Friday, 05 March 2010 14:39

It is the moment I have been waiting for... the opportunity to attend the Olympic Games. I was invited to attend previous Olympic competitions but I was never able to go because of work. Well guess what guys? I went to Vancouver, Canada to watch the Olympics and I had a fabulous time. But before this article becomes consume with the Olympic Games, I am going to share with you what Vancouver; Canada was like during this time.

The atmosphere was amazing. It was a powerful multicultural combination of different people, languages, and nationalism. Throughout Vancouver, there were various tents/buildings that were dedicated to different countries. For example, the Germans rented a place where they only served German food (the bratwurst was DELICIOUS), played German music and celebrated the Olympics with long row tables where friends met up, drank beers and watched the games on big screen TV. The cheers were loud and the germans were excited when their team scored.  Throughout all the excitement, no matter what countries celebrated, Canadians was the icing on the cake.

The city was alive and colorful with Canadians fully dressed in the Canadian flag, with matching red and white mittens, hats, sweaters, and yes, sneakers/shoes.  The flag hung out the windows of corporate buildings and private residences. The flag was used to decorate cars, restaurants, vendors, bikers; you name it the flag was on it. Some Canadians were even willing to brave the cold by wearing a painted version of the flag on their bare chest. The streets were filled with patriotic Canadians who were not shy to express their love and support for their country. Canadians honked horns, screamed the national anthem at the top of their lungs, whistled and howled across the street at fellow Canadians every time Canada won an Olympic Medal. The atmosphere was lively and I had fun! It reminded me of New York City when the Yankees won the World Series. If you are a New Yorker I am sure you know exactly what I am talking about.

Trust me the atmosphere of the Olympic experience was a very memorable moment of my life and I am happy to share it with you. See you at the next Olympic Games!

By Africah N.T. Harrigan                                              
www.africahharrigan.com