February 12, 2010 | 2010 Olympics >
Vancouver, Farms & Markets
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Practically racing along Kits Beach’s seawall, with sweeping views of Cypress and Grouse Mountains across the Burrard Inlet, I rounded the corner to see masses of people converging on Granville Island. Phew, just in time. Finding a great vantage point on the dock by the Public Market, I joined thousands of cheering fans as the Olympic Torchbearer made his way through the throng and onto a waiting dragon boat. Helicopters thundered overhead and at sea, police boats allowed only Olympic vessels on the water. “I’ve been wondering where all the people were in Vancouver,” said Carla who’s here from Germany. “And here they are – it’s so exciting!”
Next to me, tears rolling down her cheeks, was Wendy Matsubuchi. Quite overcome, she waved proudly to her mother Esther rowing on a dragon boat team accompanying the Olympic flame. A breast cancer survivor, Esther’s dragon boat racing has taken her all around the world.
As the flame departed across the water to Yaletown on its final journey to BC Place, a huge swathe of the crowd followed along the banks. Tip: take a tiny Aquabus ferry from Granville Island around False Creek to catch great Olympic action. I headed to my fave coffeshop in the market, Petit Amis, where the atmosphere was still buzzing.