L: Seventeen Days of Wonderful

And just like that, it's time for Vancouver to say goodbye to the Winter Olympics.

They started off tragically, found consolation, granted Canada her first gold at home, supported our women's figure skating hopeful after her mother's devastating and shocking death, fulfilled the dreams of hundreds of athletes, made us hold our breath for a few too many times (though it was totally worth it), broke the record for most gold medals ever won during the Winter Olympics, and united a nation that always felt peace but never so much devotion and excitement within its borders.

You didn't need to be standing in an arena or sitting in a pub to catch the Olympic/Canadian fever. Being a sports fan was not required, nor was wanting to host the games in the first place -- but being here in Canada, watching a few minutes on TV, walking around downtown, or simply waking up in the morning -- that's all it took and you were a goner. Or, perhaps more fittingly, a here-er.

I've never seen so many people proudly sporting the name, colours, or symbols of Canada. Spontaneous singing of the Canadian anthem in streets or buses has never occurred with such undeniable fervour. And, most present to mind, celebrating has never been so acceptably unabashed (as visible and audible after today's gold medal hockey game win).

The Olympics came and went quickly, but I hope the friendly patriotism and collective joy stick around for much, much longer. They have truly made Vancouver the best place on earth.