   I had been meaning to write something for a while about the Olympics, I guess better late than never! :) I have also attached some photos too that you can use.
I was lucky enough to be in the thick of the action, both in a work and fun capacity. During the olympics, I worked at Canada Hockey Place where all the mens ice hockey games were played as a concessions cashier. So I was basically getting paid to pour pints. The atmosphere at each game was amazing and I managed to get a glimpse or two of it. I also had a main job working for a temp agency where I was assisting with co-ordinating some of the workforce responsible for the transportation of all involved in the olympics i.e. athletes, spectators, media, sponsors etc. Just as awesome, before the olympics had even started, a few friends and I were fortunate enough to see some of the torch relay through Vancouver and shake hands with the very handsome Canadian singer Michael Buble, it was amazing. During the olympics the streets were packed with patriotism not just from Canadians but everyone who had flocked here. It was awesome to see. There was nothing like it when the men's ice hockey team won the gold, it almost made you wish you were Canadian. There was lots of entertainment on and lots of places to check out. We lined up to get into the Canadian Mint to see some of the olympic medals on display and to get to hold them. Such a great design. Also on the night of the opening ceremony we watched it in a cinema for free and then hopped to a bar next door where we even managed to hold a torch from the relay. I could talk about the experience and go on and on, but all in all it was so good to be a part of it and something I will never forget. Kristy
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   Well, it is 5am here on the computer, being in a recovery mode from jet lag after a stimulating two weeks spent in Arizona USA.
Main purpose of our visit was to unite with our daughter Erin who is studying at Tucson University Arizona for a six month 'Study Abroad' stint. What a fabulous experience for her, as well as ourselves, in such a stunning part of the world. Yes, Arizona is just like the Clint Eastwood or John Wayne movies with arid landscapes dotted with 'mesas' and 'buttes' - they are those spires and flat-top formations that dominate the backdrops in movies. And those dominant Saguaro cacti provide natural habitat for roadrunners and coyotes - just like the cartoon. Also found are the prairie dogs, one of which decided to scamper to its peril under our hire car being driven by Jenny. Grand Canyon is very much that. A helicopter view assisted to get the proportions in perspective being a mile deep and about ten miles wide! Great time to visit now, over the transition from cold desert winters to stifling hot spells in their summer to come. Much snow still on higher peaks with Flagstaff in the north having about 300 days each year of sub-zero nightly temperatures. Tucson is quite Mexican in form and culture. Big attractions included a baseball game at the University of Arizona Wildcats versus Oregon Ducks competition. Yes, those pom pom girls, bulk burgers and other high cholesterol foods abound. Erin, our daughter is relishing the experience of US college life. Sorority parties are a bizarre rage; football is American of course; college sport is huge! Do consider Study Abroad program through University if family or friends are tempted. Ian Stevenson    Mel & Mark have returned from Tassie full of praise for the West Coast of the island. Highlights were Gordon River cruise, historic Strahan railway and the beauty of Cradle Mountain have left them with some wonderful memories. I am sure Mel can give us plenty more comments. One of the challenges for the sceptics amongst us were the ghost tours done in Launceston and Port Arthur. The photo below was taken of a solid grey sheet steel door on the Launceston tour. The image of a stage is only visible in the photo !!! I will leave it to you to form your own opinion. Mel has plenty more stories.  Plenty of hiking, biking, training, sailing and generally a full on adventure.    |