In just under 20 days, I will depart on a 3 week vacation to the Vancouver 2010 Olympic Games in Vancouver BC, where I will be volunteering with VANOC as an Event Services Host and I will be watching the Opening Ceremonies Dress Rehearsal, the Ice Dance - Compulsory Dance competition and the Pairs Short Program. Both Figure Skating events will be held at the Pacific Coliseum downtown Vancouver.

Anyone who knows me well knows that Figure Skating and Synchronized Skating have been a part of my life since I was 3 years old. Most of my youth was spent at early morning practices in the chilly rink where I learned about dedication, hard work, sportsmanship, teamwork, what it feels like to win or lose, pass or fail and throughout my experiences on the ice, I met some amazing friends along the way. I am still skating on an adult synchro team because I enjoy it so much. The opportunity to see professional figure skaters compete for our country is truly remarkable and I am in aww of their talent and skill. In the words of Barney Stinson from How I Met Your Mother, this experience "It's going to be LEGEN...wait for it... DAIRY"!!!

This adventure however, though not ideal in midst academic season at UofT, is something I put on my "bucket list" a number of years ago, and I made a commitment to make it a priority.

Fortunately for me, I will have the chance to stay with my good friend and former colleague Stephan and his partner Michael. Now working at Simon Fraser University and living in the Vancouver core, Stephan's small apartment will be the crash pad for myself and upwards of three other keen Olympic fans plus a cat! It will be worth whatever little corner of floor I get - can't wait!

My friends Becca and the Chris' and crew from Western will take a weekend trip through Vancouver to Whistler, so re-connecting with them around the spirit of the Olympics is tops on my list.

My roommate Ashleigh, who works in PR for McDonald's, will be at the games helping provide dreams and wishes for kids at the Olympic.

Dave works for CTV as a Broadcast Engineer, and he will be working 12 hour shifts streaming Women's and Men's Hockey to Canadians nationwide.

It's amazing the amount of connections I've made over the years, and who will be participating in the games in Vancouver. Once again, the excitement's building!

Having no idea what to expect when I arrive seems to be half the fun for me and since I know family and friends are excited to hear about my adventures, I've decide to blog the experience for those interested in following. So if you'll humour me through the next few months, I'll share my experiences first hand!

~ PG
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