Important questions answered here.

Question #1: What does this sign mean in Canada?

Answer #1:
Dear visitor from a far away land,
Welcome to Canada! We are glad you are here. When you see this sign in Canada, it means you can find the way to:

1. The restroom
2. The bathroom
3. The loo
4. The W/C or Water Closet
5. The potty
6. El baño
7. The biffy

The washroom is what we call the bathroom in Canada. Some people think it’s funny to call the bathroom the washroom, because there’s not much washing going on in there – other than hands (hopefully). I like it. I think it sounds civilized and classy. You know who laughs at us for calling the toilet (ew) the washroom? These two individuals from Australia. That’s who:

Team Australia. Just for the record, they think it’s funny when we say we “stop at the gas station” because they say “petrol” when they mean fuel for the car. And “gas” means, well, farting. And nothing else. Oh. Don’t ask why they start laughing at the word, “fanny-pack” (and not because it’s a terrible fashion statement – that’s the least of that first word’s worries).

Anyway. I hope I’ve answered that question.

Question #2:

Whoa. That is a great question, Catherine. Now, remind me again what team you’re cheering for…

Oh. Right. De Dutch! Watch out Holland House! Anyway, I am particularly fascinated by the possibility that there’s an underground network of torch bearers that no one is talking about. Little gnomes maybe? Just running on their little legs from Richmond to The North Shore for our amusement and entertainment?

Now, I looked high and low for a photo I had of myself holding the Calgary Tower shaped torch in 1988. I didn’t run with it or anything, I just showed up one day in downtown Calgary after a free pancake breakfast, and had my picture taken with it. Sadly, I couldn’t find the photo. And as far as the torch relay goes…I can’t really remember how the torch came through the city. Mind you, there’s really only one way into Calgary, so I really don’t think there was quite the route through town we are experiencing here. So, I have no answers for this question. But I really hope the torch is carried by gnomes while we’re all sleeping.

And speaking of the torch, it’s Burnaby’s turn for the run through tomorrow morning. I had originally planned to watch it near North Burnaby School, but then it was pointed out to me that it’s going to be crowded by the school. Like, with kids. So, the alternate plan is will be a few blocks away from the school. Good thinking, right? I can thank Cathy Mechanic for that suggestion. Always trust the locals. They know what they’re doing. She’s picking me up tomorrow at 10 am.

This is all very exciting and there’s a possibility of a surprise torch carrier tomorrow. As per this article, Matt Lauer from Good Morning America is supposed to be carrying the torch in Burnaby. Will it be our leg? I have no idea. And how did he end up getting to carry the torch in Burnaby, anyway? I can just picture his response when told the good news.

NBC boss: Good news, Matt! You’re carrying the torch for the Winter Games in Burnaby!
Matt Lauer: What the heck is a BurnBerry?

Other rumours around the torch this week? Well, I heard that George Clooney’s here to run with it. And a confirmed fact? Arnold Schwarzenegger is carrying the torch in Stanley Park on Friday.

See? All those important questions? Answered right here.

Tagged as: Burnaby, the torch, tnmh, Van2010, Vancouver 2010 Games