Last weekend I went to Salt Lake to “experience” the atmosphere of the Olympics. I am glad that I went; however, it was not exactly what I had expected.

Living on a college budget, I couldn’t spend the $80 to see the United States kill Finland in hockey, nor attend the bobsled race with my friends Saturday afternoon. As a result, my Olympic experience was limited to Olympic Square and various free events. And I have to say, without a $50 ticket to see the awards ceremony at night, the walk around Olympic Square took only a half-hour. It was neat to see the Olympic signage, competing athletes and the wildly decorated city buildings. It all combined to say, “this is the place.”

Around me were booths from all of the sponsors trying to whoo me with their “free” gifts. Scattered throughout were tons of small huts selling refreshments, including a $3 hot dog. The Olympic superstore had a 45 minute wait, so I opted not to go, I didn’t have the money to spend anyway.

Lines were not uncommon in Salt Lake, mostly because of security. Just to enter the Olympic Square we stood in a line for a half-hour. Our bags were checked, we were scanned and we then took pictures with the U.S. army personnel. They didn’t even smile.

The security was as comforting as it was disturbing. The sight of attending an international event without such security will likely never be seen again. Every main attraction had metal detectors and bag checks, but after the 30th time, you get used to it.

Had it not been for the signs in French, security checks and decorated city, it would have been hard to distinguish the central square of the Olympics from the annual state fair in Pueblo. Pedestrian streets, sponsors and expensive food, only without the cowboys.

I am grateful for the friends I traveled with who made the experience incredible and the great sites I was able to visit in Utah, but as for the Olympic atmosphere I sought, it wasn’t as unique as I had hoped.