I saw the Flames - up close and personal

What a great few days I have had. On Saturday, I woke up and thought – what shall I do today?? Another beautiful sunny day but I was low on energy, so I decided to stick close to Steveston. Well that still offers lots of options and started with a drive to Finn Slough – the place that time forgot.

In my first week here, touring me around Steveson Margaret had taken me to this little spot hidden away in the back roads to a place that time forgot. Really. Finn Slough was a little spot where Steveston (or maybe it’s Richmond) turns the bend at its southwest extreme edge. Originally settled in the 1880s by Finnish fisherman, what remains today are a series of wooden huts and cabins and some very old boats.

The area is a bog and I suppose at one time, it may have been filled with water. Left deserted when the Finnish fishermen moved on, some of the cabins have become lopsided ramshackle remains with gaps and holes in the walls and roofs. Others however have been claimed, perhaps squatters, but today other fisherman have moved in and the area still remains a fishing zone. And these have their own special additions to make these spots feel like home, from the moose antlers on the peak to the skull and bicycle up on the eave.

All manner and age of boats lie mired in mud of the bog; I suspect some have been here for decades, as they lie some upright, some tipped on their sides and others like a skeleton next to an abandoned shack. At one glance, we could be in the mud flat of Alabama and when I hear a voice I nearly jump, expecting a toothless bent old man holding a shotgun. But no, it’s a very normal, 21st century guy, in rubber boots, lifting wood from the shed into his house, shouting hello to his neighbour. Just as I am gathering up the nerve to go and ask him about this place, he begins to let roll a volley of cursing about the damn cyclists who hog the road and, all bravery lost, I hightail it back to the car with the dogs. I fell in love with this unusual spot – something touching about the ramshackle huts and yet knowing that at one time, this really was home for a community of people who helped establish an industry in this part of BC.

Since Finn Slough is next to a leash free zone, the dogs also enjoyed themselves, running through the grass, rubbing noses with other dogs and just feeling free, even though I actually kept the leashes on joined to each other. A long saunter and a short sit to rest for a bit and then we returned home.
I headed off to the Richmond Ozone – an area next to the Richmond Oval (home of speed skating) to see what was on display. There were lots of people, but not nearly as crazy as downtown and no line-ups – yay!

Starting with the cranberry bog – this was amazing. By guesstimate from one of the specialists in rubber boots, there were around 13 million cranberries collected last year and frozen to use in this pond and in the Olympic Circle display (didn’t get a photo of that one). It was like a giant box of almost all red smarties, but much more beautiful. The Ozone also offered many other treats, a fabulous speed skating exhibit with skates and costumes over the years and the history of the sport – did you know that Canadians have been doing this for a couple of centuries?
Feeling like a seafood dinner I headed back to Steveston and savoured a grilled halibut steak sprinkled with BC organic leeks and mushrooms, grilled vegetables and a side of tasty melt in your mouth gnocchi. Sorry ni pics of this one either, you’ll just have to imagine the deliciousness of this meal. It totally satisfied the craving for fish, at least for that night.

Sunday was another beautiful sunny warm day and friends from Toronto who were in town for the games were heading out to Steveston for a day away from the hustle and bustle insanity of Vancouver, game city. Linda and Richard arrived just in time for lunch (yes I do other things besides eat but it does happen to be one of my favourite past-times as many of you know). After a short stroll along the boardwalk we settled on the outdoor patio at Sockeye City. Sseriously, protected from whatever cool breeze was blowing, the sun was so hot, we were had to take our jackets off. A leisurely meal with lots of chatter, Linda had fish and chips, Richard had a seafood hotpot and I had lobster and baby shrimp omelette – boy is it going to be hard to go back to a non-seaside city - and we shared a lovely bottle of Barred Owl Pinot Gris – fabulous wine.

Then we walked along the pier and down to the fishing boats selling their catch. Well it turns out most of what they were selling was frozen, but there was some fresh stuff. But it was still very neat to see, and some of the fishermen were indeed super sales guys. We didn’t buy anything but were certainly entertained by the sights and a couple of very boisterous young fishermen who were gearing up for the Canada/US hockey game that day. Driving a much more relaxed Linda and Richard back to the skytrain around dinnertime, I was pooped and headed back to the condo to veg for the night.

