"I Believe" was one of the Canadian Olympic motto's/logo. I certainly believe in how the positive emotions can be infectious. Hubby and I were able to make it to the mainland for a couple of days. We didn't have tickets to any of the events, but what we saw was amazing. I think we took over 600 photos. We were in awe of the crowds and how happy everyone was. The police were friendly, people were polite and helpful, the thousand of volunteers my sister, my girlfriend, and my brother just to name a few, all volunteered to help out at the games. They tell me it was an experience they will never forget.
Some of the international media seem to take any opportunity it could to lamb base Vancouver and it's inaction in certain events. Case in point. I heard that British news was saying that Vancouver was having all these riots. Yes there was a few protests, and unfortunately a few rebel rosers broke some windows. But, I have to tell you, they were a small group, never once did I see a fight or anything that could even resemble a so called riot.
That's the Olympic Cauldron behind me. See all those people. Folks lined up for hours to get a shot of that thing.
Here's a little better shot of the Cauldron....see all the people....oh my goodness, and nope no riots here....
This is a photo of just some of the crowds working their way towards that Olympic Cauldron. It was something I will never forget again. The street vendors were selling and trading a variety of pins, and again, I never saw any thing close to rowdiness or riots.
Police officers from all over the country came to help out with the security of the Olympics. I took this photo as one of the officers was from my husband's hometown of Hamilton. I thought that was cool as well, that they wore their own uniforms, again it showed a united Canada working together to make this a enjoyable event for the world to enjoy! They "Believed" as well.
The Olympic Clock near Robson Square
This caught my interest, Samsung I gather was on of the Olympic sponsors but the critters on the side are the Olympic Mascots. I thought it was cool how they projected these images on the building.
Some very friendly and kind police officers taking care of this rowdy Olympic fan
Downtown Granville street wall to wall people and not a fight or riot in sight.
Downtown Granville street wall to wall people and not a fight or riot in sight.
Yes I believe that a city the size of Vancouver can hold an international even such as the Olympics and welcome the world. I believe that it was a great success, I believe that this is a memory and experience that I will never forget.
I want to thank all of our international guests for behaving themselves and for making these Olympics so enjoyable for all.
I want to thank all of our international guests for behaving themselves and for making these Olympics so enjoyable for all.
4 comments:
To quote your title of this post, "I Believe" too that your words about Vancouver and the whole of Canada and the 21st Olympiad are completely true!
I don't remember watching so much of the Olympics as I did this year and being so into the events and the competitors. I also don't remember crying as much as I did this year either -crying over the spills and falls; the anguish to of watching someone run a great race or skate a fantastic program and be edged out too of a medal and crying also just out of sheer pride not just for those who won from the US but also for those from our good neighbors to the north -and for people from all over the world too!
Oh and my neighbor two doors down from me, husband of my bestest friend since we were 2 years old (a long, LONG time ya know) was and still is up in Vancouver, working at the Olympics then the Paralymics too as a bus driver! His company sent I think it was 36 drivers up to do the shuttling back and forth and he won't be home till near April 1st!
Mary Anne, one of the sports writers for ESPN said that Vancouver made the Winter Olympics relevant again. You can't get much better praise than that. I agree -- they were extremely successful, and a WHOLE LOT OF FUN...! Last night I missed hearing the fireworks at 10:45 p.m. It seemed strange.
I thought Vancouver did an amazing job of hosting the Olympics, and I am very proud of everyone who was involved.
Great photos!!! It looks as if you enjoyed yourself. I managed to get a little video of the cauldron with the flame burning. I think I will always treaure it.
Cheers,
Jo
I cannot imagine a better place to hold the Olympics. We have been to Vancouver twice - had once dreamt about going to the Olympics there - and plan on returning again. No other CITY has made us even think about,m much less talk about, wanting to move to another country. After saying that, we knew that Vancouver, and BC itself, was the best place to embody the Olympic spirit - no matter how hard certain persons always try to downplay the spirit of the Olympics. I am sorry that the weather did not cooperate - but that has been happening all over the place recently! I am glad you had the patience to put up with the crowds and post some photos - thank you!
Wasnt it amazing? We also enjoyed the crowds immensely (sp?). We didnt see any signs of fights or violence. Amongst 1000s of people, I never felt safer. Every one was so friendsly and patriotic.
The few protesters that I saw on the news, were being told off by other regular citizens on the street.
Ill never forget the feeling of pride and belonging.
Post a Comment