Feb
21
2010
Fri Feb 19 – More Vancouver Madness
Author: supsonEven though I had a “day off” I’m still compelled to throw myself into as much chaos as possible. There’s just so much to see and do, I can’t afford to stay in or I’ll never make it through to the end of my list! So I bravely faced the downtown mob again.
First thing I saw was this massive poster of Bilodeau on the Canada Post building. This was actually up before he won his Gold, way to hitch your wagon to a shooting star, Canada Post!
Then at the Aboriginal Pavilion I got a taste of some delicious venison stew. It was almost as good as Stevan’s moose stew, but I didn’t get the name of the deer they made it with. I guess they’re relying on tourists not realizing that’s a buffalo head on display.
Right out front of the Aboriginal Pavilion I got a chuckle at spotting the NBC Alaska truck live on scene, that’s quite the drive down to Vancouver. No word on the whereabouts of Palin, but I guess she’s a “fair and balanced” reporter for Fox “news” now…sorry for the editorial commentary 
On my way over to the Science Centre I encountered an impromptu Street Hockey Game out front of BC Place. It doesn’t get any more Canadian than that!
On the way over I noticed all these incredible inukshuks that had been made by people out of the loose stones on the shore -- very cool.
The Science Centre has been taken over by Russia and turned into the “Russky Dom” where they are celebrating the next Winter Olympics in 2014 in Sochi.
Here’s the countdown clock, it sure seems like a long time away but so did 2010 back in ‘03 when Vancouver was awarded the games! I wonder if I’m an automatic shoe-in to volunteer at those games now?
They also had their mascot out on display, which honestly freaked me out a bit. I know I’m biased, but this thing is creepy looking and reminds me of a Teletubby. Quatchi puts this guy to shame.
Right across the street from there is the main Vancouver train station, which unlike most other cities (Toronto, Montreal) it isn’t at all a main transportation hub outside of Via, since it’s not connected to any of the public transit. It feels kind of orphaned out on its own, but it still looks cool.
Then I met up with my friend Patrick who was in town for a week to enjoy the games. We actually found a quiet, peaceful reprieve from the downtown crowds to relax in these sweet adirondack chairs and watch the end of the Czech hockey game
After that we tried (for the 4th time) to check out the line at the Canadian Mint…still 2+ hrs. So instead, we heard a rumour that the Birks around the corner had one of the actual Torches on display so we headed over there, and had only a 10 min line-up! Here’s a pic of me with the real thing, showing my best Olympic athletic form.
As we closed out the night and tried to get home we collided with the mobs of people. I’ve made some other comments about the crowds, but it truly is like nothing else I’ve ever seen. This first video is of a popular Vancouver district called Yaletown where an impromptu dance party has broken out.
This next one is right down at the epicentre of insanity at Robson Square where there’s a nightly fireworks show after the medals ceremony. In the clip, note the massive image of Iginla projected with the slogan “Our Game. Our Home. Our Gold”. No pressure, eh?
I can honestly tell you this crowd made me nervous and bordered on dangerous. I just hope everyone keeps things under control in the coming days and weeks and there’s no other negative things that happen that tarnish these great games.
One last thing to note -- today marks the half-way mark of this incredible experience. As amazing as it has been I’m already excited for the arrival of March 2nd, the day I get to see Team Upson reunited!
