Lobster With Kimchi: What A Party...Sad It's Over

It has been an astounding 17 days of competition, but the games were so much more than medals. I have never seen anything like this. Canadians embraced these games and it was a non-stop, magical experience. The venues were full, the fans cheered with passion, and the city was behind the games fully and completely. Everyone was happy wherever you went.

We started off with the tragic death of the Georgian luger, the cauldron glitch, no snow, broken down zambonis and an Olympic flame secured behind a chain link fence, and things didn't look so good for Vancouver. I was nervous. But the spirit of the people took hold and Vancouverites took over the streets, people filled the Live City sites and then the brilliant, if unusual, February sunshine made the city sparkle like a jewel.

Canadians, typically repressed when it comes to displays of patriotism, took to the streets in red and white. Never have I seen so many Canadian flags, hockey jerseys, maple leafs and painted faces. It was the most amazing display of love for our country I have ever seen. It was not difficult to get swept up in national pride and it was so contagious it spread across the country and even to visitors from nations around the world.

I will always remember coming out of the hockey game v. Russia only to stop at a pub to watch the Canadian women go silver and gold in bobsleigh. That Wednesday was an incredible day for Canada, and the beginning of the gold rush in the final days of the Olympics.

These were great games. Fun games. Friendly games. The world left smiling and even though I'm sad it is over, it is 17 days I will remember forever!