The following post was submitted by Maria R, one of our readers who sent her daughter to the Olympics in Vancouver.
Our daughter is currently 13, almost 14, and we decided about a year ago that we might just try to get her out to Vancouver to experience just a bit of the winter Olympics. She has an aunt, my sister, who is VERY into ice skating. Lori, my sister, had been getting my daughter somewhat interested as well.
So, about a year ago, I began to look into the possibility of sending the two of them out to Vancouver to take in one of the skating events. It turned out to be a fairly significant challenge to make it all come together, but very well worth it! I first had to make sure that the two of them were actually interested in the idea at all. They most definitely were. Then, I just had to wait for the tickets to go on sale. I think it was in about June of 2009. This part was tricky, because we really could not afford to send them to more than one event, and for me to pick their event was tough. I tried to purchase tickets for one event, but by the time I got a hold of Lori to confirm she would be interested in that event, it was sold out. After that, I just picked one, and made the purchase. It was an ice dancing event, and they were getting the absolute cheapest tickets available, which still came to about $200 each.
Then, it was on to transportation. Both of them are timid fliers, but 1500 miles or so would simply take too long by car or train. Our daughter would already be missing several days of school as it was. So, I booked flights. Then, we worked out transportation from Seattle up to Vancouver with a relative who lives fairly close by out there.
So, when the Olympics finally arrived, we sent the two of them off to experience the spectacle of the 21st Winter Olypmiad! They were both a bit nervous, but everything went just as smoothly as could be. They had a fantastic time, and really got to experience a bit of the world for a short time. I had bought several pins for them to try to trade with people out there, which they did. They ran into a group of people from China, and got a very nice pin from them.
They also met people from Israel, the Netherlands, Canada (of course), and more! It really was a once in a lifetime opportunity to get them there, and actually be able to say they have gone to the Olympics! I do believe that this was just about the perfect age to send a child to something as significant as this, as long as he or she can travel with at least one very trusted person. It was a lot of work, and rather expensive, but I do not regret it one bit…and neither does my daughter!
Tags: 2010 winter olympics, ice skating, Sport, winter, Winter Olympics
