February 19, 2010 | 2010 Olympics >
Vancouver, Historic & Heritage Sites
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“It’s a bit dangerous when black fella’s got technology,” chuckled Tjupurru. A descendant of the Djabera Djabera tribe of West Australia, Tjupurru brings ancient Aboriginal culture bang up to date into the 21st Century with his mind-blowing Didjeribone playing.
He was without a doubt, the highlight of the Globespotting show at the 2010 Aboriginal Pavilion, Vancouver, where we were all celebrating International Indigenous Day. This Aussie, with a sense of humour as big as the tent we sat in, showed us how Aboriginals of all races are real people with contemporary culture, not just old ways confined to museums.
Soon we were all up rocking out to Tjupurru’s ‘Didgitronica’ – bringing me right back to my clubbing days. His unique ‘Didgibone’ works like a cross between a didgeridoo and a trombone, and along with his ‘Face Bass’ (a seismic mouth sensor ), Tjupurru is a one-man band (plus his two talented young sons), creating live samples and soundscapes that transported us straight to the Outback in Oz.
Also at Globespotting, we were treated to hip-hop/alt rock diva Kinnie Starr (of Mohawk heritage). With her raw, punchy vocal-style, she channelled Amy Winehouse, backed superbly by the fiery Borealis Quartet from Vancouver. Coloured lights played across the ceiling of our domed tent, creating an ethereal beauty.
Closing the night was the dreamlike, spiritual Adjagas from North Norway. In ornate fringed and beaded costume, they sang yoiks – unique reflections of people and places that come from the Sami tribe.
February 19, 2010 | 2010 Olympics >
Richmond, Professional & Spectator Sports
I had the privilege of experiencing this brand new Speed Skating facility. The building is beautifully laid out and the volunteers were very polite, and willing to help with any questions you might have. I also realized that although the speed skaters look fast on the screen, it does not compare to witnessing them in person. You can see the dedication and feel the excitement in the air. I highly reccommend this experience to anyone with a skating passion.
February 18, 2010 | 2010 Olympics >
Vancouver, Dining
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At the heart of the Place de la Francaphonie or ‘French Quarter’ on Granville Island – is Club Adrenaline. By night it exudes a bustling, bohemian vibe as the Games are shown on big screens and French-Canadian comedians and musicians take the stage to entertain diners, drinkers and dancers.
By day a magnifique lunch can be had, to break a sightseeing tour of the artists’ studios and Public Market on the Island. I can recommend the tender Boeuf Borguignon with a side of poutine (French fries with cheese curd from Quebec). And a glass of French red paired perfectly with my Crème Brulee for dessert.
I could have taken a kayaking tour around False Creek to work off the calories, but chose instead to take a lazier option – the chic little Aquabus over to Downtown Vancouver.
February 18, 2010 | 2010 Olympics >
Vancouver, Festivals & Events
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A French Quarter in the heart of bohemian Granville Island, Place de la Francaphonie is housed in what is normally the False Creek Community Centre. Wandering in, I was invited to watch Radio-Canada record a live show – not something I get to do every day!
Next door was a huge room devoted to Francaphone artists, tourism exhibits, culture and food. Huge wool-spun coats hung from the ceiling, surrounded by paintings on easels.
I stopped by the Alliance Française Vancouver stand to look at brushing up on my French and even got to enjoy a relaxing shoulder massage at another stall. But most arresting was a giant quilt, a collaborative creative effort by the residents of BC’s largest Francophone community – Maillardville in Coquitlam.
Outside, on a huge stage, at least 20 people were rehearsing a show for the evening’s Carnival du Monde, and crepe stalls were firing up. On certain days there’s even a French farmers’ market.
Afterwards I spent an hour or so browsing the arts studios around the rest of Granville Island. The nearby Kids Market was rammed with hyper little people, running amok in the masses of sparkly, fun shops aimed especially at them.
February 18, 2010 | 2010 Olympics >
Richmond, Professional & Spectator Sports
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I have been living in BC for 2 years, and before I came to Canada, I had barely watched barely a few winter olympics games. However, I went to the oval to see speed skating games on tuesday. First of all, the oval is in Richmond, and it takes from, approximately, 25 min. from downtown by Canada line. The line ups are really long, but because there are an adequate number of trains, passangers don't wait so long. After getting off the train, you have to walk for about 1.5 km to get there. Secondly, on your way to walk there, everything, the accessible washrooms, different sculptures to get photos and so on, has been orginased quite well. Finally, the facility is really wonderfull. There is so many thigns to do inside of it. You can take a photo with the olympic mascots or RCMP members, if you are not from Canada. Also, the olympics souveniers are obtainable inside and outside.
To sum up, it was really different experience for me, and I firmly believe that everybody should experience these kinds of activities in his/her life. Although it is believed that the Olympics had caused a huge debt, we can also say that it brought so much fun, passion, and enthusiasm to Vancouver. Have fun during the Olympics.
February 17, 2010 | 2010 Olympics >
Richmond, Attractions
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I was given a single ticket to attend the ladies short track speed skating event on Tuesday. I quickly accepted the offer but I headed to the event with a little bit of trepidation mixed in with my olympic excitement. How much fun could a sporting event be if you went on your own? The answer? TONS!
I got off the Canada Line and was immediately shuffled onto a shuttle bus by an extremely cheerful bus driver. He spent the 10 minute bus ride getting everyone laughing and excited about Canada, speed skating, and the olympics in general.
Once I arrived at the Oval, there were plenty of helpful attendants who led me through a very efficient security line up and then to my seat.
