The changed face of Whistler
Friday, February 26th, 2010
USA 2 sled at start run #2
Our family leaves Whistler today, but we catch Short Track Speed Skating at the Pacific Coliseum tonight. While our trip draws to a close, we look at what memories we will bring home and reflect upon our experiences here. Certainly the excitement of the events themselves are still processing for us, but the time spent in the village will change forever our trips up here.
We spent most of yesterday soaking in the international energy of the games at the village. While Whistler has always had the mixture of cultures that come from being a destination ski resort, this pales in comparison to what was generated by the games. Whether it was eating the Raclette dish at the Swedish house, walking by the French, Jamaican or Norway houses, seeing live entertainers everywhere or hearing the roar of the crowds in the bottom of the Ski Plaza as Canada’s Women’s Hockey team took the gold medal we will view our future trips with these memories in place.
Fan at Men's Giant Slalom
Whistlerwishes us good memories by bringing a alternating showers of both rain and snow. We were lucky in that most of the time we stayed dry and relatively warm. Creekside is quiet now, but the crowds are thickening for the Women’s Slalom, which will occur about a 1000 feet above us. Soon we expect to hear the ringing of the large Swiss fan’s bells walking down the street (we saw 4 at once yesterday).
One thing we wondered about that we got an answer to yesterday. Whistler schools are closed for the games and the makeup time will be over spring break and an extended year. Many of the 10th-12th graders are working for the games or volunteering. What a great chance for these children to enjoy the events and activities.
Here are a few photos we liked that we had not yet posted.
Time to pack up and enjoy the Sea to Ski Highway’s sights. After that we will do some last minute souvenir shopping in Vancouver, cheer for Apolo and the rest of the athletes!
Dave Neault
Scripps Interactive Newspapers Group
Recent Comments