On Monday, I woke again to bright, sunny skies – this weather was unreal for Vancouver winter and I was dreading the rain, because I figured once it started it would go on for days and days. So wanting to savour the rays, I planned for a long day in the city. I took the dogs for a longer walk as I knew I would not be home till later back to the leash free zone and let them scamper around and play themselves out. I decide don the south Dyke trail as it seemed to be a spot they really liked, and I enjoyed too.

Leash free, driftwood, water, fishing boats - it was neat to see trios of baots pass me by - one large fishing boat, pulling a smaller one and then a tiny boat trailing behind. This area even has its share of big boats too, all across from open farmland, really and truly away from it all!

I was very excited – I was meeting up with my friend who works for the Olympic Broadcast Services and I was getting a tour of the International Broadcast Centre. First stop was at the ticket centre to see if by any chance I could snag some event tickets. Sure, the clerk said, there are still tickets available for most events. Excellent I replied and started scanning the list – my plan was to buy tickets for my hosts – a set of four for Larraine and a couple for Margaret for closing ceremonies and a ticket for me for at least one event. Well, I am afraid not ladies – a closer look and the cheapest available were 2 for $175 each for an event in Whistler and the next set were $250 for one of the ladies hockey games and then the prices went up from there. Sorry ladies, I love you and really appreciate the comforts of home you have offered me, but this is a little pricier than my wallet can stomach.

I wandered around Canada Place, to enjoy the scenery and people and the sails of the convention centre. I remember being here two years ago for the Globe 2008 Conference, and walking along the boardwalk (amid construction and cranes putting in new buildings and an add ition to the convention centre) all the way to Stanley Park. Today, I had a different plan - although the walk would have been beautiful – I was off to see the flame and the IBC. It was easy to find the flame – throngs of people were all heading in one direction, Olympic volunteers were up on lifeguard towers with foghorns shouting “this way to the flame”. And there it was. A gigantic beautiful torch, flames shooting up, with water and mountains as the backdrop. I attempted a few photos but it was a challenge between all the people and the high fence. You could go up the bridge to see it closer but the wait was an hour but I remembered Yette’s email saying there was an almost unobstructed view from the IBC. It was time for my tour.

We started the tour at the front reception desk and began walking – the place was massive. The location was perfect, the west convention centre was right on the water and my friend remarked that in the 12 years she’s been doing Olympics coverage this was the best space ever. As a brand new facility although they had to take care and not damage anything, essentially the space was bare and easy and ready for fit you. Now this is no mean feat – 1000’s of media from around the world, 100’s of broadcasters wanting mini studio spaces, all of course segregated from one another, so the OBS construction and planning crew had to accommodate the many needs of all of these high demand folks. NBC’s space was massive and security controlled – no-one but NBC staffers could see Costa’s studio. Flags all over the place to denote which country had which broadcast office here and there. I spied the Uky flag, so of course had to take a picture of that one.

My friend is obviously well-known and highly respected at the IBC. We passed many people who stopped to say hi and ask questions or set up a meeting for later. And as we were walking around we bumped in to the director of the Aussie network Foxtel – he invited us for an exclusive behind the scenes tour of their space. That was a treat – we got a guided tour from an obviously very busy coordinator with a bright beaming smile. In true Aussie friendly fashion, everyone stopped for a sec as we passed by to offer up a cheery Hello and I was shown many of those mysterious behind the scenes spots where they make all the magic happen that finally projects onto your TV screens. It has been many years since I was in a broadcast studio and I was just amazed at how this space had been so effectively converted. Cables were running everywhere across the high ceilings of the convention centre, and massive HVAC system pipes connected 100s of equipment rooms to the overhead venting system. Small studio spaces with the on/off air lights had been set up everywhere and I even got a peek into one as recording was taking place (through a small window in the door) as well as a large free studio from where Foxtel broadcasts their nightly news to all their Australian viewers. Very impressive. I didn't feel it was appropriate to snap any photos there, so I'll have to leave that to your imaginations.

