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.
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