Did they know that I was coming??
Of course there are hundreds and thousands of other hockey-loving knitters out there… but it’s quite the serendipity that THIS was set at the train station nearby…
Just in case it’s not clear… a ball of yarn on the floor, trailing up to a “drawn” hockey player on the wall! Unpictured, the next ball of yarn trails over to the ubiquitous red Olympic mittens!
…Perhaps I lucked out with a reasonably calm station to snap this photo…
This city is filled to the brim with excitement and LOTS of people from all over the world.
We had a nice and easy flight over from DC – leaving feet of snow behind! A big highlight of the plane trip was the Chicago-Vancouver leg when we we were on the plane with Ryan Miller, the Team USA goalie and probably the biggest star of the US hockey team. He is great. His family was on the trip with him, and I managed a little wave and got a head nod and smile in return. I tried not to get too freaky fangirl, but I also patted his shoulder and told him “Good luck!” when we passed him boarding the plane. It was really fun. I also made quite the progress on my spur-of-the-moment knit, the “Canada” socks from Nancy Bush’s Knitting on the Road. (Haven’t knit socks in so long, but it feels great!)
Our first day in the city was about getting out and exploring. We got some yummy vegan foods – more of that in a future post – and headed downtown to soak it up. A few pics from around town, with plenty more to come in the following days..
We are so excited for our first event this evening – the Russia v Latvia hockey game! The US and Canada also play today, but those tickets are so hard to come by – but we will be watching on TV 
More to come from Vancouver soon!
Looks like you’re having a blast. What’s the story to the decorated archway though? I thought of ya when I heard about the Russia/Latvia game. How did you find air travelling internationally with knitting?
Fantastic pictures!!
It looks like a great time in the city right now.
That yarn hockey player is awesome!
Glad you are having a good time.
what a cool picture! have fun!
Fun, can’t wait to here about the food too!
How auspicious! I think I would not have had the wherewithal to take a picture and of course………….they know you are coming! Can’t wait to see your Canada socks. I almost knit those last September when we were up in B.C.
I’m glad your here and enjoying the city. We spent both Saturday and Sunday downtown and had a blast. Its like a huge party where everyone is super happy! We met a speed skater and her family, talked to several visitors and were awed by the Olympic flame. I’m looking forward to meeting you next Saturday at the meet-up.
Michelle
Ryan Miller?!!?!?!?!? That’s so wicked! The Russia game is going to be good… I’ll be at home watching the Canada one!
Enjoy the city! I can’t wait for your next post!
PS – You did luck out at the train station! I hear it’s DOUBLE the numbers of a regular train riding day. You don’t happen to remember which train station that was, did you? I’ll have to check that yarn out for myself!
You make me want to hop on a plane and go to Vancouver right this minute – most notably because I know you’re there! It would be so much fun to walk the city again with you!
Oh, and I forgot something in my email: if you’re in the mood for ice cream, head over to Casa Gelato (http://www.lacasagelato.com/) on Venables St., between Commercial Drive and Main. They have a selection of vegan ice creams, and even just looking at the selection of non-vegan stuff is worth the visit! When my gentleman friend and I were there last years, we went twice in the same day!
You are so lucky you’re there! I’m from the Montreal area originally, and I just adore Canada. And to be on the same flight as Ryan Miller? Sigh. So so so lucky. I would totally be that freaky fan girl. Hockey is the best sport on earth. BTW, I think that knitting/hockey thing was for the Ravelympics, as they are promoting everywhere!
Have fun while you’re there. Can’t wait to see more pics!
What a good omen for your trip. It sounds like you’re having a great time already!
you are SO lucky to be there !!!!
thanks for the amazing pictures.
I’ll be watching too ;o)
Now this is the stuff we don’t get to see on tv. I enjoy your photos.
You met Ryan Miller?!?! I love Ryan Miller. Tell me he is as cute in person as he is on TV.
You are blessed in you ability to meet those hockey players.
Enjoy your trip!
I can’t wait to get there! I love Vancouver so much.
Do you happen to know the camera restrictions/allowances for the hockey games? I would really love to get my D50 in there, but I also don’t want it confiscated.
That hockey player and the yarn–too cool! Have a wonderful time (I know you will).
That’s awesome.
I’ve made a resolution to not miss the next Olympics that come near me.
Congrats!I am travelling with you!! Have lots of fun!
Wow, I’m so impressed that you didn’t get all fangirl! It seems like you keep meeting up with your hockey faves, you lucky girl! I’m so excited to see your pictures of impressions of this event – keep it coming!! xoxo
I think the definitely knew you were coming.
Have a fanTAStic time!
de-lurking to say i really enjoy your blog and that you must must must eat at the Naam on West 4th. it’s been years since i ate there but i still dream about the avocado and cashew enchiladas.
enjoy vancouver and the games!
Wow, sounds like you’re having a fabulous time! I think of you often when I hear about hockey and especially this morning when I heard about the Latvia/Russia game.
You made it! WELCOME TO VANCOUVER (notice we brought out the sun for you)!
You are there! I am so jealous here in Ontario….have a great time…just love Vancouver and I’m doing my Olympic bit of knitting at home…eh? Have fun.
Wow! Hockey knitting!
Hey Lolly! It was awesome running into you at the game today! So nice to meet you in person! What a surprise! I know it’s kinda weird, but I totally felt that I already knew you! Anyways, welcome to Vancouver, I hope you love our city as much as I do and enjoy all of the games!
I would have been freaky fan girl! And if my boys were with me I would have totally used them to get a picture. So cool!
I’m so envious! I’ve been glued to the hockey games — staying up waaaay too late!