Then we ventured outside – to the flame. There it was – in all it’s glory – all cylinders blazing and no massive fence obstructing the view. Congratulations to the designers, this massive cauldron was beautiful. Not beautiful. Breathtaking. I wondered why this had such an impact on me. And I realized, this was a sculpture, a work of art that in its stark raw metal grittiness, shot out five huge flames, proclaiming the Olympics had arrived in Canada. And I was here to see it in person, up close and personal - something to be remembered always.

Forecast - sunny and 14 degrees

Brace yourselves - this is a long one, because I haven't written for days and there's lots to catch up on. And also I'vve been having technical difficulties connecting - sleepy little Steveston does not offer the best wireless connections!

It’s the weekend and I am pooped. The job is getting to me. I am down to three days a week and yet am still exhausted – may be the hours, may be the lack of mental stimulation. The crowds have dissipated – the random athlete and spectator arriving and departing – but it’s not the throngs that we had seen for the last couple of weeks. This level of activity is expected to continue until the games are over and on March 1 YVR is planning for a doubling of their volume as everyone leaves at the same time so it will be on hands on deck. The last couple of days we got so bored, we resorted to entertaining ourselves. Vaughn, replanted here from Montreal, found some balloons and so we began a game of volley in the international meters, greeters hall, much to the amusement of the children who soon joined us. We had created our own new Olympic sport. We have been given blue and green suckers and so wandered around handing those out. How happy arriving passengers were to receive these thirst quenching Olympic specials!

The Olympic spirit has really got the streets of Vancouver jumping. And I know I am going on and on about this but the weather is giving visitors the most spectacular vistas of this beautiful city. Even though it has unfortunately affected some of the events, the visitors are making the most of it, strolling along that many boardwalks that you can find in every city in the lower mainlaind. There’s a view at every point and the municipal planners have done a fabulous job of finding ways to help people appreciate the natural sea-mountainscape.

My routine has changed a bit with my new responsibilities in Margaret’s absence. No more lazing around when I wake up – the doggies are ready for their morning business. Rising to waggy tails and excited prancing, I make myself a cup of tea in a to-go mug, leash up the pups and stumble outside. The last four days have been so sunny, that I get a quick jolt of vitamin D and boom – I’m raring to go. Of course Morgan and Sidney have little legs so while they are almost at a run to get to the nearest grassy spot I am strolling along at a pretty leisurely pace. Once they have had their eye opener and begin to slow down, it’s time to get them home. Breakfast for them and a quick bite for me, I the head out on my own for a run.

As always, distracted by the ducks in the pond at the edge of the complex, the spectacular view of white-capped mountains in the distance, the crocuses and the buds on trees, I try to focus on running. Maybe you do become immune once you have lived here for awhile – certainly the other runners I pass are intent on their movement rather than on their surroundings. Time to focus - head down determined I finally get my groove on and into a steady pace. I sure am out of shape through – you would think that all the walking around at YVR on an 8 hour shift would steel the muscles. And maybe it has but not done much for the lungs! So I am back to my beginner run class – 3 minute walk, two minute run. Oh well, it will be really easy to build it up again in this environment. No rain in the forecast until late Tuesday at the soonest!

On Monday, I went into the city after taking the dogs for a long noon-time walk to wear them out so they would sleep all afternoon. How convenient having a pass for parking at the airport! I could drive there and then hop on the Canada Line which takes 25 minutes to reach downtown Vancouver’s northern edge – so convenient. An abbreviated geography lesson for those of you who have never been here - the Greater Vancouver area includes Vancouver, on the western edge, essentially the downtown core, tucked in between the northern arm of the Fraser River to the south, and Burrard inlet to the north, so surrounded on three sides by water. Across Burrard are West and North Vancouver and across the Fraser at the south end is Richmond (and Steveston at its most soutwestern end). Heading east from Vancouver are Burnaby and New Westminister where the arms of the Fraser join up and to the south are Delta and Surrey. In addition there are a couple of other cities that make up Greater Vancouver, including Coquitlam and these are all connected by the system of skytrains. The area’s biggest transportation challenge is the fact that water intersects in so many locations that drivers and public transit must rely on a series of bridges and one tunnel to get around and these are not the 12-lane freeways of cities like Toronto. Four lane highways for the most part, an accident can really snarl things up, so for Vancouverites, the skytrain offers a reliable and consistent service not impacted by traffic jams.

