Feb 04 2010
Ten Days (Random Thoughts)
Months of planning and the day is nigh!
In my hand is the first set of event tickets: Russia v. Latvia. It should be quite a game – Latvia isn’t a major contender, but word on the street is that they have SERIOUS fans… Megan told me stories about the Latvians that showed up in Halifax for the World Juniors in 2008 – so that will be fun! Maybe they will have handknit mittens? 
We’ve been discussing everything Olympics in the Vancouver 2010 Ravelry group (pssst – come join us!) and people are getting excited! For those of us actually traveling to Vancouver (or living there, already), we are planning a series of meetups during the Games. It’s gonna be grand. And you can bet that I will document it well with my trusty camera.
Besides all of the amazing Olympic events, Kris and I are also planning to do some sightseeing – hikes, museums, performances. There are a number of shows and events also happening with the Games, including some fun music shows (Damien Marley, Matisyahu, Bedouin Soundclash, and many many others). One of the big ski resorts north of Vancouver – Grouse Mountain - will be open 24/7, with special midnight and sunrise snowshoe tours, performances, and lots of events. I have never been skiing or snowboarding, but this feels like a good time and place to start… Coincidentally, Grouse Mountain is also where NBC will be airing the Today Show each morning – and if I can time it right, I am hoping we can be on “the plaza” one morning with a sign! I told my “morning crew” at the gym to look at for us when they are watching on the treadmills!
The majority of our tickets (surprise) are hockey tickets – but we also have a set for Curling, and Freestyle Aerials, so we will get a nice mix of events.
Some of the ladies in the Rav group are also working the venues at the Olympics… people are asking if we will be able to take our knitting into the events. Much like airports and security, it appears that it will be up to the discretion of the specific guard. So, plastic needles may be the best bet… if I can make my deadline with my sweater (close! I will update on that soon), I think I am gonna make a flurry of quickie projects on big needles – cowls, scarves, and hats, perhaps?
The forecast is calling for a “Storm of the Century” here in Maryland starting tomorrow morning – blizzard, lots and lots of snow – so, it looks like it’ll be another shut-in weekend with copious amounts of Spanish lessons and knitting – not that I mind! Funny how the the East is getting slammed with snow this year, but Vancouver is relatively dry and warm and that is where the Olympics are! best soak up the winter while I am on this coast!
Hasta luego, mis amigos~~
Well, of COURSE you’re going, Lolly – you are my most traveled “friend” – hope I can call you that, even though we mainly “talk” online. Have a BLAST at the Olympics, and I can’t wait to hear all about it!
:O)
Tickets in hand already – how exciting! With all the meetups, sightseeing, shows, Olympics events, it really sounds like you’ll make the most out of that trip!
You both look so utterly excited – I’m thrilled for you and can’t wait to see all your photos and hear about all your adventures! Here’s to lots of Dale of Norway sweater-knitting time this weekend!
How much fun!! Chris and I went to the Sydney Olympics (I watched lots of field hockey) and loved it, especially the stranger sports I’d never heard of (like Handball — they had crazy Swedish fans) I think the Curling will be fantastic!! Enjoy!!
Those tickets look so cool! Can’t wait to see the sweater progress. Good luck!
Have fun! I hope the snow doesn’t hit you too hard…we are getting some tonight
The first picture looks like Sisi with Kris, albeit, a more golden-haired little sis! Be careful coming home in the snow! XXOO
sounds like fun! have a fun trip (I like that your mom commented too!)
Have a great time! We’ll be looking for you on the tube.
Sounds like you are set! Can’t wait to hear all about your adventures while out there. Maybe you can pack up some of your East Coast snow & ship it out that way – I saw a news story this week about how they are trucking snow in to make sure that there is enough, if needed, at some places.
The excitement is palpable!!!
I am so jealous that you are going. I loooooove the winter olympics, and I’ve always dreamed of attending. Combine that with my longtime desire to visit Vancouver, and color me jealous. You’re going to have such an amazing time, and I can’t wait to see all of the photos when you return. Stay warm this weekend and look out for Bumbles
Have a great time!
This sounds so exciting and fun! The curling events sound like a blast – I’ve done it in high school and college and it is actually really fun to do, too. Good luck with finishing the sweater, too!
So excited for you!! Have a wonderful trip. Can’t wait to see your pictures.
Vancouver is the most beautiful city – you are going to have a wonderful time. I am looking forward to reading all about it and seeing your photos.
Every time I see reference to curling, I have to listen to this Jonathan Coulton song. For once I will also share it: http://www.jonathancoulton.com/wiki/index.php/Curl (Jonathan Coulton is one of my favorite geek-folk musicians; I recommend all his music should “geek-folk” sound appealing to you.)
have an awesome time, hockey fans!!
Enjoy the hockey! You guys are so lucky you get to see the excitement in person! Go USA!
enjoy your snowstorm out east – most of us out here are cringing at how little snow there’s gonna be for the olympics – they are trucking it in from other mountains right now, how sad. unfortunately those mountains near vancouver just aren’t high enough, so it’s all been falling as rain lately. but i’m sure you guys will have fun anyway, hope it’s a good time for you.
curl up in front of a cosy fire and knit knit knit! this snow might be just what the doctor ordered to get the olympic jumper finished!
Ok, how completely cute is your mom btw? Anyway–I know you’ve been looking forward to it, so have a stupendous time, root for our boy! Matisyahu is just a cherry on top, isn’t it?
Hockey! That is so exciting.
We just got our tickets (we’re taking our daycare kids!!{they’re school-aged})
We’re going to see X-Country and Skeleton – both in Whistler.
Should be pretty fantastic.
I’m really looking forward to the meetup on the 20th!!
Me again — I just spoke with a lady at VanOc and she said the knitting would be fine on the buses (which is good for me since we are busing from Squamish to Whistler) and that should it be unapproved by security at the venue, you go to Guest Services and check it in and then claim it when you leave.
She also said holding items at Guest Services is free of charge.
She does not think knitting at events would be a problem at the venues because if it is something that is allowed on airplanes than it should be alright at the venues – but just to be aware that some security checkers might be stricter than others.
This is a relief because some of the info I read said restricted items would be disposed of so I didn’t want to chance a purse sized project in that case. But if the worst is that it is checked in while we watch the event…well no problem.
Whoo Hoo Olympic knitting!
Have a blast! I’m envious of the curling tix–the Germans do curling here on the lakes!
Look at you guys so excited…I know you will have a blast and it will be an amazing trip. I can’t wait to see your photographic journal of the trip when you return!
My folks are still in WV and I’ve been getting updates of the storm…crazy weather. It seems winter alternates sides of the continent…we have mild when you have harsh and vice versa. We are having the mildest winter since I moved out here. Crazy!
Oh wonderful! That is so exciting!
Yay, you look so excited! I’m so excited for you!!! This will be such a once-in-a-lifetime experience, truly international and memorable! Stay warm and safe in the snow xoxo.
Cripes am i slow!
I was searching flickr for a decent shot of the Inukshuk to “borrow” for my desktop wallpaper. I logged in and what do i see?!! Pics from Lolly!! I am SO excited to know that you and Kris are there!
I have to say, i’ve been completely disappointed with the NBC network of channels and the coverage. It’s so frustrating when you know there are a bunch of events going on and you only get to see a handful.
Did you manage to get any of the coveted mittens? I’m dying for one of the USA hats with the Moose on it. I <3 Moose!!!
I'm looking forward to your updates and more pics!!
~Suz~