2010 Winter Games « Adventure. Travel. Life.

From one Queen (Queen Latifa) to another (the Governor General of Canada, Michaelle Jean). From giant Cowbells to crazy pin trading fanatics, this Olympic freight train is rolling along on course and Whistler has come alive – even more alive that it usually is.

The last few days have been a blend of live concerts, giant cowbells, multimedia art shows, national pride, gold medals and beer – lots of beer.

The swelling of Canadian pride is amazing to see. A nation known for its humble nature has suddenly become – patriotic.

From sneaking into Swiss House after their gold medal win in Men’s Downhill to attending the Women’s Luge finals and today’s exciting and dramatic Ladies’ Downhill, it’s been a blast so far!

Barenaked Ladies are playing in Whistler’s Village Square tonight, and then, there’s always the hope of getting into the Our Lady Peace concert tonight. The rest of the Games are bound to bring more adventures and we’re really just getting warmed up!

Ice seems to be the theme of the 2010 Winter Games so far. I’ve seen so many ice sculptures since the Games began, but a few nights ago, I had the ultimate “ice night” in Whistler.

We started off at NiX ice theatre, a play put together by The Only Animal production company. The temporary theatre, built at Whistler’s Lost Lake, is constructed out of ice and snow. The play, put on as part of the Vancouver 2010 Cultural Olympiad.

Here’s the making of video:

The play tells the tale of a post-apocalyptic Ice Age where three strangers – cold, both inside and out – meet and interact in bizarre ways. Throughout the play, the snowy backdrop is used in dynamic ways with multimedia projections.

The capacity of the theatre is approximately 120 people and it I will warn you, it IS pretty cold in there. You do get a fuzzy seat warmer and small blanket, but I recommend wearing your ski gear and bringing extra blankets.

To get NiX take the No. 6 Upper Village bus from the Gondola Transit Loop to the Lost Lake bus stop. From there, the NiX shuttle bus drivers will pick you up and drive you to the theatre.

From NiX, it was on to Monk’s Grill in Whistler’s Upper Village – or the base of Blackcomb Mountain. They have a satellite ice bar set up just outside the restaurant. Just look for the big glowing cube and be prepared to enter into a different world – for a brief time.

The ice bar is tiny, but very impressive with intricate carvings of Olympic proportion; including a Canadian bobsleigh, ice tables and an ice goddess. Upon entry, you’ll receive a arctic-style parka and a drink voucher for one cocktail served in an ice glass and poured from the ice bar.