My Olympics - Day 2: Silver!

Day Two of the Olympics was exciting with Jennifer Heil's silver medal in the women's moguls. Yeah Jen! Go Canada Go!!! This is a pic of Jen from the 2006 Turin Olympics, where she took gold.

Picture source: Wikipedia Commons

An interesting thing I discovered about Jen is that she is the Ambassador for Birks, Canada's historial jeweller. She even has a line of silver jewellry designed in her honour (how fitting!). Read all about it from this tweet from Jen on Twitter. Birks has a special place in the hearts of Vancouverites with the famous Birk's Clock, pictured below. I remember my mom telling me that when she was a young woman, she and her friends would say "meet you at the clock". If my memory serves me well, I believe the Birks clock was also frequently seen in pictures from the era, as the street photographers would often set up there. The clock was recently restored and reinstalled at Hastings and Granville, just in time for the games - here's the story.

Picture source: Wikipedia Commons

So, the rest of my day two of the Olympics. I decided to walk over the Cambie Street bridge to get a view of the Athlete's Village. As I walked along Broadway, I was struck by the enthusiasm by with so many of Vancouver's retailers are getting into the Olympic spirit with their store windows. Whether it's a simple flag or a truly creative display, it's nice to see the involvement. This one caught my eye and I snapped a pic (forgot to capture the name of the store, will do that at some point and come back and update this):
The bigger retailers are, of course, totally in the spirit and, although their displays are generally predictably grander or flashy, it still adds colour and energy to our city. The kind of stuff that makes me proud to be a Canadian. So, I was expecting to see a few biggies as I went on my walk. And, there it was, a huuuge flag was in my direct view as I headed down Cambie.
Now here's another company getting in the Olympic spirit. If the picture looks funny, it's actually not a blended Italian and Canadian flag... it's two huge flags flying back to back. I'm guessing the developer is Italian. Love the "I'm cheering both" spirit!

As I was crossing the bridge, I was passed by a crew of about a dozen cops cycling to their posts downtown ;-)

I did get a bit of a look at the entrance to the Olympic Village, but it was really just the car entry point. I want to come back another day when it's brighter and clearer to get more pics... but cool to see nonetheless.

Stopped by the 2010 ticket booth down near BC Place and discovered that everyone needs to stand in line to get their tickets. Heh.

If you are looking for the ticket booth, look for this tall gizmo that changes colours:

It was wiiiiiidny out!

LOVED these lights that a Yaletown resident had hung up to welcome all our visitors!

I found myself walking by the Bell Ice Cube on Beatty Street, and as I was cold and a little wet, and the line seemed short, I thought I'd go in.

This is what it looked like inside. Oh, and it's not a place to go if you want to .get warmed up. They call it an ice cube for a reason. They actually refrigerate it and all the staff were thick white coats. It does add to the atmosphere, and it was nicer than being out in the rain, but expect a chill. In temperature only. The people were plenty warm.

There are interactive displays on Canadian athletes, and plenty of big screen TVs that you can plug your free Bell headphones into if you want to hear the play by play. They are also cool to play under if you are one of the little people crowd ;-)

The biggest bonus of all, was a free performance by Naturally Seven. If you've never heard of them, do yourself a favour and do a little search on YouTube. AWESOME stuff. These seven hip geniouses make their music with their voices.... fab, fab, fab!

Naturally Seven performed around 7 or 7:30pm and said they will be there for the length of the Olympics. It's worth arriving early and hanging around to catch them. They did a decent set of 5 or 6 songs. And it was SO COOL (pun intended) to be standing about 4 feet away. It was after their performance that Jenn Heil won her silver medal, and I watched it live at the Ice Cube. It was my first experience of being with a crowd when a Canadian won a medal live - and it was a great experience. One that I hope to have more of!

Oh, here's my day two Olympic doodle.

