Canada saves the best for last!

((for the record, i took all of these photos while watching and just using my iphone))

After two weeks of heated competition, foggy weather, and some surprising victories, the 2010 Vancouver Winter Olympics are officially over. Vancouver bids a reluctant farewell.

The winter olympics coming to an end after a hockey game that couldn't have been scripted better as “Canada conquests", or "Canada reaches its winter peak" or "the host with the most” with a huge exclamation point!

The last event was hockey game and it capped off an extraordinary Olympics for Canada. It's unbelievable. The game was a nerve wracking, first the score was so close and then suddenly a tie! It was unthinkable --for few seconds, the whole nation was silent and tense until Sidney Crosby (also known as Sid the Kid) saved the best for last! He shot the winning gold and Canada owns the hockey podium. As if meant to be all along, Sidney scored an overtime goal to lift the host nation over US and win its most precious Olympic medal of all -- hockey gold. I thought what an incredible way to finish off Olympic games. From high-fiving to vehicle honking, everone is just so happy and united. From Abbottsford to Afghanistan, everyone was screaming, cheering, chanting, stamping , cow-belling and celebrating. And that includes me and my entire family!

The opening ceremony last February 12th did not start off perfectly. It started with a glitch, then followed with a grief but the games and events continued with glowing hearts and high spirit and now, finally ended with a glory! It's amazing, Canada won and set a record for winning the most gold medals.

The flames ignited the dream and hope. From the moment the torch was lit, the spirit and emotions of enthusiasm started. From picture taking of the torch relay, to wearing of red and white outfits, the waving of Canadian flags, fans continuously update their status on facebooks and twitters, and then there was the national anthem 'O Canada' being played over and over again, and often and not, the singing of 'I believe' Olympic theme and the chanting of “go Canada go”. This has truly become Canadian culture and oneness. A very Canadian patriotism. A beautiful one-of-a-kind patriotism. I have been here for the last 10 years but I've never seen like it. People undoubtedly believed in the power of “you and I”. I am proud or rather privileged to be a part of this nation and it's great to be a Canadian. I have actually enjoyed the full 17 days event, and I thought it was more than just a great ride experience.

The closing ceremony was an extravagant glitzy gala and unforgettable moment. It had showed warm, friendly, and fun-filled performance and has displayed patriotism. Not to mention the performance of all-star Canadian rock stars and entertainers such as Avril Lavigne, Nickelback, Michael Buble, Hedley, Michael Fox, Alanis Morsetti and others. The roaring crowd was phenomenal. The performance was terrific and dramatic. What an spectacular show and a total thrill! and what a friendly face we put for a welcoming nation and it is a shared experience within the nation and beyond.

I am a fan of olympic games and never missed to watch every time. And so far, Vancouver is definitely one of the best Olympic games in history. For sure, it's one that will be remembered for a long time. The International Olympic Committee President Jacques Rogge formally closed the Games after declaring them "excellent and very friendly" and further commended Canada for "an extraordinary embrace of games". Kudos to all the athletes, organizers and volunteers. Merci beaucoup! :-)

Personally, I thought it's not just about the gold or the number of medals won but it's also about the journey and incredible experience of the golden moments of our lives, no matter where we live, we will hold this moment in our hearts.

Strong, free and with glowing hearts, Vancouver has truly left a memorable legacy here and beyond. Vive la Vancouver!!!