Vanouver 2010 Winter Olympics: Day 7 - Hockey, Yaletown Live City Fireworks, Germany House

I watched the Canada vs. Switzerland hockey game. It was a tough game for Canada but they won in penalty shots 3-2. So I decided to go downtown. I was really surprised at Swiss's level of play during this game.



Then I headed downtown to watch the fireworks at the Yaletown Live City (David Lam Park) and enjoyed the energy that a Canadian win brings. I received several high-fives from strangers and there were spontaneous singing of Oh Canada!



People all over Vancouver are dressed in Canadian gear and the atmosphere is electrifying.





People are coming together to sing, dance and generally have a merry time. After watching the fireworks, I watched the end of the Russia vs Slovakia hockey game. It was exciting to watch both teams battle it out in penalty shots. I was surprised Slovakia won against Russia but glad to see the underdog win.

On my way home I decided to enter German House and it seemed everyone was having a good time and there was more spontaneous singing there too.

Vanouver 2010 Winter Olympics: Day 6 - Maelle Ricker, Lindsey Vonn, Paul Brandt plus more

Maelle Ricker was the first Canadian to win gold on home soil and I had the opportunity to see her receive her medal at the Victory Ceremony.

The experience was surreal. Everybody in the crowd cheered, clapped and went crazy. It was great that we were all excited to see one of our own win gold. It made me so proud to hear the national anthem play and hear everyone singing to Oh Canada! at the same time. The evening was amazing.



We were also treated to the USA's sensation Lindsey Vonn gold medal presentation. After all the medals were distributed, Alberta country music superstar Paul Brandt gave a great performance. I especially liked his song and performance for "Canadian Man".



After the victory ceremonies I watched some fireworks at Robson Square and enjoyed the atmosphere on Granville Street. It was great to see everyone enjoying themselves.

Where is my bus, cowbell and flag? I need them for the Olympics !

With only 10 days left to the Vancouver 2010 Olympics, it seems everyone is putting the last minute touches in preparation for the Games.

The Live City is still under construction and I can't wait to see it completed.

I keep seeing Olympic buses more often now. I think there have been some drivers who have come from out of town and are practising their routes.

Canada Post has errected a HUGE flag on the side of their building. I got to get me one of those!

The Vancouver Public Library -Central Library Branch looks great. It is encouraging people to purchase a special red Library cowbell to cheer on Canadian Olympic and Paralympic athletes. The red cowbells inscribed with the Library logo and ‘Go Canada’ were created to honour Canada’s legendary Crazy Canucks ski team who were the subject of the Library’s 2009 One Book.

The Aboriginal Pavillion at Hamilton and West Georgia will open on February 12 but you can get a sneak peak before it opens to the world. Although there is still finishing touches happening, you can see most of the structures completed.

Oh Canada ... the red and white flag, keep it high, keep it visual !

A few days I wrote about how the Olympics inspires great music while searching for the "Official Olympic Song". As the 2010 Vancouver Olympics get closer, the Canadian in me can't wait to cheer the home team to gold.

If you need more inspiration check out Classified's tribute Oh ... Canada:


Or listen to Julia Bentley and Andrew Gunadie's Canadian, Please!