My Olympics - Day 1: Bittersweet

Where was I yesterday (February 12th) 1 hour, 34 minutes and 29 seconds before the games started? At the countdown clock, of course. It was cool, as I remember being here when there was 1 year left- click here to see those pics.

Today was bittersweet, with the tragic death of Georgian athlete Nodar Kumaritashvili in a training run at the luge track in Whistler (click here for the story; note there is a video but I have not watched it, nor do I intend to, right now that feels like sensationalism, rather than respect, though I suppose I might feel differently later). Like most, I felt absolutely sickened by the news and so very, very sad. It was hard to get my spirits back up for the games, but that is nothing compared to what his fellow athletes must be going through. I had so much respect for the team as they marched into the opening ceremonies. They left afterwards, but they have chosen to stay and compete. Wow. So, what was to be a happy day wasn't so much. Really felt for John Furlong last night. But the games went on, as they should (sigh).



I must say, there was lots there to lift one's spirits watching the Opening Ceremonies. A big one for me was the cutaways to our Canadian troops in Afghanistan. At one point they showed a pic of the sky above the base where the pilots had shaped rings in the sky. Cool. It's so nice that the troops have something to look forward to that connects them to home.

OK, I cheated, and took a few pics of my friend's TV screen. CTV, I know you own these images. But as they are so poorly taken, I trust you will forgive me, as there is no way anyone is going to use them, and just maybe someone overseas will look up CTV online to see your coverage. Peace, ok?

Because, in the end, I couldn't resist this pic of Canada's awesome Clara Hughes carrying our flag. Clara the only Canadian and fourth ever athlete in history to win medals in both Winter and Summer Games (speedskating and cycling). You can visit her website and her blog here.

A couple of the Canadian athletes were carrying a flag of signatures. Makes me wonder what the story is....

OK, now some other moments from my day yesterday... I was watching the torch relay streamed live on my laptop (aka what a girl with no cable does!), and was delighted to see Sam Sullivan carrying the torch. Sam was one of three Vancouver mayors to play a role in our city's preparation for the games (the others were Larry Campbell, who was in office during the bid, and Gregor Robertson, our current mayor who saw the city through the final bumps to get us here). Regardless of what one thinks of Sam and his time as our Mayor, Sam did an awesome job as ambassador of the Vancouver Olympics. Click here to see a video of him accepting the flag in Torino, a moment that apparently stunned people in some parts of the world that could not imagine a quadraplegic holding such a prominent political office... and gave a new face to the Paralympic games. Anyways, I had been saddened to learn that he had no role in the games themselves, and had not even been given tickets. Geez. So, I was delighted to see him carrying the torch, how special for him! (Not in this pic, I also noticed that there was a disabled journalist travelling along with him, which I thought was a neat opportunity, as otherwise the relay would have been too fast for this kind of participation).

As I stopped to use the ATM at the Royal Bank on the corner of Georgia and Burrard Streets I noticed that they had a big screen set up and a bunch of easy chairs... Nifty. Tho now the secret is out...

A neat way to get around downtown these days...

Oops, a definite miss! Even I could have figured out we needed more garbage cans downtown. Doh. On a sidenote, interesting to see this crew of motorcycle cops at the ready - not a usual sight in Vancouver!

Encountered this guy was I was walking along Robson Street yesterday, all decked out with his cardboard/paper torch, gas mask and breathing tubes. He was all alone, but because he looked so hilarious, everyone looked and so he actually probably got his message out (oh, wait, what would that message have been?)... hmmmm...

This street band walking down Granville Street was featured on the news last night, apparently they were protesting all the protesters. Heh.

Oh, one more pic from the opening ceremony.... loved these fans!!!

A few pics from after the opening ceremonies now... This is the CTV news booth outside their studios on Robson Street. I don't think Pam is going to be all that happy, as the back of it is open and the wind was blowing her hair so that it was standing up on end during the broadcast.... I'm picturing a change by tonight. I doubt they'll cover the opening, so I'm guessing an Olympic toque, a hairnet or a pound of don't-touch-me-iron-hairspray.

