Olympic Journal ~ February 17,18

20 Feb 2010

by amw

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This is a passage from my friend and author Shelly Khushal’s Olympic Journal.

The days are long, but the line-ups even longer. Crowds are increasing by the numbers and by the minute. Just when you think the streets can’t possibly fit any more people, there are another thousand headed your way!

The incredible weather adds to the spirit (record breaking warmest winter in 100 years).

Today by far has been the most eventful. We started our day earlier than most days trying to soak up as much of the sun and fun as possible.

We started by taking the new ‘Olympic Line’ to Granville Island – this Streetcar designed by Bombardier was built especially for the Olympics. We arrived at Granville Island and visited the Swedish pavilion, Francophone pavilion and Atlantic House. We also checked out the Portrait Gallery of Canada artworks.

While on the Island, we indulged in a lobster sandwich from ‘Lobster Man’. It had been recommended to us by a friend, and many people on the street had been talking about it also. The lobster was so fresh. Lobster Man has lobster flown in fresh from Nova Scotia daily and is the main distributor of Lobster to all the high-end restaurants in Vancouver.

We then engaged in ‘pin trading’ which symbolizes the true essence of Olympic Spirit. I negotiated the deal and Sameer got his Quatchi. We also watched some Totem Poles being carved.

We had spent hours on the Island and were tired, but we weren’t ready to go home. There were still so many things to see and do. So we decided to take the Train back to downtown and walked along Robson Street. I wish we could show you the video of the streets. When I say we have never seen anything like this, I am serious. It was so amazing, the happiness contagious.

The following day, we went to Coal Harbour where the Olympic International Committee, Vanoc and the International Media are stationed. This is where the official Olympic Flame (Cauldron) sits.

There has been a lot of controversy surrounding the fence that protects this Cauldron. Vanoc admittedly underestimated the number of people that would want to see this torch. And it was evident today as we walked amongst 7,000 other viewers.

To combat all the negative press, Vanoc cut a slit in the fence to allow people to take photos and additionally, they added a feature where 150 people at a time could travel up an elevator and see the Cauldron from a viewing platform. What they didn’t mention was there would be a wait – up to 3 hours. At least they heard the public and did something about it, and virtually overnight too!

We then headed to the Northern pavilion – housing the exposition of Nunavut, Yukon and Northwest Territories. It’s wonderful to get a taste of other parts of Canada by travelling only 5km from our front door.

Next we went to the CTV Outdoor studios to stand in a line for the official CTV pin – gorgeous, and totally worth the wait! We are not official pin traders, but are surely getting into it.

Shelly Khushal currently lives with her husband and son in Vancouver. Visit her website http://www.shezadivallani.com/

Olympic Journal ~ February 17,18

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