Summing up Vancouver

Today was our last day in Vancouver and while we are all excited to be leaving for Whistler in the morning it will be difficult to close this chapter of our Olympic adventure.  When Rich and I were planning this trip we knew it would be special, the trip of a lifetime, and so far, the XXI Winter Olympic Games have not disappointed.  We are shocked when we hear the press critizing these games because, in our opinions, Vancouver has met the challenge of hosting a wonderful Olympics.  The Olympics are so much more than sports and although we have visited all but one of the Vancouver/Richmond Olympic venues and experienced some fantastic competitions (as well as witnessing history being made) we have also been fortunate enough to take in many of the pavillions and "Live" sites throughout the city. Each province is here putting its best foot forward and most of the countries have pavillions too.  There are concerts, buskers, artisans and entertainers.  There is still so much that we want to see that it is a bit disappointing to have to leave.  Our days have been full from morning until late each night, often leaving our place right after breakfast and not returning to our suite until 10 or 11 pm.  Through all of this hustle and bustle our girls have been troopers.  They are making friends with strangers around every corner,  trading collectable pins, dancing in the streets, cheering for our Canadian athletes and just simply soaking up the Olympic atmosphere.   We know that we are very fortunate to be experiencing these Olympic Games together as a family and we are doing everything we can to savour it all.  We hope for more wonderful experiences in Whistler and will keep you posted.

Rich and Erika