The Will To Do, The Soul To Dare

Although we've soaked up plenty of Olympic sporting action, it would be giving the stunning city of Vancouver short shrift not to feature some of its non-Olympic venues. Here are a few images from places we've enjoyed visiting the past week --and to which we will undoubtedly return.

Team USA apparel being sold at USA House in downtown Vancouver. You, too, can dress like an Olympian!

A fruit stall at the spectacular Granville Public Market. Those are gooseberries --or goldenberries --on the far left and we can all vouch for how tasty they are.

One of the bakery vendors at the Granville Public Market. 'Nuff said.

Octopus, anyone?

How about some morels?

Halfway around Stanley Park on a Saturday morning run with the Lion's Gate Bridge and the Seay to Sky Highway in the background.

She's tough to see in the photo, but the "Lady in Wetsuit" statue is definitely a crowd favorite.

Here's the Harry Jerome statue at the base of Stanley Park. Note his Canadian red mittens.

David couldn't resist the challenge to race Jerome. I'm worried he might pull a hamstring trying to outlean Harry at the tape.

The Harry Jerome plaque with a fitting motto indeed.

Looking towards Vancouver from the East side of Stanley Park.

A crazy Canadian car parked on Robson Street. Check out the license plate: "I Am Eh."

Sometimes it takes a baby's bottom to deliver the most succinct message.

My two favorite Olympic revelers heading out for a morning coffee.

Scenes from the WOP

This virgin cross country ski spectator was floored by her first glimpse at a sparkling nordic ski venue. Whistler Olympic Park --or the WOP as it's rather unfortunately called in Games shorthand --is as stunning a spot as one could find. I'm sure cross country skiers the world over cut their teeth in less attractive spots, but nothing says "you've arrived in the big time" quite like a perfectly-groomed, remotely-placed, flag-limned course presided over by snow-capped mountains and throngs of crazed fans alike.

Here are some shots from the past few days of action at the WOP.

An Aussie fan getting prepped for a big day of classic sprint action.

Fans lining the slope above the stadium where the athletes start and finish.

My fan favorites: husband David Salem and daughter Thea Salem in her Olympic debut (and her pig hat).

A partisan crowd member --and ITA insider --Lizzie Torkelson.

Middlebury graduate and US Olympian Simi Hamilton getting a few last minute words of advice from his coach before he starts the men's 15k.

And he's off!

US Olympic cross country skiers getting after it on the course of the men's 15k.

The carnage at the finish line. In all my days of sports fandom I've never seen so many people collapse at the finish line. Phew: this sport must be really hard!

The fan base for US skier Holly Brooks.

A couple of fans taking advantage of the unseasonably warm weather in Whistler this month.

A Russian fan flying the flag.

A Norwegian fan complete with flag, viking helmet, leg of cured meat...and cell phone!

The Salem family with a superlatively friendly bunch of Finns.

Still smiling after a long day spectating.

Let the Games Begin

Here are some images from the Opening Ceremonies in Vancouver, a majestic city indeed. Can you tell which country is which based on the flag alone? Some are easier than others; but many are quite challenging.

Word on the street was that the athletes behaved in a manner that befit their attire. So, for instance, the Austrians in their smart three-button blazers were apparently quite proper; while the Swedes in their denim with the yellow Swedish cross emblazoned across the rear pockets were far more casual in their demeanor.

Makes one pause, doesn't it, before donning one's daily sartorial selections?