Olympics: Cortina and Agordo--The Dolomites

 

On our journey towards the Olympics, we drove from Bavaria across the political border and geographical border. From the German Alps into Austrian Alps. We went along the narrow valleys high up in the steep mountains that were flanking both sides. We ended up the Italian Alps and more specifically in the Dolomites. The Dolomites are considered a UNESCO World Heritage mountain range. By the time we crossed into Italy it was dark. AND it started to snow! So we were driving on treacherous narrow roads in the dark and snow. 

I was so glad that I am able to drive in the snow. I was also thankful that our vehicle is heavy and had good tires. We wove our way up to Agordo, a small village nestled in the the middle of the Dolomites. We passed cars off the roads, cars stuck in snow, cars who tried to put on chains but did it wrong and the chains were now wrapped around their axels. We were so happy to finally make it! 

When we woke up we were in awe of the beauty. In the dark and snow we could not really see where we were. But we saw such beautiful scenery as we drove to Cortina. We had to leave early in the morning to make it up to Cortina. I was glad that was the case, because we had the narrow road to ourselves. 

We stopped to take photos every once in awhile. Photos do not do it justice. They are beautiful, but nothing compared to being there in person. 

We parked and rode a bus to Cortina. It was beautiful there. It ws VERY hilly, and we did a LOT of walking, but it was so fun to be there with the vibe of the Olympics. 

Our first stop was Bobsleigh! It was so fun to see the talent of the sleds as they go by. You could hear them thundering down the track going 60-90mph! On the turns they were nearly 90degrees vertical! 

The Cortina Olympic torch! 

We sat on the top of the hill. These two Muggles made their own slide. From where we sat we could see the screen and a 360 degree view of the bobsled as it went around one of the bends! 

We went to see the Skeleton too. It was crazy to see these people go down the track at 90mph with only a slab sled and a helmet. I was so glad nobody wrecked...they would not have survived. In this photo you can see one of them whizzing by. 

We went to the Olympic Village to eat. We chose to sit outside and we ate in the sunset as people from all different countries wearing their patriotic gear going passed us. 

On a whim we found tickets for women's curling. We were able to watch the women's team win. It was fun to see Cory Thiesse in person. We had watched her and Kory Dropkin in mixed doubles. It was so cool to be there in person. 

We were playing China--who was a really good team--and we ended up sitting near a group of Chinese college kids. We were all cheering for our countries. At one point the group next to us were chanting over our USA! USA! chant. Lady Hiva took on all China herself and became the USA cheerleader with Kory Dropkin who was sitting below us! HAHA

It was so exciting to see them win this close game in a clutch throw at the very end of the game! We yelled until we were hoarse. 

We followed these women until their last game. They were easily some of our favorite athletes in the Olympics. We were happy to cheer on any American but there were some favorites for sure. Other family favorites include the USA Arials teams who are all University of Utah athletes, both goalies for the USA women's and men's teams. They truly were heroes in their games. Elana Meyers Taylor from bobsled. Hunter Hess, Alex Ferreira, and Nick Goepper were inspiring for different reasons, but all heroes. 

The Muggles were so happy to see that the teams ate Go-Go Squeezes too! 

We got right up to the final end of the sliding area. It was so much fun to be there with the family and friends of the atheletes from around the world! We cheered with them all! 

It was so fun to see the "Behind the scenes" that people on TV get to see. After we were there and watched more events we would comment "we were standing there!" or "we know where that is" 

Comparing photos to see who took the best shot as the sled went by! 

And of course we had to go into the Grocery stores. We went into at least one or two stores every day. Lady Hiva is not happy until she samples the local food and walks down every aisle in the local grocery stores! HAHA

This guy loves to snack on dry pasta! He was in HEAVEN in Italy with all the options! 

We ate Gelato EVERY.SINGLE.DAY! 

So glad we came. The Olympics are a special place. The Dolomites are a special place. We were so happy to make them memories as a family. Up next---Livigno!