OK enough of geography! The city was hopping on Monday. At that point Canada had won two golds and was in 4th place tied with France for medals. The sun was beaming, the tourists were here and the excitement in the air was infectious. Seeing a myriad of patriotic colours from countries around the world amid stores with their welcome world displays (love the peace sign flags!), everybody mingled and took photos of each other, lining up to get into different building like the Canada Mint, and onto rides, like the zipline. This looks like a thrill and I actually thought I might get up the nerve to try it out. But then I found out that the waiting time was 5 hours, so decided that maybe zipping across the main streets at an altitude of several hundred feet above the crowds, attached to the line by a mere couple of cords and harness, was not for me!

So I took in something much calmer, the Canada North pavilion – although I had vowed not to stand in line for anything, I broke down – it didn’t look like it would be possible to do anything noteworthy without a bit of a line-up. In the end it took all of 15 minutes and I chatted to the family in line behind me, who were from – guess where – Toronto – Leaside no less (for those who don’t know TO – Leaside is a five minute drive from my house in Greektown). The whole family was in town for two weeks, with tickets to 8 events and buying more if they could. The pavilion was interesting - see my new favourite puppy? Ok so maybe a white wolf would not make such a good house pet, but he was lovely. Demonstrations of Inuit games and dances and diamond polishing and exhibits of some fabulous art captivated me for about an hour and then I headed over to Gastown.

One of the older parts of the city, the area has been gentrified, the cobblestone streets restored and the original steam clock built in the 1800s was still working. I thought there might be some potential here, but in fact was disappointed – an area that could have offered some authenticity was overrun by tourist shops for first nations art, some decent, but mostly not. What a shame that although there are in fact good galleries here, there were no decent looking restaurants, just a collection of boring coffee shops.

Margaret had warned me Gastown was not all the guide books said, and I must say apart from the clock this was my first disappointment in Vancouver.

I did come across a store where I snapped a photo of moccasins on sale for my brother George – long story short, since he moved to Brazil, the one and only thing he used to ask us to send him from Canada were real moccasins. Well in Toronto, finding authentic moccasins was a mean feat, but here on display were all shapes and sizes and styles of the real thing. Think I’ll need to buy him a pair! Hope his feet are still the same size (George – what size? Pick a style?).


I headed back to Robson Square, where they have put up a huge outdoor skating rink. There was to be a performance of mascots and ice dancers before they opened the rink for public skating. While there I thought I might check out the BC pavilion in the Art Gallery but was disappointed again – twice in one night! – it closed at 5 o’clock. I’m happy to report that the pavilions are staying open past February 28th so I think I’ll save those once the big crowds of tourists have left – shorter lines, I hope. Still having time, before the performance, I decided I would try and buy some tickets so I could say I had been to at least one sporting or Olympic event. Guess what, another two hour line up, so I passed. I’ll try on line, or maybe even succumb to the scalpers. Watched some ice dancing, but really couldn’t get a great vantage point began so wandered over to Granville Street to see the lantern sculptures at night.

In an earlier post, I had some images of the lantern sculptures during the day – they were definitely more impactful at night. Although it was only around 6:30 it was quite dark, so this was perfect, snapped a few pix and headed back to the Skytrain. Doggies would be hungry and ready for their evening walk.

On my last day off, Tuesday, Larissa came by and picked me up and we went for a drive to one of her favourite local spots - Dea’s Island. A quiet, almost lonely conservation area, tucked away at the north end of Delta (across the river from Richmond), the calm was breathtaking. Although the park passes over the busy Highway 99 and the George Massey tunnel runs under the island, you feel as though there is no human life around for miles and miles. Jutting out into the southern arm of the Fraser River, you can see the tall buildings of Richmond and Burrard on the other side of the river, so far away, and shipyards and even a cruise ship! Larissa laughs and corrects me – that is the Tsawassen ferry that goes to Vancouver Island, not one of those Alaskan cruise ships as I had thought. Hmm, sure is bigger than the Toronto Island ferries!

The weekend has been fabulous and although it's Sunday night I will end the posting here and get back on Tuesday - I want to tell you about a very unique place hidden away in Richmond. And of course, I still owe you Steveston West - the other side of town!

