My family spent a week in Salt Lake City, attending 10 events at four different venues. Local polls gave high marks to the Games and the city. And we agree!

Some observations: The “Mormon Olympics” is baloney. Only once were we approached by a very polite Mormon. Three times non-Mormons tried to spread the Word. We don’t have a problem with this as we are free to read or ignore their information as we choose.

Salt Lake City was a wonderfully friendly city. Police and security people thanked us for coming to the events. The only other place we would expect that would be in small town Kansas.

Expecting traffic jams and long lines, we experienced neither. The shuttle bus system worked. Parking could even be found downtown at prime times.

Security was no worse than at airports. Monday night at Olympic Square access was delayed. Management adapted and solved the problem. Most days the security wait was less than five minutes.

Lines were long for food. Underestimating demand, vendors sold their entire two-week supply of hot dogs  400,000 dogs  in just four days. Good thing, too; we were tired of eating hot dogs. Food and drink prices were similar to major league ball parks, expensive but tolerable.

One big line was at the Olympic Store where waiting easily consumed 40 minutes. Clothing and souvenirs were pricey but not unreasonable. Demand was so overwhelming that many items sold out in days. So what? It’s part of the experience. We voluntarily helped pay for the Olympics with our purchases.

Did we have fun? You bet.

Were there disgruntled angry people waiting in lines? Never next to us.

Was it worth the trip? Absolutely. Where else can you meet people and personalities from around the world on a daily basis?

Will others report a different experience? Possibly, but I’ll bet they expected to be catered to and pampered.

Did Salt Lake City do it right? The rest of the world should take lessons from Salt Lake City. We’d go back in a minute. Congratulations, Salt Lake City!

Barbara and Keith Wood

Lawrence