Winter Olympics 2026

Friday – February 6 – Milano

THE WINTER OLYMPICS 2026 – MILAN AND CORTINA, ITALY

HAPPY BIRTHDAY to our favorite granddaughter/mother of our only great-granddaughter – Summers – who turns 29 today.

The views from our hotel window are of these grand old buildings; in fact, Milan, like most European cities, is full of great architecture. 

Our driver, Sergio, is a kind and thoughtful Swiss resident who speaks beautiful Italian. He and his MB Sprinter will transport us during our entire adventure. Access to our hotel in the center of Milan is restricted by “Red Zones” during the Games. We are usually dropped off and picked up wherever Sergio is, within walking distance. Fortunately, with the iPhones operated by Jonathan and Derrick, we waste no steps.

Our first event (Derrick arranged all our tickets in advance) was a women’s hockey match in a huge convention center in the suburb of Rho. We depart for all the events hours early –streets are closed and traffic is heavy – and we want to arrive before the press of the crowds. Today we will witness France vs. Japan. In fact, there are very vocal supporters of each team surrounding our seats, which, by the way, are on the 50-yard line.

Everything moves so fast – the refs, the players (these are tough young women), the puck, and even the crew that cleans up the ice many times during the match. We choose sides. I took Japan, and they look the strongest as the match begins. The scoreboard posts “shots” when a goal is possible but saved by the goalie. Japan leads in “shots” and finally just before the first 15-minute period ends, (there are three) Japan scores. Within a minute, France scores. Here are two tough teams that play fast and hard. It is so exciting. In the end, it is Japan 3 and France 2.

Back to our hotel to dress in our warmest clothes. Temperatures are in the 40s with no wind; however, tonight we are going to be outside, at night for hours. The stadium, for the official opening of the 2026 Winter Games, is huge. Maybe it’s the evening lights or the very large crowd that makes it look like the largest I have ever seen. And it looks new. We do the research; it is over 100 years old and holds fewer than Nebraska’s stadium. 

Again, we have great seats. The entire lighting system is amazing; the music, curated by an “on stage” DJ, fits perfectly. In fact, the entire evening is amazing, an experience I will never forget. We arrive by 7 pm  – the entertainment begins at 8 – followed by the introduction of the athletes. Next, we have the extensive remarks followed by more entertainment, featuring numerous famous entertainers. It is all unbelievable! The main message is peace and kindness. Most cannot argue with that, however, some do not practice what they preach. English and French are the official language of the Olympics and tonight, of course, Italian.

The extravaganza ends around 11:30. pm We arrive back at our hotel by 12:30, cold and tired. The Duncan/Henning family head straight to the beautiful rooftop bar and restaurant, which is open until 3 am for a snack and a drink. It feels fine to relax and begin to warm up. What a fabulous day! A special thanks goes to Derrick and his team and to Jonathan for his navigation expertise. 

I will never forget this day!

Robert