Once in my seat I realized I was sitting in front of one of the Japanese speed skaters' families. They had lots of flags and signs and were taking tons of pictures (they even asked me to take a picture holding up the Japanese flag!). Behind the Japanese there was a large group of Dutch fans all donning the same bright orange jackets. I also befriended a very nice German man that sat beside me.
My trip to the Richmond Oval was what I believe is the true olympic experience: different nations coming together to celebrate sport in a fun and friendly manner.
February 17, 2010 | 2010 Olympics >
Vancouver, Historic & Heritage Sites
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Greeted by a Haida Gwaii resident in full Aboriginal dress, I stepped through a wooden entrance built like a traditional longhouse. To my left stood a giant carving of a raven, while a totem pole filled other side and a beautiful mask hung above. Welcome to the mystical, legendary world of Haida Gwaii or 'Islands of the People'.
Located on a series of islands at the most westerly point of Canada, and formerly known as the Queen Charlotte Islands, Haida Gwaii is a haven for wildlife watchers, adventurers and those interested in Aboriginal culture. I’ve always wanted to go, and got the lowdown on transport, accommodation and touring options from the helpful ambassadors and several videos playing.
I could get there by small charter plane or BC Ferry, plan to stay in a B&B and book onto a cultural tour. One thing I’d love to see is the Loo Tass canoe (built by Haida artist Bill Reid). On view at the Haida Heritage Centre at Kaay Llnagaay – it was used to bring the Olympic Torch to Haida Gwaii.
February 17, 2010 | 2010 Olympics >
Vancouver, Festivals & Events
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Waiting in line or queuing has become something of an Olympic sport in its own right at the 2010 Winter Games in Vancouver. Here are some survival tips:
Don’t give up… yet! At Livecity Yaletown I’ve found the back of the line stretching to practically the next province, only to be swiftly transported into the pavilion.
Get a Good Coach: Johnny from China kept me powering through the line up to Vancouver Art Gallery. An Olympic pro, he’d been to the Beijing Olympics in 2008 and was all about the free swag doled out at Celebration venues. “Quickly you go get baseball caps, I keep your place!” he yelled. “Then we sell on EBay,” he grinned.
Cheat: Queue-jumping or line-hopping is mostly the reserve of innocent looking grannies or impoverished students. I’m getting sorely tempted…
Dress for Success: Hey it’s Vancouver, bring a brolly JUST IN CASE. My compadres and I spent several sodden hours watching Matisyahu, rain dripping into places we’d rather not mention.
Team Spirit: Work together people. Post Dad in the line, Mom can run for coffee and snacks, while the kids pose for photos in the Olympic bobsleigh or other available distraction.
Pick a Role Model: my husband’s colleague Karen waited for the Robson Square zipline for FIVE AND A HALF HOURS. An Olympic Queuing Hero.
February 17, 2010 | 2010 Olympics >
Vancouver, Art Galleries & Artists
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Free ice skating, zip lining, kids’ shows and fireworks are all on offer at the BC Canada Pavilion at Robson Square. Today I was making the most of the free entry into Vancouver Art Gallery.
This also meant FREE entry to the Leonardo da Vinci: The Mechanics of Man exhibition, which to be honest, is what’s attracting massive crowds every day. A long wait to get in was well worth it, with scores of detailed anatomical drawings by da Vinci. It was amazing to learn how accurately he depicted the human body back in the 1500s.
Working my way up through the Visceral Bodies, Visions of British Columbia and CUE Artists’ Videos exhibits, I eventually reached the top floor. Expecting a promotional sea of pamphlets and pins, instead I found myself in a rainforest!
BC Pavilion was a wonderful interactive spectacle, split into different spaces. I smelled, touched and learnt about all kinds of West Coast wood, stepped over salmon runs (or rather films of them, projected onto the floor) and passed through a curtain of mist onto which a BC family shouting a cheery greeting was also projected (COOL!). Next door were animated games showing us how serious BC is about recycling and sustainability.
I got to sit on an electrically-powered Fuel Cell bus before finishing up in a room lit by neon poles and interactive screens showcasing BC’s love of nature, hockey and community spirit.
February 17, 2010 | 2010 Olympics >
Richmond, Professional & Spectator Sports
British Columbia has been engulfed in all things Winter Games this February, but with a few technical glitches and some of the warmest, wettest weather on record, it has also provided challenges for Olympic organizers. It has even drawn criticism from international media on an entire spectrum of problems that have arose, no matter how small.
On February 16th I was afforded the opportunity to attend the 500m women's speed skating at the Richmond Olympic Oval in Richmond, British Columbia. The event was utterly amazing, from tight races and amazing displays of athletic ability, to hair-raising spills while athletes push their limits.
The event was truly inspiring, but I still could not shake the thoughts of the negative press reports that were putting a focus on events that have nothing to do with the athletes or the principles the Olympic Games stand for.
I was only ever able to shake those thoughts when I stepped out of the oval during the intermission and witnessed groups of people from every different nation staring in awe of the beautiful view. The blanket sky of clouds had parted and the dense canal fog of the morning had dissolved. The fans looked out from a magnificent building onto the quiet and calm water flowing past. Not too far off in the distance was the unmistakeable North Shore mountains and in particular, Cypress Mountain, where I'm sure a few more fans were taking in an equally stunning view from above.
These people had come together to cheer on the athletes from their nation, as well as the nations of all the competitors. But the experience they are having in BC is more than they could have ever imagined. There are plenty of things that are outside of the control of any destination, regardless the time of year. But when it all comes together, it certainly puts on one stunning complimentary show.
On a sunny winter day like that, you realize why you love this place so much. Its just got it all.