I think I just got lucky yesterday by getting this close to entrance of the Athlete’s Olympic Village. It’s located just under the Cambie Street Bridge and is a short walk away from the Canada Line. From a distance, it looks like it’s blocked off by fences covered with the big Olympic banners. But it wasn’t. And I only discovered that when I saw a person on bike ride through the area. So I followed him and got right to the entrance as a Korean team was arriving. Whoa. They sure do have a lot of speed skaters in Korea!
I was stopped twice by p0lice 0fficers. Both were very friendly and didn’t mind me taking photos of the area. I was quite nervous when I thought the second 0fficer asked me, “What are you doing?” I just held up my camera and said, “I’m just some pictures.” but the c0p smiled and said, “No. HOW are you doing? Are you enjoying the Olympic vibe?” I can definitely get used to this – the smiling and good will. And every single Olympic employee (they wear uniforms) that saw me, smiled and said “hello”. This is kind of unusual. Well, for me, anyway. I’m pretty used to putting my head down and just trying to get to where I need to go without the niceties. With the exception of making a point of being nice to the bus drivers. I always say good morning to them.
This experience reminded me of the slogan we had around the Olympics in Calgary – “Smile! You’re a tourist attraction!” – which I thought was kind of hokey at the time. But having experienced it yesterday, I think I just may get one of those Ask Me! I’m Happy to Help! pins they’re handing out at Tourism BC if they have any left.
{ 3 comments… read them below or add one }
This is SO awesome !
I experienced the same thing on Wednesday… Downtown abuzz with folks excited about the Games, and everyone happy to be there ! Glass VERY full, and far different from the “Glass nearly empty” that is being reported by the local Media.
Thanks for sharing and blogging about it.
I can’t WAIT to get back Downtown, either before or during the Olympics.
I just want to go and drink in the joy and excitement… and participate in the fun that the folks that are ACTUALLY putting on the Games, are going to have !
Cheers !
The local media seem determined to report as much negativity as possible. I believe that is a very Vancouver media trait. We and all of the visitors will be happy, joyous and free, while the media has good time not having fun.
That is sooo cool! Congradulations. : ) THat is Really Close and the Village looks very nice.
I spoke to a client at work who mentioned she was volunteering for the Olympics and was totally hyped because she gets to curl on Olympic Ice while the cameras are being set up. She is so happy.
I made the time to donate blood on Sunday. (Every 8 weeks, the Oak street clinic is open on Sunday.) I got an Olympic blood doner pin. (Although nowhere does it say ‘Olympic’.) It is a gold drop with most of a maple leaf on it and Vancouver 2010 printed on the maple leaf. Very nice for anyone who is able to donate blood and is collecting pins.