Canadian Cocktails yacht-side

Because of Toby's Coffee Clatch connection, we were invited to a fun cocktail party aboard the "Water Buoy", the yacht owned by Coffee Clatcher Kay Ackles, whose late husband Bob was an executive in both the NFL and the CFL for years.  We met other Clatchers there, along with Kay's family members.  It's been quite special to be included in their interesting circle.

Meet Mary McNeil

Toby here. The girls are giving me a hard time about my lack of posting... This is my early morning coffee crew that meets at 7am every day at Urban Fare, our neighborhood grocery store and hangout. It is a very eclectic, diversified and a highly powered group. The person to my right is Mary McNeil, the Minister (head honcho) of the 2010 Vancouver Olympic Games. She has given us daily insight of the behind-the-scenes scenarios and happenings of the Games. Sitting in front of me is David Boyd, owner of a international video surveillance company. David was so kind to invite me into their exclusive Canadian group. Along with Carl and Barb (note their cool new hats) is Dean who works for InterWest, owners of Whistler, and Rod McNeil, Mary's husband. At the end of the table is Jeff who owns Aqua Bus. Aqua Bus has a ton of small boats that act as ferries to shuttle people all around the False Creek water inlet located near the Olympic Village, GM Place (site of Opening & Closing Ceremonies), Canada Hockey Place (hockey venue) and various other sites including our condo. Aqua Bus has played an instrumental role in the successful transportation system. Not pictured are approximately a dozen other members of the group that show up at various times or days.

Making new friends with such a friendly bunch has been a highlight of our awesome experience at these Olympics.  

Brian's Coaching Technique

If you ever get a chanced to watch Brian Orser, DO.  Brian is Yu-Na Kim's coach, and she took the gold medal last night in ladies figure skating.  While her skating is truly lovely and undeniably medal-worthy, it was almost as enjoyable watching Brian as she skated.  He's VERY animated and practically performs every move along with her as he stands rinkside watching her.  He must be exhausted by the end of her long program - it's quite entertaining!

Ladies Final

Last night was the Ladies Final in figure skating.  While we didn't hold out much hope that our US gals would medal, we were still VERY proud of both our ladies, Rachel and Mirai.  It was great to see Mirai post such an incredible score.  And seeing Canada's Joannie Rochette take bronze was a huge triumph in light of what she's endured this week with the sudden passing of her mother here on Sunday.  A brave and beautiful young lady.  All in all, very impressive skating; all the ladies brought their A-games and skated their hearts out.

Big Dogs

There is a hot dog stand down the street from our condo.  It's called Big Dogs and its proprietor's name is Shaun.  We'd been admiring him from afar but decided that yesterday was the day to test his professed kielbasa skills. 

They are impressive.

A philosophical perspective on crowds

We Love Food

Vancouver is not only a totally hip city, it's a food lover's Mecca.  Between all the fabulous markets and restaurants featuring food from every corner of the world, it's often hard to decide where to stop and refuel.

Drooling may now commence.

You just never know who you'll bump into at The Olympics

While enjoying a wonderful lunch at The Sand Bar on Granville Island, we happened to be standing next to a lady wearing an IOC (International Olympic Committee) credential.  Barb asked her what her role with the IOC was, and she answered, "Nothing, my husband is affiliated with it."  Pressing on, Barb asked her husband's role, and the lady replied, "Oh, he's president of it".  Turns out we were talking to Anne Rogge, the wife of Jacques Rogge, the 8th and current president of the IOC!!!
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jacques_Rogge 

It's all about the hats!

Yesterday was HAT DAY!  We all sported new chapeaus, all with some kind of nation theme.  (Hint:  everyone but Carl was supporting the USA; he chose to go with Team Canada!)

We headed up to Cypress Mtn. to watch Ladies Aerials finals.  We caught the Sea Bus over to North Van and had dinner at a waterfront restaurant.  It had been a rather crummy day all day but as we were having dinner the clouds parted to give us a beautiful sunset over Downtown Vancouver.

It was a VERY foggy night on the mountain, in fact when we first arrived we could hardly even see the jumps. 

 

The fog lifted a bit and we were finally able to enjoy some amazing aerial maneuvers.

 

With all the unseasonably beautiful weather, being up at Cypress finally gave Dana & Carl a real flavor of WINTER Olympics, instead of the Spring-like feel it's otherwise had!

They Don't Call Them MOUNTIES for Nothing!

The Royal Canadian Mounted Police made an appearance in front of the Olympic Cauldron.  They came trotting down the street in queue (that's Canadian for "line"!) and posed in front of the flame for the ultimate Canadian photo op.  The horses were gorgeous and so well behaved, and the stunning red of the uniforms against the gray skies and the cauldron behind made for quite the view.  

Shortly after that, the Martin Mars Water Bomber - the world's largest operational flying boat ever built --  made a fly by and dropped its load of 37,000 litres of water in the harbour right in front of the cauldron.  

 We happened to be sitting in a waterfront restaurant when the plane flew RIGHT overhead.  We could practically see the whites of the pilot's eyes!!!  It was spectacular.  Canada has definitely done its part to showcase some of their amazing treasures.