PS - still no Olympic tickets, but maybe I'll have some luck on Monday. Heading into the big city and meeting up with Yette for a tour of International Broadcast Centre, and a coffee if she has time. You'll hear more about Yette later.

Steveston

I spent Saturday catching up with my childhood friend Larissa. We had grown up together – our parents socialized and during high school we even lived in the same house. Larissa moved out west right after nursing school and although we’ve stayed in touch over the years, our lives have taken us in different directions. But we’ve always had a bond, kind of like sisters, so whenever we do reconnect, it’s like we saw each other yesterday – well maybe last weekend, but I’m sure you know the feeling. Anyhow, we talked and talked and talked some more. I stayed for dinner – linguine with prawns in a cream sauce and caesar’s salad. So delicious – so garlicky, but then I wasn’t planning to kiss anybody so I wasn’t complaining.

Sunday morning I headed to the airport, not to work, but to pick up the car and head back to Margaret’s to begin house and dog sitting duties while she flew off to Hawaii. It proved to be another perfect Vancouver day – sunny, clear, blue skies and warm – 12 degrees according to the weather man – but I think it went much higher.

My energy level rose and I decided to go for a run. Well, half walk, half run – I hadn’t been out for a while so I had to ease my way back into this. Grabbing the camera, I started out on my way – warming up with a brisk 5 minute walk, and immediately got distracted – by the ducks along the waterway, and the people walking their dogs, and the masts of the many fishing boats. The run could wait until so I wanted to enjoy some scenery first, and started snapping pictures. So in this post I will share some of the pleasures of the eastern arm of this fabulous sleepy little fishing village.

Heading out along Dyke Road in the opposite direction of town, the path led to the London Farm Houses. Built between 1879 and 1890, the house sits on 200 acres of land purchased by Charles London for $2000. Loyalists from the American Revolution, Charles London came from Ontario and eventually the Londons became one of Richmond’s most prominent families. The house is part of the local heritage society and has been restored and preserved to reflect several generations of the family’s history up to 1940. It is reminiscent of many of the heritage homes in Ontario’s conservation areas – like Ball’s Falls near Jordan. London Farm is a cute little spot that I actually showed in one of my first photo’s – although I was focused on the mountains at the time, the little red barn is a distinctive feature of the property.

Across the road begin the series of wooden spikes that that make up the dyke threshold which had been placed in the water by the original fishermen in the late early 1900s. Merely stumps now, they lend an eerie yet soothing sense of what came before and how challenging life might have been in those early days.

I absolutely fell in love with the driftwood – what an artistic collection these banks along the water had preserved. I began to let my imagination run free like a child gazing up at the clouds, seeing all kinds of things – a gorilla resting on his front paws in a gentle repose; a flower bursting forth toward the sun in bloom; a sculpture.

Then the path led past a couple of large sunny beach houses – one old wonderfully presented, one new California style duplex. One half is for sale – I wonder what the price is in this crazy real estate city. And blooming heather in so many of the gardens along the water – a beautiful groundcover of purple haze.

Of course this is a fishing village, so we have boats, and more boats of all shapes and sizes. In the water, docked, they are really the owners of this town. All revolves around the marinas, the cannery and other historic spots. The new homes are California-like beach houses, townhouses and detached. Clean, fresh, airy just like the town itself.

I spy a boat named "Acadia" and think of my friend Lucille from the French part of Cape Breton! Close enough. I find a little rock for my friend Lily, who has a collection in her backyard from all of our hikes together. It’s small, won’t add weight to my luggage and she will be delighted more than any tacky souvenir I could bring back.

In the end I did run and then I went back to the apartment, had a bite to eat and took the doggies for a long walk – so long, they got very tired along the way and we decided to just park on a bench for awhile and watch the world go by. Eventually we got back up and slowly sauntered home - all three of us. They were so tired they flaked out on the floor and were crying to get into bed at 8:30!

Ah, pretty llittle village of Steveston, Calm. sleepy, where the sky and the water meet.

Happy Valentine's Day

I know - that was yesterday. Don't worry - I have'n't been smoking anyhting and no I did not lose a day from all the fine red wine I have been consuming. I actually did start to write this on Sunday hoping to post it but didn’t manage to finish in time. So as they say better late than never - I hope you all had a happy V-day with friends, lovers, family or whatever makes you happy. For me - I spent the day with two little doggies - yes - the famous cuddly Morgan and Sidney - and they were appropriately affectionate and spawning attention - so I was not left unloved. 

