Okay, just back from the hockey game. By now you all know the score! There is something really special in the feeling you get when you are in the arena on your home turf and your Country is playing. Weather you are a sports fan or not you get chills. I was watching part of the the game between USA and Switzerland in the Media area. It is such an awesome feeling no mater what country is playing. The media section was located in section 104. It was fun to watch the cameras, it was like watching a tennis match the lens following the play up and down the ice. Also just listening to the sport reporters talk about the players and teams.
I also worked outside, as a "Pacer" this is basically letting people in one by one while they are being scanned by security. "Empty your pockets, no cell phones or cameras" was the line for this process.. The time went really fast, although you are standing all day, great fun. As there were 3 games today at CHP (Canada Hockey Place), there were allot of workers on site. When the first game ended people with tickets to the next game, (and there were many) were staged in a holding area, while the rink emptied. People with tickets to only the Canada game were also allowed entry at around 1ish, and also had to wait in the holding area, The gates fully opened around 2:15, It was fun especially to watch people enter for the Canada game. You could not help but get caught up in the excitement. As a worker we are suppose to stay neutral but not many of us did. When my shift was over I went inside and watched the first period. Not sure if I could have stayed longer, wishing now that I did, but I was up very early this morning for my 1.5 hr commute to the rink,. After my shift I walked around a bit in "Yale town" and it was easy to tell who was winning the game by the reaction on the street. The Skytrain was full with very happy Canadians. The way some of our Canadian fans came to show their support to their team was very imaginative.

Yesterday was a day off from the Spring Olympics, but I work six days straight for the rest of the week. I played tourist. First I headed out to Grouse Mountain. there were no Olympic activities here but still lots of people and a fun trip to get there. After the Skytrain, I took a Sea Bus, to North Vancouver, then a bus up to the Mountain, then a Gondola ride up higher. this was quite nice also, not Whistler, but I am told the next best thing. This is the spot where the NBC today show is shooting. there was skating,skiing and snow boarding all happening. Spent a few hours up there then headed down the mountain to Capilano suspension bridge. I really enjoyed this, what a contrast from half an hour ago in the mountains to the rain forest. This area is really beautiful and peaceful with many walking paths, not to mention the very long suspension bridge. Before heading back to the sea bus,toured around North Van, (see I am already talking like a local). What beautiful homes, gardens. Then stopped into an international market place and just browsed. Back on the Sea Bus, went to see the Caldron. I know you can't get too close but still a pretty awesome sight, also the Olympic rings on the water. As you can see it was a very buzy day. I promise I will put up pictures when I get a chance.

Notes; Sunday went to MetroTown, just walked around the biggest shopping Mall I have ever been in. I know many of you will find this hard to believe, but I could not shop, there is so much to do and it was such a beautiful day I could not concentrate on shopping. Note to Jim, this is only a temporay set back I will make up for it downtown.
Sunday went walking and saw 2 Golf courses opened with people playing.
The games are now being dupped the Spring Olympics.
Found a restaurant at the called Casino near CHP that only charges $3.00 for breakfast.
Still no siting of Neil Young.
Even though I am at CHP you still here all the news on how the Canadian athletes are doing. It really is such a feeling of togetherness!

Okay I gotta go, another early day tomorrow.