The XXI Olympic Winter Games officially opened here in Vancouver on Friday. The city is Alive! Streets were filled with enthusiastic locals and visitors. J & I were glued to the TV to see the proud moment of Wayne Gretzky lighting the final torch. All weekend, we watched the fireworks from our balcony and took in the atmosphere. If only they had fireworks display every weekend, I can get used to this! Saturday was Chinese New Year celebration Potluck with J's family. Year of the Tiger, I consumed like one! I'm not too familiar with Chinese astrology, but I know this is going to be a good year :)
Valentine's Day was spent watching the pair short program figure skating event. The feeling of being at an official Olympic venue on our own turf was really something. Cheers for Canada was the loudest and the dearest. My favorite couple has to be the husband & wife pair from China - Shen/Zhao (first pic). I loved the crisp sound of blades piercing the ice as they perfectly land triple loops. Synchronized by skating together for 18 years, you can feel the love and passion. They came back to compete as the oldest competitors after retiring 2 years ago. Their story is truly amazing and not only did they win GOLD, they claimed a new World Best! We took more than 1000 photos. Here are a few of my favorites:
