While reading the Vancouver Sun (daily newspaper) one day, I came across an article about being an “Olympadict”. In the article, it described those type of people who become such fans of the games while their going on, they develop certain “traits” that are different from their normal, sport-viewing lives. 1) Soaking up any kind of information regarding the games, print articles, online, etc – check, 2) Any time you walk past a tv, you check to see what olympic activity is going on and have a valid interest in knowing whats going on – check, 3) Being obsessed with people and sports that you don’t normally follow – check. Just over one month ago, I barely knew these people, now, I’m I could name about 20-30 US athlets alone.
When we went to eat or have a drink anywhere, we had to be in a spot with good viewing of olympic coverage too. I can’t help it, you get caught up in the personal stories, the drama, the excitement and more that only comes around every couple years. This doesn’t just apply to me, my dad is talking about the amazing vertical of Shaun White’s halfpipe, my mom is talking about the exciting biathlon in the snow and watching an entire hockey game !?
I mentioned before the craziness in getting into the olympics superstore. Block-long lines. It seems everyone and their mother wanted a pair of those canadian red mittens (even my mom asked to get a pair). Well, those were nowhere to be found but I have to admit to a couple other impulse purchases for souvenirs I wouldn’t have expected. 1) A new cowbell. Yes, i brought one with me, but when I saw the big, 4″ brass one with the vancouver olympic logo-wristband – I couldn’t resist. Just in time to use it for bobsled that day. Among thousands of others, but still felt wimpy compared to the gargantuan-sized cowbells of the swiss (maybe they’re making up for some other inadequacies??) 2) My second impulse purchase was of a bobblehead of a canadian mounty. Those who know me know of my office wall covered by brewer bobbleheads, I had to add this one too.
Whats the deal with pin-trading? Very popular. I get caught up in it because its a quick and easy way to meet people from around the world. You see someone with a lanyard around their neck filled with pins, you have to go up and ask if they’re trading. Met lots of people this way, and traded a bunch. All-in-all, I came home with close to 30 pins either through purchase or through trading or even freebies (gotta love the swag). My coolest one? Easily the one handed to me by an actual athlete for the Slovenian Olympic team – sweet.
I’ve had a few people following my blog and its pretty cool to hear your comments here or through facebook or a personal e-mail. This trip was awesome and I left wanting more. I will be posting some pictures when i can and also will update once or twice more as the olympics come to close. I still have some general thoughts and lots of interesting “numbers” to show.
Filed under: Uncategorized
