With glowing hearts...

(written earlier on UA 170 from San Francisco to Vancouver)

7 years ago, our entire country held its breath as we waited to find out whether or not Vancouver would win the bid to become the host city of the 2010 Winter Olympics. It seemed like only yesterday when we found out the good news and the country erupted in a wave of pride and elation unlike anything I've ever witnessed as a Canadian. Buildings started appearing, volunteers rallied, and the familiar five rings symbol began popping up everywhere. Tonight, I return home in preparation for the brightest spotlight that has ever shone on our beautiful city.

Over the next weeks, We'll welcome the world with open arms and let you in on our worst-kept secret -- that Vancouver is gorgeous, fun, and generally pretty darn awesome. We'll don as many red items as we can possibly can, and wave enough maple leaf flags to make you dizzy. And through it all, whether we win or lose, we'll be proud and excited that we all got to experience this together.

It's hard to describe the feeling I have right now, but perhaps the games' motto and a line from our national anthem best sums it up -- "With Glowing Hearts." I've never felt more proud to be Canadian.

Welcome to Vancouver. Bienvenue à Vancouver. We're happy to have you here.