Last night's Ladies Short program was wonderful; real world-class skating and all the athletes seem to have brought their A-games as personal bests were scored by most all the skaters.  The house came down when Canadian Joannie Rochette took the ice and skated a gorgeous, inspired performance.  Her mother died just 2 days before from a heart attack here in Vancouver and everyone wondered if she would go on to compete in light of the tragedy.  She decided to skate in honor of her mother and there wasn't a dry eye in the house as the music ended and she covered her face with her hands and broke down.  Everyone was on their feet crying and cheering her incredible bravery and poise.  She's currently in 3rd place going into the final so she'll definitely be a crowd favorite tomorrow night for the free skate.  I know WE will all be cheering her on.

We are able to enjoy the nightly fireworks show right from our perfectly situated condo.  They occur each night at 10:45 and never cease to amaze and bring us all to "ooh's" and "ahh's".  It's tough to get good pix of them but here's one that's not too bad.

 

 Well, it's time to sign off as we need to start getting geared up for Ladies Aerials Finals tonight up at Cypress Mountain.  It's been snowing there all day so we'll definitely need to break out the winter gear tonight.  Should be a great competition!

Falling Behind on Blogging... Shame on us!

Sorry the blogging has been a bit sporadic.  We've been on the go-go-go, what with the weather having been so incredible the past few days.  But the clouds, wind and rain have finally set in and looks to be our constant companion the rest of the week so that might allow more time for sitting indoors telling our tales to our online followers. 

The weather may not sound the best but rest assured that it hasn't dampened the spirits of these Olympic Junkies.  We have MANY fun tales to tell and pix to show!

Tomorrow... Blog Catch-up Day!

GO USA!!! 

Yes it was great!

 

Last night we were there for the Dance Finals.  It was great to see Meryl and Charlie win the Silver medal.  We were sad that Tanith and Ben finished fourth.  That's not the way we had it scored.  Of course the party at USA House was a who's who.  Very fun.  

Dana's Infamous Self Portraits

 

So if you've ever spent any time with Dana, you know about the "Self Portraits.  Lots more to show you, but we gotta run.  Dana has promised to Blog this afternoon.

Those crazy costumes - too much Folk!

 

From Original Dance on Sunday, February 21st all the talk was about the Russian's costumes.  We were treated to a lot of cheek, and not in a good way.  What do you think...haven't the costumes jumped the shark.  We preferred the simple costumes the Canadian dance team wore.  Also the theme for Original dance was Folk dances.  We felt "folked out" by the time it was over, but with Charlie and Meryl in second place andTanith and Ben in fourth place we felt pretty good about our chances for a medal.

Don't you love an entrepreneur!

A guy on the street corner in front of Starbucks is selling Canadian bandannas for dogs.  Good call!

Lines Lines Everywhere Lines

 Lines lines everywhere lines, blocking out the scenery....oh wait that's not how it goes.  Well that is how it goes here in Vancouver.  It feels like everyday this Olympics has grown exponentially.  There are huge lines to everything that is free. There is a free "Olympic Live Site" right down the street from us at David Lamb Park.They have free entertainment and sponsor activities.  We have not taken in any of the free stuff.   However we have been the beneficiary of the fireworks.  Almost every night there is a beautiful fireworks display that we can see from our deck, and is a great way to cap off the evening.  Toby took pictures but they turned out too dark.  We'll try again tonight.

Are these the Spring Olympics?

There here, there here!!

 

Dana and Carl have arrived.  We have the most convenient location ever for those flying in. They simply take the Canada line from the airport to the Yaletown Roundhouse.  First stop Starbucks, which is just outside the station.  Another beautiful day!  Figure Skating Original Dance tonight.

We're having the time of our lives!

Ok, I have to admit I am sitting in the closet of our condo to write this post (some wireless internet issues) but I can safely say, this has been exactly what we hoped it would be... an amazing Olympic experience.  We started at Cypress Mountain.  We witnessed six U.S. Olympic Medals in the four events we have attended at Cypress.  They are calling Cypress Mountain their "special" venue.  Special - in that it has had many challenges.  From mother nature saying "No Snow for You" to crazy lines for concessions and transportation - to having to refund 20,000 standing room tickets because the standing room area became unsafe as a result of melting snow.  But it has been very good to us.   In addition to seeing Canada win their fist Gold Medal on home soil (Men's Moguls) we have seen an unbelievable medals haul at Cypress.  Then you add to that Evan Lysacek winning his gold medal, the historic night we saw tonight, and Wow what can I say.  It's the most amazingly beautiful city, and we are so lucky to be here to soak all of this in.

Going to Short Track - Saw Olympic History

Tonight we went to see Short Track Speed Skating where Apolo Anton Ohno won the bronze medal for the 1000 meters.  It was edge of your seat excitement from start to finish.  We were there to witness the most decorated Winter Olympian win his seventh medal. It doesn't get much better than that!

Vancouver is for the dogs!

Vancouver is one of the most dog friendly cities I have ever seen.  Toby has never met a dog he didn't like.

