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.
February 17, 2010 | 2010 Olympics >
Richmond, Professional & Spectator Sports
After checking out the women's 500m speed skating on Tuesday, it became obvious that the sport is much bigger in the rest of the world than it is here in Vancouver.
Most of the fans in the beautiful and new Richmond Olympic Oval were cheering for Canada, but I was still blown away by how many fans there were from the other competing countries. The two biggest and most passionate groups of spectators had to be the Dutch and the Japanese.
It was obvious after just a few minutes in the oval that the Dutch LOVE speed skating. All decked out in orange they were the most passionate and loudest fans in attendance. It was really sad to see one of their best skaters, Annette Gerritsen, fall during her first race. Hopefully she can come back strong in the 1000m and the 1500m.
The Japanese fans did not disappoint either, waving flags, holding up signs and making a ton of noise. Their skaters seemed to really appreciate the support, waving and smiling at their fans on a number of occasions during the event.
Unfortunately, neither the Dutch or the Japanese made the podium, and neither did the Canadians, with Christine Nesbitt the finishing a Canadian best 10th place.
The day belonged to Sang-Hwa Lee of South Korea, who won the gold. Silver went to Jenny Wolf of Germany and bronze to Beixing Wang of China.
In all the event was great fun and hopefully the new Richmond Olympic Oval can help to increase the popularity of speed skating in Vancouver and generate a greater interest in the sport.
What do you think the lasting legacy will be of the Olympic Oval? Post your thoughts in the comments, or if you're a BC student consider submitting them to the 2010 Learning Legacies Competition!
February 16, 2010 | 2010 Olympics >
Vancouver, Art Galleries & Artists
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Granville Island is pretty much Vancouver’s art capital, packed with galleries, pottery, gold and silversmith studios and even the prestigious Emily Carr University. Can it get much artier?
Thanks to a 2010 Winter Games exhibit, Portraits in the Street, yes it can. I’m in the bohemian Railspur Alley, gawping in wonder at a painting of hockey superstar Wayne Gretsky by none other than pop art maestro, ANDY WARHOL.
Twenty four framed photos and paintings of Canadian Olympians and Paralympians line a brick wall, making for a perfect sunny afternoon stroll. Others include a relaxed black & white shot of Canada’s most decorated ski racer, Nancy Greene Raine (now Director of Skiing at Sun Peaks resort).
Scary but impressive, is a masked close-up of legendary hockey player, Cassie Campbell, taken by Bryan Adams. Yes, musician BRYAN ADAMS.
February 16, 2010 | 2010 Olympics >
Vancouver, Festivals & Events
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Having moved to British Columbia from the UK, I’ve still never been to the East Coast – but am seriously keen to visit, after checking out the Atlantic Canada House (an Olympic Games pavilion). Held three times daily at the Revue Stage on Granville Island, Come On In! is an awesome, foot-stomping musical tour of Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, Prince Edward Island and Newfoundland & Labrador.
With cinematic backdrops, musicians from each of these provinces gave us glimpses into their personal lives, families, homes and breathtaking views of sandy beaches, and rolling Anne of Green Gables-style countryside. (Author LM Montgomery came from Prince Edward Island).
Long-haired Newfie, Daniel Payne had everyone clapping and whooping along to his square dance tunes on the accordion, while New Brunswick singer Monique Poirier showed audience members how to play musical spoons and recreated a proper Atlantic Kitchen Party, with fiddle, guitars and hearty singing and even tap dancing.
This much fun – and all before booze o’clock! I now get why ‘Acadians’ call soft drinks “mixers”!
February 16, 2010 | 2010 Olympics >
Vancouver, Culinary Tours & Schools
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It’s Nova Scotia Day at Vancouver's Winter Olympics so I took the chance to sample seafood at the Atlantic Canada House on Granville Island. Otherwise known as the Backstage Lounge, it’s sandwiched between the Public Market and Inukshuk Gallery.
Waiting in line, I chatted to the Mills family from Salisbury, UK who had tickets to multiple Olympic events, including speed skating and curling at Richmond’s Oval. “Today we’re taking a day off for the arty, cultural stuff,” admitted Mr Mills.
Once in, we were served piping hot mussels and everywhere I looked were trays piled with gourmet Nova Scotian fare. I loved the salmon with apple cream cheese, blueberry and maple shakes – and scallops with delicate yam crisps. Just as I was ready to roll out, another tray appeared, full of mini-lamb burgers topped with berry relish. Delicious.
All the food tasting got me in thinking about lunch, so I popped into the Public Market for farm-fresh veggies, sweet grape bread from Terra Breads and Vancouver’s best chocolate (I think) – Thomas Haas – from the Edible British Columbia stall.