Sea to Sky: Some might say that the multi-million dollar upgrade to the Sea to Sky Highway was overkill. Having travelled it twice by car, it was like a drive in the park with little traffic. One might suggest that there are more police on the highway than tourists. That's mainly because one must take public transit from Squamish if you don't possess a parking pass in Whistler, which begs the question: Why invest millions into an Olympic highway only to limit its use? (It should be mentioned that the ski lift parking lots are closed, but private parking is available at $26 a day.)

Weather: The weather has been less than ideal. Rain greeted those who arrived in Whistler on opening day, melting all of the snow in the village. The sight of concrete clashing with snow takes some getting used to. "This is unusual," says former Olympian and long time Whistler resident Ross Rebagliati. "The snow banks are usually up to your head."

Billion Dollar Police: To the tourists, they are a welcomed sight, but the locals don't care for seeing a police officer at every intersection. The billion dollar spending for security for the Winter Games is evident everywhere you look. "It's like living in a police state," says one Whistler resident. "Welcome to two weeks of hell" he adds, suggesting that the games and extra police presence are an intrusion.

Olympic Respect: One site that can't go unnoticed was the visual clash between ceremony and respect. The highly publicized death of a luger from the country of Georgia prompted the erection of a make-shift shrine at the base of the Olympic rings at the heart of Whistler Village. Some dropped off flowers while others posed in front of the rings, oblivious that they’re trampling on a shrine. They wanted to celebrate for that Polaroid moment and the death of an Olympian wasn't going to get in their way.

Smoking: I hate to say it, but I'm a smoker. No big deal unless you're in Whistler. In general, smokers have been ushered into alleys like crack-addicts - frowned upon by the non-smoking society but imagine lighting up among a bunch of people who spent thousands of dollars to see healthy Olympians. "People don't smoke outside," says one Whistlerite, huddled in a corner as he takes a drag. Lighting up in Whistler actually draws looks of disgust to the point where smoking is permitted, but not welcome. If you're a smoker and looking to quit, Whistler is a good place to start.