Vancouver Olympics: Day 9 Highlights

- A present of tickets to the women's curling matches for the day allowed us to watch three excellent games (and one blowout) and gave me an appreciation for curling I hadn't had before. It also reinforced my disdain for overly loud American fans, especially at an historically reserved sport.
- These tickets also brought me within hugging distance of the most beloved furry yeti on the radar right now. Not travel-bearded Stefan, but Quatchi. As well as his pal, Miga!
- A more appreciative crowd, and more room to boogie, made the second Arkells show of the week a tonne of fun.
- Coeur de Pirate entertained with her piano and lovely voice. An odd choice to be sandwiched between two rocking Canadian bands, but I didn't mind (and solid exposure for Beatrice).
- A collaboration between Kardinal Offishal, Jay Malinowski (of Bedouin Soundclash) and Coeur de Pirate was a slight letdown as it turned out to be a Coke sponsored corporate love-in that only lasted for one song. The glowing bottles obscuring my view were more annoying than massive red beach balls littering the crowd-tops.
- The leader of the next gen of Canadiana rock, Sam Roberts, lived up to his billing and played a singalong friendly hour (plus indulgent prog rock encore) for the masses.
- Unexpectedly the highlight of the night immediately followed this. Set to a sweet medley of Canadian music the night sky exploded over and over directly above our heads in a fireworks display that bested any I've ever seen. It was an experience that even Jon's amateur video/pics couldn't fully capture.

Vancouver Olympics: Day 7 Highlights

- Visited the beautiful Richmond Olympic Oval, winner of many building awards, though we couldn't get all too close.

- Gave up on the Heineken House for fear of missing Canada vs. Switzerland men's hockey, and were rewarded for this decision by finding a massive bar tucked behind a Chinese market with not one, or two but three massive TVs in sightline, and $10 pitchers to boot.

- Rode the fastest ferris wheel of my life, whipping around above 13 Million cranberries making up the Olympic rings and a half-soccer-field sized Maple Leaf.

- Caught the beginning of the Arkells set from the portapotty I'd lined up to get into, but the remainder from right out front.

- Went on a trip down memory lane back to the 90's, chaperoned by Raine Maida the singer of Our Lady Peace. Engrained in the Canadian collective consciousness due to massive radio play (thanks CanCon!) OLP didn't disappoint. A string of hits made this a nostalgic 'Greatest Hits' show from start to finish.