found our seats. We were 3 rows from the very very top!!!!! We watched Shawn White the amazing Half Pipe snow boarder from the US collect his gold medal. We were fortunate to have 2 special moments - The first was the silver medal awarded to  Marianne St Gelais - the crowd went crazy!!!!! Then with much anticipation everyone was hoping to see the gold medal awarded to Christine Nesbitt  in the 1000 meter Speed Skating race!!!!! The crowd was not disappointed!!!! As soon as the words 1000 meters came up on the screen the crowd went into a frenzy!!!!! I have never been in a building so loud. It was an incredible and proud moment to see Christine  receive her gold medal. Then of course to see the Canadian flag raised and listen to the Canadian anthem. The entire crowd sang O Canada. I saw highlights of the gold medal ceremony on the TV when we got home - although it looked and sounded great – it did not do justice to the energy and sound in the building.

 

We pulled the boys out of BC Place Stadium before the Hedley concert as the yawns commenced and eyes began to get heavy. As we headed down Robson Street we ran into a sea of people celebrating.   A silver medal, gold medal and a win in overtime in men’s hockey had fans cheering in the street. I thought it was busy in the afternoon - but the evening was unbelievable.    As we walked we caught a glimpse of men’s figure skating on the big screen TV’s. It was great to see so many people out celebrating - many people dressed in the colours of their country or with their flag draped around their backs.

 

As we made it back to our car we noticed the line to the Olympic store was very short - only about half a block (it was about a 1 hour wait to get into the store in the afternoon). We got into the line and in about 20 minutes got into the Olympic store to pick up a few items. Then headed home.