Known for snapping pictures of dishes being served up around the Okanagan, Kelowna’s Kenny Tai made a trip across the pond to check out a different serve.
Tai, also known for his Instagram account heyhangryhippo, attended the Paris Olympics to take in a women’s beach volleyball game.
“I only went to the beach volleyball events because we thought it would be entertaining and it sure was. A lot of chanting and French pride during France’s game,” said Tai.
He and a few friends managed to take in the second match of Germany versus France beach volleyball competition at the Eiffel Tower Stadium on Tuesday, June 30, where Germany topped the home team 2-0.
Tai said the stadium was filled with action both on and off the beach, with an emcee keeping things lively between matches.
This is Tai’s second time attending the Olympics as a spectator, he also was at Vancouver’s 2010 games.
“This was always the plan to come to the Olympics, during my summer trip to Europe,” said Tai.
And, the trip didn’t come cheap, while Tai didn’t elaborate on what he spent he said it was hard to get a room in Paris but he managed to score an Airbnb.
“It was hard to even go to other country houses. The Canada house was $30 U.S.,” explained Tai.
Country houses are hospitality facilities set up to promote the local culture of that nation or brand, including food and virtual reality tours.
The houses like much of the games are under strict security and Tai said there were a lot of police and military around.
“It made us feel safe. But can definitely feel the police presence there,” said Tai. “There was also a lot of extra staff at city transit, to help you out.”
The food photographer and influencer who has more than 13,000 followers on Instagram, also made a trip to Tomorrowland in Belgium.
“Tomorrowland was so much fun,” he said.
Now, the photographer is preparing to wrap up his summer vacation and head back to the Okanagan, just in time for another bout of heat as the temperatures climb to over 30 C by the end of the week.
