The Sochi Russia House brought the best of Russia under the dome of the spectacular Science World building in Vancouver’s False Creek. “Russia? Sochi? This is their House? Really?” was something I heard from Vancouverites every time the skytrain car would pass by the Science World. The sheer scale of the “Russky Dom” made most other houses in town pale in comparison.

On my visit, I got to see the Kuban choir that gave me shivers when performing some of the traditional Russian folklore. Ironically, Russian rappers picked up the show after the choir was done, making for some interesting cultural variety. Throughout the Games, Russia House was attended by thousands of people from Russian and Canadian dignitaries to athletes to curious Vancouverites and Olympic guests.

In a span of an hour, I personally saw and took photos with a number of Russian figure skaters and hockey players. I even caught a sight of the famous American skater and a self-pronounced Russophile Johnny Weir. He was there for an interview with Russia’s Autoradio, which broadcast live from the Russia House from 8pm to 5 am every day during the Olympics.