Boy you just never know what you'll run into at the Olympics!

The Olympic Rings you see on TV

Also along the beautiful seawall you pass fairly close to the Olympic Rings that are out on a barge in Coal Harbor.  It's another amazing beautiful day.

Red Mittens Everywhere!

Today we went out for another bike ride.  Vancouver is the greatest biking city!  Here we encountered a statue wearing .... what else .... the famous red mittens.  Toby is showing some form.

Sochi House .... Our only day with no events

 

Today we have officially been here a week.  It's gone soooo fast!!  It was sad today - Michelle and Rich flew home, so we are flying the big Olympic ship solo again.  We can't wait for Dana and Carl to arrive on Sunday.  We did not have an event today, which I have to admit was really nice.  Between celebrating  Evan's gold medal late into the night last night, and having an event every day, with two yesterday, it's nice to not have anything that we have to do.  It's been a good chance to do a little laundry and enjoy the most amazing weather.  A nice walk along the sea wall, brings us to Sochi House.  Each future host city has an exhibit that showcases their city.  The line to get it was absurd - so needless to say we didn't go in.

The Medals Ceremony - It's nice to see the good guys win.

 

This is such a thrill for us.  As many of you know Evan has been very good to us.  We jokingly said he was a part of our marketing team.  He made a trip to Spokane before the 2007 Championships just to do a media day, and we worked him from very early in the morning with TV and radio interviews, then a lunch and pictures with sponsors, followed by a trip up to Eagles to do a clinic with the local kids, he was FABULOUS!  When you work with athletes you can quickly tell who is the real deal. Evan is truely the real deal.

If you're a fan in the stands, one of the benefits of a sport that is very slow to change is that if you watch the finals you still get to see the medals awarded immediately following the event.  All other sports have their medal ceremony the next day at a Victory Ceremony which as an event organizer I prefer.  But it was sure nice to be there to see them drape that gold medal around Evan's neck.

Evan Lysacek's Grand Parents

 

So if it's your birthday and you're grandson is competing in the Olympics what do you get for your birthday?  Well if you're Evan Lysacek's Grandma you get a lovely Gold Medal performance!  This handsome couple is Evan's Grandparents (Tanya's mom and dad).  It was an absolute thrill to be surrounded by Evan's whole family and dozens of friends as he won the gold medal.

Speaking of Coaches....Meet Coach Parra

 

We first met Derrick Parra right after he won the Gold medal in long track speed skating at the Salt Lake Olympics.  He's a great guy, and now days he is a coach for Team USA for long track.

Frank Carroll

 

At USA House Evan Lysacek presented his coach Frank Carroll with a medal of his own.  It's about time they started handing out medals for Coaches!

Vancouver's Fashion Scene

If you hear of a shortage of Olympic-logo'd apparel, here's why...

Toby's New Career Move

With a few overlapping events, Toby sets up his own personal Star USA Ticket Exchange site at the neighborhood Starbucks around the corner from the condo. 

"Tickets, Tickets - who needs Tickets?  Get 'em while they're hot!!!"

An epic night...Evan brings home the GOLD!

Michelle here, posting for the team. We're a bit behind, only because it's been a busy few days! Last night Barb and Toby saw Evan win the gold. What an amazing night. They were sitting right behind his family, so got to enjoy seeing all the excitement. Rich and I were at the Slovakia vs. Russia hockey game, which was a huge upset with Slovakia winning!  We all met up at the USA house afterward for the US Figure Skating party. What an event. There were many gold medalists there including Dick Button, Peggy Flemming, Brian Boitano, Kristi Yamaguchi and Tara Lipinski.Vera Wang was there, as well as several speed skaters and snowboarders. Everyone was celebrating the first men's figure skating gold since 1988.  The night was festive and we had a great time mingling with all the skating staff, friends and family. The best quote of the night was when Barb asked Frank Carroll, Evan's coach, what he told him right before he took the ice. If you've watched Frank, you know he's a very elegant and well-spoken man. We all expected he'd share some inspirational words he left with Evan that must have fueled that performance. Instead Frank deadpanned, "I told him he better skate his ass off!"  That was classic. We're pretty sure that's not what he actually said, but we may never know for sure!  Today is a gorgeous sunny day in Vancouver. Feels more like the summer Olympics than the winter Olympics! We've been taking full advantage of the sunshine, riding bikes along the sea wall, sitting outside at the great cafes and logging some hours on the deck. Rich and I leave today. Sad to see our Olympic experience end, but we are bringing home memories of a lifetime and the photos to match! More to come from the team here on the ground.....stay tuned.

Gold Medalist Evan Lysacek arrives at USA House to the throngs of his (mostly female!) adoring fans.

So exciting to have seen him last night skate the performance of his life.  So deserving.

CHEERS from North of the Border

CHEERS to Olympic caliber wine lovers!!!  (Toby looking QUITE dapper in his new chapeau)

Mittens, Mittens, who's got the Mittens?

The hottest commodity of these games... THE RED MITTENS!!!  And we got 'em!