An Awesome Day

I love having the Olympics here in our city...

Yesterday Steve and I decided to take Elysia downtown to see the city during the Olympics. It was an awesomely glorious day, and I was excited to head into the city.

Steve and I parked our car at my parent’s house, put the baby in the stroller, and walked up to the sky train. Did I mention that it was a gorgeous day? The sun was shining, the weather was warm (as warm as it can be for Vancouver in February), and it was early in the afternoon. Steve doesn’t really like riding the train, but I don’t mind it. On a clear day you can enjoy a view of the mountains, or look at the downtown city lights. The people on the train can be rather interesting too!

The amazing view when we got off the train and took a short walk.








We got off the train near where many of the Olympic ‘houses’ were. As we walked over to Russia house, we noticed the line-up looked about an hour long. Sigh...I admit standing in a line with the baby for an hour didn’t really appeal to either of us. Thankfully, for some reason, since we had a stroller they let us just walk in! We were able to bypass the line-up and the metal detectors, and enter in what looked like a VIP entrance. It’s about time someone realised how important we know we are!!   ;-)

Russia house wasn’t nearly as exciting as I thought it would be. If I had waited in line for an hour I would have been really disappointed! It was mostly pictures of the many regions of Russia, and a lot of information about the city where the next Olympics are going to be held. I wanted Russian food and dancing! They were playing Russian music over the speakers, however, and Elysia loved it. I took her out of the stroller and she began to smile and do her little baby dance.

We left Russia house and proceeded to the Plaza of Nations. There was a band playing live music, vendors trying to hawk useless wares (unless, of course, you really like glow in the dark sunglasses with great big maple leafs on the lenses), and a food tent where restaurateurs had set up little booths selling wonderful smelling international foods that would satisfy any persons taste buds. Of course we had to eat there! I had fabulous butter-chicken with rice and naan bread. Steve? Well, he was really adventurous and had a White Spot Hamburger.

A little market at the Plaza of Nations.  I loved it!  It reminded me of some of the markets I have been to in Asia, except the vendors here weren't grabbing you to try and get you to buy!

Anybody want to buy a moose toque?  I know where you can get one for a slightly inflated price...





After a few hours of walking and taking in the sights, Elysia had had enough. So we headed back to my parent’s house on the sky train. At this point, the train was packed, and my wonderful little daughter was a wee bit cranky. Yep, my kid screamed almost the entire trip back to Burnaby.

Elysia when we just arrived downtown...Elysia on the train ride home!!

Steve and I weren’t done taking in the sights though. Elysia stayed with Grandma and Grumpa, and Steve and I headed back downtown. We went and saw the Olympic torch, felt the wonderful energy of the city at night, and heard endless cheers when Canada beat the Swiss in the hockey game. I have never seen anything like it. There were people all over the streets dancing, cheering, and wearing face-paint and maple leafs.  There was even an impromptu ball hockey game being played in the street!

There were flags from all over the world, and friendly bantering from all the different people. It didn’t matter what country you were from, the crowds were awesome. I don’t think I have ever been more proud of my city.

Who could resist a family photo op in such a beautiful place?

The two of us walked the entire city that evening. We even took a little ferry across the water and went to Granville Island. I had never taken that ferry before, and I loved it! I can’t wait until Elysia is a little older so that she can really enjoy it with us.

It really was a wonderful day!