One of the things I most like about the freedom that comes with a FIRE lifestyle is the opportunity to engage in cultural events on multiple levels. While the Olympics is happening halfway around the world, I have the time to do a lot of winter sports-themed activities, rather than just watch on TV.
For the Opening Ceremonies last week, my wife and I researched Korean foods on Pinterest and made Korean beef, chicken, and other dishes that would be appropriate to the Games in PyeongChang. My parents and brother came over and our son came home from college to watch the pageantry on our big screen.
On Wednesday, it was bright, warm, and sunny in Minnesota, so we went downhill skiing. We live just 5 minutes from the biggest ski place in the area, so it was easy to zip down there and enjoy the freshly groomed slopes. The resort was largely empty since kids were still in school.
We enjoyed a nice lunch in the main chalet and the Winter Olympics were on numerous TVs around the main fireplace. It was hands-down the best ski day we have enjoyed in a few years. The next morning, I watched Mikaela Schiffrin win gold in the Giant Slalom – fun to watch after a day on the slopes ourselves.
Thursday night is curling night. My friends and I are in a league at the National Olympic Training Center for curling, in Blaine, MN. They held the Winter Olympic Trials and US Curling Open at our club back in December and we got to see many of the Team USA Olympians in person. Now it is fun to play on the same ice they have used and catch some of the matches on TV from Korea over a beer after our match is done.
With a week left in the Winter Olympics (they end 2/25), I have a goal to try to get outside and participate in as many Olympic activities as possible before it is over.
My wife and I can go figure skating and my brother invited me to play pick-up hockey this weekend. I can even wear my 1980 Team USA hockey jersey! I am also going to check out the skating oval (speed skating), not far from our house and maybe watch a ski jumping event at one of the two gi-normous ski jumps in the Twin Cities (no, I won’t be participating in that one myself!).
Any unique ways you or your family are enjoying the Olympics? Other suggestions?
Image Credit: Pixabay
MrFireStation 
Dude, you make me exhausted just reading this! Except for the Korean food part! I can definitely get behind that! I’d really like to go skiing again, but I’m afraid I just don’t bounce like I used to! I love your “go for the gold” attitude! Have you tried snowboarding yet? That’s right, just tie both your feet to a plank – yep, it’s something like that! ~ Lynn
LikeLiked by 1 person
I had a friend who took up snowboarding a few years ago. I thought it odd because he was a lifetime skier and he was 54. Why now, I asked? “Well,” he said, “I don’t think it’ll be easier when I’m 55!”
LikeLike