Well – I’ve had some fun the last few days – since Tuesday when I wrote the last blog I have met – I have greeted 100's of athletes, IOC officials and media. Í love that the athletes all travelled wearing their team colours - you knew immediately where they were from and how to greet them (or at least make a garbled attempt at "hello"or "welcome" in their native language. After more than two weeks, it is still so heartwarming to see the smiles break out on their faces - imagine, some of these folks have been travelling for a day to get here, with several flight transfers, so by the time they get off the plane or hit the baggage hall, they are weary. but then that athletic stamina bursts through and they grin and giggle and smile and wave. I wish I could share pictures with you, but of course we are not allowed.

So notables since last week - Jeannie Beker, David Suzuki, Donald Sutherland and more Ukrainian athletes. Í spoke to one of the coaches who had arrived earlier and was meeting this latest group on Thursday.  He invited me to Ukrainian House, but was not quite sure where it is. He was surprised since I was born here that I speak Ukrainian and that my parents had spoken it at home. And even more surprised when I told them I went to Ukrainian school – "they have those in Canada", he asked. I made a note to look up the location so my local Uky friend Larissa and I could check it out.

I also saw tons of CBC media come through (although not Peter Mansbridge) – for a moment I forgot that CTV was this year’s broadcaster with all the blue CBC jackets coming through. I used my French, my Ukrainian, helped a Polish passenger (who understood my Ukrainian) and totally wore out my feet and legs. This week, as we drew closer to opening ceremonies, in particular, was intense and non-stop and so thrilling.

Friday morning, I woke up and could not move – I was beat and just knew I wouldn’t manage another 8 hours on my feet. I called in sick. Corrinne (my daughter) chewed me out - "how can you call in sick, you're only there a short time and you've made a commitment". She almost, just almost, made me feel guilty but then pride kicked in - I told myself I had taught her well and she was old enough that I didn't have to worry about practi'sing what you preach! You had to be in my body I told her - this 39 year old needed a break!

I slept for ages while Margaret headed off to the airport to pick up Heather, her travelling companion to Hawaii. They were heading downtown to see some of the activities happening around Vancouver, so I tagged along. Am I ever glad I did.

The city is abuzz with red and white fever – what a lot of people and what a show of patriotism – Canadian flags everywhere – on people, on buildings, in storefronts, even a rapper was making up his words around the excitement. He did a little ditty about my little flag hanging out of my purse. The Olympics has been good for the Canadian spirit. We really ought to do this more often – we are so modest and do not display our naitonal pride in general – boy was this ever different and pleasant! The other day I had scoffed at Steven Harper's comment urging Canadians to make an effort to show their patriotism during the Olympics - my thought is that we should be making an effort all the time, but sadly, he is right (did I actually say Harper is right???). It has taken this torch flaming across every part of the country and the excitement in the city to publicly display our red and white.

All the stores along Robson and Granville were sporting flags of every shape and colour - Cnada predominant. Roots - I love those guys - was packed with people buying the gear and I loved that they also had shirts for the other teams - after all- that is Canada - multicultural. I was hoping for something Ukrainian, but no luck until I spied this window - there it was - my yellow and blue - see scan right from the Canadian flag and you'll see it! 

The streets were filled - one street has been set up with lantern sculptures - during the day they are scultures, at night they are lit up. Here's a preview - Margaret and Heather in front of the salmon. These are by local and international artists and each has a story - I am going to post more on Facebook along with the labels (I know Lee and Lily will defiintiely want those details!). The overhead paper lanterns in the next picture are made by school children. Some time this week, I'll be heading down in the evening so I'll snap a few at night - apparently they are magical!

I've been told to add photos of me - so here you go - alos in front of one of the sculptures. Can you tell I was taken with this street. See my little red flag? That's the one the rapper spoke/sang about.

So much to see and do. I plan to hit downtown several more times so will add more pictures, but for the moment I'll leave you with this next one. You've all heard about the horrible protestors who destroyed store windows and created some badwill. Well I am confirming these are totally a rogue group, many as professional protestors, coming in from other places .

