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 17, 2010 | Tips from Travellers >
Dawson Creek, Cross-Country Skiing
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There is something very special about a morning walk during the winter months here in Dawson Creek.
The other day, I bundled up and set out for a walk just as the sun was rising in the east sky. It promised to be yet another bright blue-sky day and I was struck by the beauty and peacefulness that surrounded me.
Have you ever walked through a forest when the hoar frost crystals cover every branch and every needle? When the air is so clear it crackles, sounds carry for miles... and your boots crunch with each step? It's magical isn't it?
I was delighted to meet a cross-country skier who obviously had the same morning inclination to fill up with the fresh crisp Peace Country air. She stopped for a few minutes and told me that Dawson Creek is a wonderful community for cross-country skiing.
"We have miles of groomed trails and a very active ski club." In typical Dawson Creek friendly fashion, she told me her name and invited me to contact her if I would like to try my hand or should I say feet at skiing.
If you happen to come here during the winter, make sure you bring your mittens and be ready to refreshed with a winter wonderland wander... there's lots to do here... winter family fun for all!
For this Mile O Citizen, I just might take up cross-country skiing...
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 | Tips from Us >
Vancouver, Professional & Spectator Sports
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Vancouverites love their hockey (like all Canadians) – especially their Canucks. I’ve been to a handful of games and each time I have a blast. The fans are at once boisterous and respectful (jesting at the opposing team’s fans – especially Calgary Flames – but still polite to their fellow Canuck seat-neighbors. We are Canadian after all). I love when the mascot Fin playfully bites the heads of fans (the picture shown is of him going in for a "bite") and Mark Donnelly sings the national anthem! Lately the stadium announcer will belt out “Wooooo” after each Canuck goal, which is then repeated back by the fans. It’s addicting – you can’t not do it!
Vancouver is also home to a WHL team, the Giants. I haven't been to a game yet but here’s what my colleague Karen had to say about it: “At the Giants game I went to there were no business guys in suits heading to the game, it was lots of families and tons of people in jerseys...What I loved most was that there was so much entertainment in between periods: two golf carts on the ice, two blimps flying around, t-shirts being shot at the crowd, coupons dropping from the sky, and even a hamburger tossed out as a prize by the mascot...Impossible to be bored!”
If you prefer to hit the ice yourself, lace up your skates on one of Vancouver’s outdoor rinks. Grouse Mountain (in North Vancouver) has an 8,000 square foot pond high above the city, while Robson Square (downtown Vancouver) is a smaller rink but it’s free and right in the heart of the action (skate rentals are $3.00).
During the next two weeks though NHL team rivalries will be dropped and all Canadians will be cheering for their home country. We’d love to hear your pick on who will win men’s hockey gold. Post your picks/comments below!
Go Canada Go!!
February 16, 2010 | Tips from Us >
Vancouver, Art Galleries & Artists
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One of my Olympic must-do activities was seeing the Leonardo DaVinci exhibit, “The Mechanics of Man”, at the Vancouver Art Gallery. On Sunday a colleague and I checked things out and although the line-up was long – we waited about 45 minutes – seeing the exhibit was worth it for me.
DaVinci’s anatomical drawings of the human body are incredibly detailed and beautifully etched. They are on yellowed sheets of paper, standard notebook size, and I was surprised to see how intact they actually were. I learned that some drawings have not been surpassed to date and others were the first-known accurate depictions (like his drawing of the spinal column). Pretty amazing stuff!
On every drawing DaVinci made cramped notes in Latin, which are written in his favored “mirror-style” way (ie: backwards). Each drawing had an accompanying description that explained which parts of the body we were looking at, his drawing techniques and methods, as well as other interesting information (such as how he made some discoveries two centuries before anyone else did).
Larger replicas of some drawings are placed on the walls and offer closer observation. Also splashed across the walls are random quotes by DaVinci. Overall, the exhibit was pretty amazing – I’m sure both biology nerds and art lovers will love it – and clearly very fitting for the Olympics!
February 16, 2010 | Field Reports >
Victoria, Sightseeing Tours
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Wow! What great energy and Olympic spirit! Check out some of the sights and sounds of Victoria, BC.
Tourism BC Field Reporter Michael Fountain explores the city and celebrates the 2010 Olympic opening ceremonies with the*slightly damp* but super enthusiastic crowd at the livingcolours 2010 Spirt Spectacular Celebration. I love this city...Go Canada go!!!