A very hectic last few days in Vancouver.
Saturday Feb 27th Bronze medal game between Finland/Slovakia. Finland winning the bronze. Shift 4:00 to 11:00. As this was the only game that day not sure why we we had a full 8 hrs shift. Left early to do some more exploring before my shift. I ended up getting a manicure and my nails painted Smurf blue. The salon's name was called "Bling" a very trendy spot. I was again working as an usher, the section I had was quite large but after awhile you start to recognize the faces as they come and go for beer, snacks, etc.. Glad that Finland won, I made a little faux pas and starting telling a few fans that there was no medal presentation that it would only happen later, oops... then they started the presentation. When the medals are being given out it is very hard to control the crowd. Everyone is trying to get close and take pictures. What a thrill to watch the guys get their medals.
Sunday Early shift, big game day.
Left around 6:30 for a 9:00 start. Even while getting to the game you could feel the excitement. Went to Starbucks for coffee and talked to some girls who started lining up at 3:00 a.m. to get into the Molson House to watch the game. On the street not far from the rink there was a pick up game of road hockey being played: Cops vs a bunch of guys. Pretty cool to see. There was definitely excitement in the air, lots of people already in town and the line ups started. Security today was strict everyone had to go through screening and our schedules checked to make sure we were supposed to be there, then we received another sticker to put on our accreditation that said gold medal game. Only people with the stickers were allowed in the rink. It seems every volunteer showed up today as the debriefing room was packed. Way more people then they needed. We were given strick instructions on who was allowed in or not. I was posted to an outside job,manning the accessible gate, basically just opening the gate for wheel chairs, stroller,and certain VIP's. After lunch I was working the security gate but the game was well under way and not many people came late. Heather Moyse and Kaillie Humpries, came running through about 5 minutes into the second period. Stopped long enough for a picture with the medals then ran off. Around 10 minutes into the third period I desserted my post, there was no way I was going to stay outside while the big game was happening. So I quietly left for "break", most other volunteers did the same. I was lucky enough to get a spot behing the US net, in the 100's. The stands were so jammed packed we had to try to keep the aisle clear but almost impossible. The atmosphere was incredible and the fans were prepared for the game of a "lifetime". It was obviously a very "Canadian" crowd. A few notables that I was able to see; Bryan Adams, Vince Vaugh, Mike Weir, the guy from Corner gas. I actually did not see the winning goal, but it was shown over on the jumbo screen. The crowd was on their feet and cheering jumping, it was LOUD. The cheering went on for quite some time before the medal presentation. It was so exciting to be in the stands, cheering for Crosby and Loungo and the rest of the team. The team was on the same side as I was standing so it was hard to get a good view of the medal presentation but I was able to see the last few players get the gold, which included Sidney Crosby. I keep saying it over and over but one more time: It was so awesome to be there the atmosphere was amazing and no one wanted to leave. People were hugging high fiving, just a massive celebration. Finally people started to leave and I was helping to direct traffic outside, either people were heading downtown or to the closing ceremonies. Like magic the sun game out and the party started. The line up for people to get to the closing ceremonies was endless, I thought it would never end but again security was tight and there was only one entry so approx 50,000 or so had to pass through. I wish I had tickets to the closing but that was another hot ticket item that I could not afford. Once the crowd cleared I headed downtown, (said I wouldn't go, but it was impossible not to get caught up in the excitement). The crowd and noise level again mind boggling. When did the practice of these cow bells become popular? The crowds were everywhere, roof tops, patios, singing of "oh Canada etc. The crowd just kept getting bigger and bigger...and louder and louder. The party had begun, It was amazing to be part of the crowd. It took about an hour to get to the Skytrain as the crowds were so big and even walking was difficult, you just sort of moved with crowd. As the crowd got bigger so did the police presence. They were trying to control the crowd with mega phones, but you couldn't even hear them. For the most part they just kept an eye on things and tried to keep things moving. Once at the station they wer checking drinks and bags for people coming into the city.. All in all a very peaceful and friendly party. Definitely a once in a life time experience and I was happy to be part of it.
Up Early on Sunday morning for a noon flight home. Was hearing all sorts of stories how crowded the airport would be. Took the Skytrain one last time. It was a beautiful sunny morning, one last look at the mountains and the beautiful cherry blossoms already in bloom. Once at the airport sailed right through security no line ups at all. This gave me plenty of time to have breakfast. At the airport Jon Montgomery was leaving for a flight to Calgary, what a nice guy. He took time to have his picture taken and shake hands with everyone. A pretty cool guy. Also saw Patrick Chan who did the same. Even at the airport the mood was exciting and everyone wanted to talk about their Olympic experience. Long day as the flight had stops in Regina and Winnipeg. Sat with another volunteer until Winnipeg,and talked all the way about our experience. Arrived home about midnight.
Glad to see Jim and be back home.
This was a great experience and I was so proud to be a small part of the Olympic team. The pride that we showed as Canadians was amazing. Another great part of this adventure was going out to BC and being immersed in that life style even for a short while. A very unique and beautiful place. Thanks so much to Susan, Robert and Matthew for their hospitality who helped in making this once in a life time a reality.
All in all a great time and now I have to get back to my "real life".