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 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 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 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.
February 16, 2010 | 2010 Olympics >
Vancouver, Festivals & Events
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After watching coverage of Alexandre Bilodeau receiving his mogels gold medal, it was time to get out and celebrate Canada's first gold at a winter Olympics. I headed down to Livecity Yaletown for the Matisyahu concert.
Unbelievably the queues to get in were even longer than Saturday's Wilco lines – and we were still waiting as the opening tracks rang out. Luckily we got a decent view through the fence.
Cutting a striking figure in his black baseball cap, and skater jeans, Matisyahu was on fire, bounding around the stage and building his mix of rock, hip hop and reggae to blinding sonic heights. A Hasidic Jew from New York he seamlessly blends culture, religion and politics in his lyrics – and does a kicking human beatbox number to boot.
“Hey Vancouver, thanks for coming together in the rain tonight – PEACE!” he yelled to sodden fans. We were treated to hits like King Without a Crown, the lilting Jerusalem and my fave, the epic One Day off his latest album Light.