The crowds on Robson behind the Art Gallery (between Hornby and Howe Streets) were insane. This was around 11, at least an hour and a half after the end of the opening ceremonies. Took about 10 minutes to walk a block, but the energy was very positive, so it was fun. I think there may have been a celebrity in this cluster, based on all the cameras clicking, people climbing fences and ledges to see, and the singing of the "Ole" hockey song (a Sidney spotting perhaps? naw, the crowd was too small, but something was going on!).

Howe Street, where I went to catch my bus. Hmmm.... There were busses sitting on the other side of those people, but the street was completely shut down. These friendly Sherrffs - who suggested I try Richards Street where the ones that didn't get stuci were apparently rerouted to - said they didn't know how long the street woud be shut. I gather it wasn't expected, but the crowd was just too big. But this is the very spot where the fireworks go off every night, so it's no surprise. Oh, on that note, about 15 minutes earlier, as I was approaching the area, those fireworks were just ending - with some huge round balls of fire that blasted up into the sky, like something I'd never seen before. Will have to go back to see the full show

I looked back again, and caught this great pic of Hotel Vancouver lightings up the sky behind the Robson Square area.

And this was the energy on Granville Street south of Smithe as I walked by. Nice vibe.

And I did another Olympic doodle: Olympic Doodle - Day 1, now posted.

My Olympics - Day 0

Tomorrow the Olympics start here in Vancouver, so I'm calling this day zero. Today I went out to see the Torch Relay in person (you can watch the last day on Friday live online here), and afterwards got my pic taken with one of the torch bearers after the relay went by Vancouver City Hall. Yes, I'm touching the torch!! Very cool;-)
The torch!!! SO cool to see it right there in front of me. Sweet!!!

Afterwards, in addition to getting my pic with the torch, I also had a chance to meet three of Canada's Olympians. Imagine my luck at finding Emanuel Sandhu smiling up at me! I asked him how it felt to not be skating (he was a men's single skater in the 2006 games), and he said "weird".

I love how they have engaged past Olympians in the events!!! This is Ruky Abdulai, a Canadian long jumper, who competed in Beijing and hopes to go for gold in London in 2012. So far, so good!

OK, I also got their autographs, but I figure I could be arm twisted to give those to some kid with Olympic aspirations. Rose Marie Pepe is a swimmer - breaststroke - who competed for Canada in 1972! I probably watched her when I was 13! (I was a fish).

This was the other torch bearer who was posing for pics at City Hall. I believe he said the woman he was hugging had organized the torch relay, but he hugged a lot of people, and I'm not sure she organized the whole thing... but interesting nonetheless....

This was the scene at the back of City Hall where all the action was. The guy in stone is George Vancouver, for whom our great city was named.

This is the HUGE Olympic flag hanging at City Hall and visible from Cambie Street between 11th and 12th.

Loved the way people decked themselves out in Canadian flags and other stuff!!!

Just the cutest kid ever, excited beyond words at getting near the torch.

If you get stuck in traffic as the Olympic torch relay goes by, what better thing to do than stand on the roof of your car and wave your Canadian flags?!?!!? Love this pic. It's worth clicking on to see the enlarged version. Oh, that fog, hoping that above it might be cold enough for a little snow on Cypress...

As the torch was about to clear the corner at 12th and Cambie, this was my view. And I'm tall!! But after a few calls of "umbrellas down!" from the peanut gallery (with "please" and "just for a minute"), the view cleared and everyone could see.

This seeing eye dog is proudly wearing his flag...

Being near Vancouver General Hospital, I wasn't surprised to see nursing staff running down the street in their scrubs to take in the action. I only say nurses, as I imagine that the doctors might not be able to get away, but who knows...

Now this hat is just weeeeird. But at least it's red, right?