The real Vancouver protestors have character and creativity and are really peaceful. The steps of the art gallery are a popular spot - large sqaure, great stairs for visuals and of course people buzzing all around. Check this guy out - I think he deserves five stars for making his point in a truly artistic manner. Also check out that floral background - the entire front of the gallery has been wrapped in this. I actually got an odd sense of being transported back in time, when I sgut out all the other images - think flower power and Greenwich Village, Haight-Ashbury. I swear I am not indulging in the sub-culture here, but then the guys from Montreal (I could tell by their French accents) standing next to me were defintiely partaking of the more liberal western attitudes!

What's going on, you're thinking - she hasnt mentioned food. Well lunch was easy but a bit boring so not worth noting. However - I have to make sure there is one edible entry in every blog so here you go. Take a bite out of that one - I've always liked Inukshuks and whiel the First Nations group may take offence at using one of these wayfinding figures as a culinary object, I for one, am preapred to let this one go. This totally beats the giat Toblerones from Costco at Christmas!

After this I headed off to Larraine’s in Steveston to watch the opening ceremonies with her family. We pulled together our Canadian flags –me with my little paper one and Scott taking the big one from his room.

Seeing the young ones wearing our national colours with so much excitement choked me up. OK, so Liam is too young to know the importance of his waving the flag, but I am sure Emily will explain it to him as soon as he is old enough. Emily on the other hand is a true Canadian, she has been following this Olympics fervently and has some favroutie evetns that she will really be rooting for.  Of course as I write this we have won our first gold and the first ever on our home turf. Watch out world, the Olympics have really arrived and all of us, just like Emily shall cheer on our athletes over the next two weeks. Go Canada go! 

The torch

We saw it! The torch came through Steveston and Margaret and I were there and I get it! It truly is an amazing feeling - this flame is infectious - it is Canadian and it is home! Always the perfect guide, Margaret mapped out the route beforehand and today after I got home from my dreaded early morning shift, I was allowed a mere 20 minutes to put up my feet before we headed out on our torch adventure.

I groaned internally but I was too excited at the chance to say "I was there" to complain, so off we went.

 Margaret suggested we walk to the village along the back roads to see the old town, the cannery and the historic village before we joined the crowds waiting for the torch to come through. What a beautiful serene walk - my feet and calves quickly forgot they were tired as we strolled allong the boardwalk, next to the ducks and the water and the lowering sun. And of course, as always, those beautiful mountains in the distance.

A little further ahead we could see people and as we got closer to town, we were joined by men, women and children decked out in red and white - hats, mitts, jackets and flags draped around their bodies. Of course we had to be a part of this!  One toasty Starbucks hot chocolate (and bladder break) later we arrived on the main drag. At first it was quiet but soon the crowds began to swell - and we passed the Coke truck, with staff handing out pendants to wave and the RBC truck with folks handing out mini-tambourines. Some other sponsor had balloons and all of a sudden there were hundreds of people lining the street.

And I spied the most fabulous Canada hat ever.

This young lady was ever so pleased to pose and most polite - she even aked if she could show her beer can in the picture. Well of course - it was Molsons Canadian after all!

We found a great vantage point, and I set my camera - gotta get me one that works way better in outdoor conditions! Police cars with flashing red and blue lights rolled along to make way for the oncoming torch bearer - the excitement was just palpable - a woman next to me apologized for getting in my way - but her autistic son was so excited and happy and calm, she just wanted to make sure he got a good view. And he did, and we did. We all did. The torch came by - less than 3 feet away and I understood why everyone before had felt so emotional, so connected. It was real - it was here and we were the lucky ones to have seen this flame cross our country and arrive in the city that would host the world. I will never forget this day. I believe. (Too bad my camera can't take a decent picture of something moving but here's what I caught. Margaret's on Facebook is better.) 

Well of course, we had to cap the night with some good wine and food, so Margaret took me to her local - Gudruns - OMG- I love good food. A fabulous bottle of Chilean Syrah - all you red wine fans make a note - Chono Reserva Carmandere Syrah (someone check please - if LCBO does not stock this I will bring back a bottle or few), a starter of creamed watercress soup with a dollop of La Maure and a scrumptious charcuterie platter - BC Tiger blue (another thing I must bring home), Guiness cheddar, Vietnamese duck pate and more! What a way to end a day.

