A Royal Visitor at the Whistler Athlete's Village March 20, 2010

We were blessed with a visit by Prince Edward - the Earl of Wessex today at the athlete's village - he first stopped at the truce wall - which I missed - and then headed for the Athlete's Lounge and Gym which he toured - this is were I was first able to catch a glimpse of him - security was light and there were no restrictions on taking photos - while the visit was official there was little in the way of pomp and ceremony - no red coated Mountains and except for the Mayor of Whistler few politicans - he then proceeded across the road to the #2 Workforce dining hall where about 150 lucky volunteers were able to have luch with him - reports indicate that he refused to sit at a head table and instead join a table of volunteers for lunch - same menu as the rest of us had today - soup, salad, tuna melt sandwich, hash browns and a chef's special which was a type of stew - sorry can't comment on the meal as I choose to do the Big Mac routine.

After about 45 minutes of singing and talking to the volunteers it was time to loeave and here he is walking with the Mayor - right blue jacket - one of the Paralympic Village mayors and some aide or something in the green dress.

Strolling to his motorcade which consisted of all of three cars

Final goodbyes and he did wave to those of us who had gathered to see him off - when ask where his wife was he retorted - at work - someone has to pay the bills

Off to a meeting more later.

Cheers

Dennis

A golden moment March 14, 2010

Much like the Canadians celebrating the winning of their first goal medal on home soil in the Olympics - the people of Slovakia are waking up to news that one of there athlete's has won that country's first Winter Paralympic Gold medal touching off a few hoots and hollers around our office in the Village.

Jakub Krako won the Gold in Alpine Skiing - Men's Slalom - Visually Impaired by more than a second over the second place finisher.

The delegation was even more happy to have a fourth and a fifth place finish as well. They missed the bronze by less than .06 of a second.

While Jakub wasn't the favorite to win the medal obviously the delegation is extremely pleased with the results today.

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Finally starting to get a few things done - gassing up the vehicles - escorting the delegation to the events and now that we have a pass we will also have access to the VIP section at certain venues.

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Starting to snow hard again this evening - actually we don't need snow - there is plenty on the ground at the venues - sunshine or at least cloudy and no fog is what is most needed.


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Hard to believe that in one week there will be the closing ceremonies and then clean up and the experience of a life time will be over and it will be back to the usual comfort zone.


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Did spend some time in Whistler Village the other night - nicely lit up - checked out the medals presentation area and while they were rehearsing one of the segments all of a sudden there was the sound of a very familiar song being played - YMCA - and those outside were dancing to the words of the song.

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Hoping to take Wednesday off for my final rest day before the Games end - this could change if the delegation gets busy with multiple requests etc.

More later

Cheers from Whistler

Dennis