So, it was a fun way to start off my Olympic experience. Tomorrow: the opening ceremony! I am heading to a friend's place to watch it on tv with wine and pizza. A bit of a luxury, as my new flat does not have cable, hmmmm.... let's just say I'm hoping for lots of web streaming coverage, and I can see myself out at those big screens a lot.... Oh... and I did an Olympic doodle today, it's over on my Beepdoodles blog, here.

Easing Back Into Things?

First, to put a smile on your face, check out this cool rendition of Stand by Me on YouTube forwarded to me by one of my new Spanish friends. Just one of the ways my time at Pueblo Ingles is continuing to play a part if my life. The only thing that is killing me is that they are having gatherings in Madrid that I can't attend. Oh well, I have friends for life, and will be back one day. I hope.

I have now been home exactly 1 week. I'd planned to ease back into things upon my return, but on top of two job interviews this week, I have done 2.5 days contract work, and will be back at it Monday. Veeeerrry interesting! I am off to Victoria for the weekend to visit my mom - and celebrate her 88th birthday. I hope she will enjoy the decadent macaroons I bought at the Paris airport.

I had never heard of Laduree before, and thought the Laduree shop I saw in the airport it was a bath shop, but oooh la la, the sweets!!! But after my birthday celebration, I knew what a good French macaroon was! I spent a small fortune on treats, but had to burn those last few Euros... Oh. It wasn't my imagination, they do sell bath stuff too. Here's their full corporate site. If you ever fly through Charles de Gaulle airport, hope that you get to go through terminal 2F where the shop lives just past security.

Home Safe and Sound

I am now home, safe and sound, in Vancouver. These are the Olympic rings near the airport, pic taken from the window of my friend's car as she picked me up.
I arrived home Friday night and spent the weekend sleeping, but was pleasantly surprised at how fast I slept off my jetlag. Good thing, as I had an interview Monday morning. I believe I successfully transformed myself from a jean-clad travel-worn nomad into a presentable professional candidate (!) and the interview went well. I think. Fingers and toes crossed. Since then I have been following up on some other job leads, reconnecting with people, wishing for snow (yes, me, that's how strong my Olympic spirit is!), and doodling on a sketchpad bigger than a postage stamp for a change. Have been staying with a friend, and today move to another friend's place, and will visit family until I get my sublet flat on the 10th for the balance of the month.

Here is the plane that brought me home, thought it was photo-worthy once I saw it's name:

This is a piece of public art in the Amsterdam airport (Two Incredible Sitting Black Snowmen, Tom Classen, 2000). It was right beyond the passport control, within the security zone, prior to the gates leading to international flights.

Notice I said after the passport control? Yes, good thing. Means they let me out! But that doesn't mean they will let me back in. I am actuallty not joking. It seems that there is a re.striction on how long you can stay in the EU and I overstayed that period, significantly. It's funny, I tried to find this information before I left, but was unsuccessful. But the rule IS there: maximum of 90 days out of 180 days (in other words, 3 months out of 6 months). When I left I had been there a day over 7 months. Oops. The deal is that I am now considered an illegal alien in the EU (gasp!). That's apparently no problem (no fine or anything) but I cannot return to the EU without applying for a visa, which may or may not be granted. Oh my.

The pic above shows you how calm I was, as I still had the presence of mind to take this pic, once they let me through. I'd actually met a couple of Canadians a couple of weeks before who had discovered this rule, and were travelling accordingly, so I wasn't totally shocked. But there wasn't much I could do about it by then. A surpising and disappointing outcome, but, well, it wasn't intentional, and that's life I guess. I am not sweating it, and it's not worth getting mad about, it just IS. I shall be on a bit of a mission to understand this more and use my story to help others avoid the same outcome. And I shall remain the eternal optimism that is at the core of who I am, and believe that when I do apply for such a visa, it will be granted, and I will be in the EU again in my lift. And there are other parts of the world I want to travel to.

I have seriously caught the travel bug, so am looking forward to a few years of working hard and living simpler, so that I have money to make my next travel dream come true....