Good night and sleep well - I know I will!

A weekend catching up with friends

Last Friday was an exciting day at the airport. Many, many athletes, officials and media arrived. I must say the best of the bunch were the Swiss - maybe I'm a little biased because I have family there and I lived in Switzerland for a year - but then everyone else working with me agreed they were the highlight. So let me tell you why. The group consisted of about 50 athletes plus coaches and other hangers-on with more than 250 oversize bags holding skis, poles, etc. etc. The athletes came from Zurich via Toronto with several hours layover, but in spite of being tired they were smiling and energized and definitely bouyed by their greeters. A proper Swiss mountain canton greeting - the sound of cowbells clanging through YVR played by men in leiderhosen and women in frilly swiss traditional dress. It was a heart warming sound to me bringing back memories of cows marching down an Alpen hill with their gigantic bells - it actually brought tears to my eyes and I got so excited I tried to take a photo and do a video (which of course we are not supposed to do!). I managed a quick snap on my cell phone so will transfer that and add tomorrow. I did do a video and once I have figured out how to download that from my camera and here - I will add that too - the images are pretty bad, but you'll get the sound.

Sunday afternoon I returned to Steveston after a whirlwind 24 hours in the city. Well, maybe not so whirlwind, after all a big part of the time was spent relaxing on an outdoor patio - yes you read this correctl - an outdoor patio. I met my friend Lynn yesterday in Yaletown - getting off the skytrain to a bright sunny day with tons of people buzzing around.  We decided to walk along and see which restaurant tickled our fancy and could not get past Glowbal Grill. There behind the daffodils and crocuses was a very busy patio - people were sitting around enjoying what looked and smelled like fabulous food minus jackets!

After a long catch -up - much has changed in both of our lives since we last saw each other two years - two mojitos and lobster filled eggs benedict, we began to stroll. It was absolutely glorious - 12 degrees, but felt much warmer. Yaletown is one of those areas that 15 years ago was decrepit warehouses and a not so pretty part of town. Well, what a transformation the city has made. Yaletown is next to the water, along False Creek and the boardwalk follows the marina for a couple of kilometres. What a view! There were people out strolling, jogging, roller-blading, walking dogs and happy, happy, happy. We could see the Olympic village in the distance and the techies were setting up an Olympic stage set along the boardwalk. the city is definitely abuzz!

Take a look at this picture - to the left under the bridge is the athletes' food tent - a massive structure that feeds a few hundred at a time - although the athlete's village is all new condoes - the kitchens are boarded up and unusable so the condos remain in pristine condition and ready for sale once the Olympics are over. So all must eat in this tent.  And that big yacht (three stories high and at least 100 feet long - well we weren't sure, but think it belongs to the owner of Lululemon. 

After lunch with Lynn, I hopped on the skytrain and headed to Richmond - first conencting with a long (almost but no longer) lost childhood friend. Larissa and I had not seen each other in 7 years, and we plan to spend some time together next week to really catch up. But Saturday was just a quick - how fast can you talk and tell me all that's gone on in our life - hour since she was working a 12-hour shift the next morning. So she dropped me off at Larraine's where I had a yummy quiche and salad ready and waiting. I tell you - spolied does not describe how my friends here are treating me!

The weather continues to be fabulous and there are lots of signs of spring. Along the drive from margaret's to the airport - I have spied cherry blossoms starting to appear on trees. And look at these little crocuses - they have completed opened up their little faces to the sun - this shot is also from Saturday along the marina. From the daffodils at Glowbal's patio to these pretty little beauties - I am getting a real taste of things to come way ahead of you guys back east.

Back to work today - my second last day shift as after tomorrow I am only working evenings - yay - sleeping in and not walking around like a zombie. My french is definitely improving, but when the brain is too tired to think in English - can you imagine the garbled french that comes out!  My francophone colleagues tell me I'm fine but sometimes they give me this quizzical look that I'm sure means - "I have no idea what you are talking about!"

So a light dinner of leftovers - steak salad (from Margaret's most perfectly grilled giant porterhouse on Sunday night) - and early to bed for me today.