Friday, February 26, 2010 is going to go down in the book of my memories as one of the most fun, fabulous days of my life. I can only begin to describe how exciting it is to be here in Vancouver, witnessing and participating in the 2010 Winter Olympic Games and all the accompanying activity and excitement – it’s an experience of a lifetime, and I feel so lucky to be here!

Here’s a look into a day at the Vancouver Winter Olympics:

After breakfast in the hotel, where the morning paper is filled with images of the Canadian women’s hockey team and their gold medals, the car arrives to take me to a Speed Skating Team Pursuit event – the men’s quarter and semifinals, and the women’s quarterfinals. It’s raining, and I’m told we’ll have a ways to walk between where we get dropped off and the venue, so umbrellas are a must.

Win a $700 Winter Warm-Up Gift Pack!

Driving through Vancouver to the Richmond Olympic Oval is a joy it itself – such a pretty town, and once again I love watching the people in the streets, so many wearing Canadian maple leafs and celebratory Olympic gear.

We’re dropped off about a 15-minute walk from the venue – friendly police officers stand on every corner ushering us on. I’m not exaggerating when I say that every officer I’ve had the pleasure of interacting with here in Vancouver has been incredibly friendly and helpful. In fact – I can say the same for just about every Canadian I’ve met so far … except perhaps for a few rowdy hockey fans.

This gentlemen informed us that the only grouchy person in town for the games he’s met so far was a New Yorker who complained about all the walking he had to do to get to the Olympic venues. Leave it to the New Yorkers!

My first sighting of the Richmond Olympic Oval.

There’ s a huge line to get in, but everyone’s in good spirits and it moves quickly. I don’t mind because … I am … stalking people with red mittens!