Nice to run away but not practical

[shootingstar]

Not surprisingly, we hear the security/military planes and choppers practicing overhead ..daily to know lay of the land during Olympics. (You'll see my article in Cycle Write (http://cyclewriteblog.wordpress.com)blog.)

I know people have suggestions or have known others who rent their homes. But for us, it's just impractical and not worth all the hassle of packing our stuff temporarily (cost more money to store it elsewhere since we lack storage space) and staying somewhere..which means more money. And it would be ungracious of us to slum around at friends' home for 2 weeks. Family members live in another province..which means more money to fly out, etc. Toronto is not pretty at this time of year.

So we're just hoping the Olympics will be uneventful in an eventful way. If that makes sense. :o

[bmccasland]

I suppose you could compare notes with folks from Salt Lake City. I think, and this is an outsider's point of view, that unless you're in the immediate zone (Olympic village, or the commute to events), you shouldn't be TOO affected.

We have Carnival (Mardi Gras) every year, and you adjust your life accordingly. I don't live near a parade route, so am somewhat isolated from the direct impacts.

It'll all be over in a couple of weeks. You can have some fun, get the tourists lost with bad directions, forget you speak english. :rolleyes: Or nod and smile, and hope all the nice money they're leaving behind will help defray your city's costs to host the event. ;)

[ginny]

I lived in South Pasadena for a while. When it came time for the Rose Parade, I ALWAYS got out of town! I totally understand that. I also understand that it would not be practical as a grown up with a job and responsibilities. I hope the crowds/traffic/ chaos remains at a minimum for you. Maybe you can take some time off and go watch some events. Pretend you are a tourist with 5 star accommodations :D

[sfa]

My sister lived in Atlanta during the summer Olympics back in 1996. They were worried too, but it turned out to be no big deal. The traffic and public transit was more packed than usual, and they avoided some areas, but their daily life wasn't really affected particularly.

[PamNY]

It'll all be over in a couple of weeks. You can have some fun, get the tourists lost with bad directions, forget you speak english.

Falling off my chair laughing. I've been tempted to do both of those things on many occasions.

Shootingstar, I hope you don't have too much inconvenience. I agree that it really depends on where you live (and where you need to go) relative to the festivities. Living in lower Manhattan, I have lots of experience with crowds and police lockdowns.

I'm sure nothing will go wrong, but just in case of a major problem that prevents you returning to your residence, be sure to prepare. Don't leave home without ID and any essential medications, leave extra water if you have pets, and make sure you are well stocked at home in case you need to shelter in place.

Pam

[shootingstar]

From bmcc: It'll all be over in a couple of weeks. You can have some fun, get the tourists lost with bad directions, forget you speak english.



Falling off my chair laughing. I've been tempted to do both of those things on many occasions.

Shootingstar, I hope you don't have too much inconvenience. I agree that it really depends on where you live (and where you need to go) relative to the festivities. Living in lower Manhattan, I have lots of experience with crowds and police lockdowns.

I'm sure nothing will go wrong, but just in case of a major problem that prevents you returning to your residence, be sure to prepare. Don't leave home without ID and any essential medications, leave extra water if you have pets, and make sure you are well stocked at home in case you need to shelter in place.

Pam

You guys are funny. Well actually um...in downtown, we live less than 10 min. walk where the final outdoor torch lighting ceremony will be when it finishes in Vancouver.

Maybe I'll take photos for TE forums here of fireworks (not sure) around the stadium for opening & closing ceremonies..about 5 min. walk. Stadium is in my face as I tap away on computer right now.

Honest, we are sort of plotting when we would go cycling in peace to do grocery shopping. Looks like early morning on weekday(s).

Annually the 50,000 runners for annual run finish/end near home in the spring. So we're just going to pretend we'll see this volume of people for 14 consecutive days. Except this time there will be tons of security surveillance.

[tulip]

I used to live in Washington, DC. There were constant detours and security checks that rerouted traffic, even bike traffic. And then there were festivals (Cherry Blossom, Smithsonian, Solar, etc.) and the protests! And terrorist trials at the courthouse in Alexandria (serious, serious security guys with machine guns on the metro). Anti-aircraft missiles on the Mall and remaining on many buildings. And we always had helicopters flying overhead.

But we dealt with it and life went on. We made adjustments hear and there. Frankly, it made things interesting.

[shootingstar]

Can imagine living in Washington, DC., the tight security. I understand that for ignaugaration of President Obama, people were lined up at the subway train stations as early as 5:00 am or so, even though the event began at 10:00 am? :eek:

There are rumours that Obama might drop by the Olympics during those 2 weeks. If he comes, probably only for couple of hrs.

Ah geez. I just found out the Olympic torch relay route on Feb. 11 & 12 for Vancouver. It's going about in a loopy way, where it will be passing by our neighbourhood twice :eek: And circling around, never far away. :eek:

I can't even imagine. Just half block away, it will be making a stop before the big ceremony in park. :eek:
We definitely have to finish our grocery shopping for next few days before Feb. 11.

[rubywagon]

I suppose you could compare notes with folks from Salt Lake City. I think, and this is an outsider's point of view, that unless you're in the immediate zone (Olympic village, or the commute to events), you shouldn't be TOO affected.

SLC honestly did not seem all that busy and/or crazy during the Olympics. I went to a few events and even then, it was not difficult to get around or stressful dealing with the crowds. I am hoping you will be pleasantly surprised by how uneventful it will be.

[Red Rock]

I remember those two weeks. My Dad excaped the city and came to its Southernmost metropoils for a few days to visit me and get some sunshine:D. We had a great time watching all the festivites on the TV at my house. I think we even ate dinner in front of the TV. Which rarley happens with my Dad.

There was a noticable increase in the traffic around town. Everyone from SLC that could left for the sunny weather.

Red Rock

[shootingstar]

Yea, it maybe quieter because the Summer Olympics probably gets at least 3 x more visitors, because there are simply more sports than Winter Olympics.

And a ton of rain on some days might reduce some crowds some days...at least to the free events many which are also located at various sites within walking or cycling distance.

Suffice to say, that although I don't support the Olympics as a money-making machine for a few handful who get truly rich from it, the Olympic torch relay is something that is a good thing.

Seems like wherever it's been across Canada (twice), it's been an emotional experience for runners, some spectators, etc. It is a feeling that is useful to folks who do need an injection /symbol of motivation to help them make good personal changes in other areas of their lives. I really love it for other folks to experience physically what we already experience we finish our own bike rides, runs, swims, etc.

Sounds trite/wierd. But for alot of regular cyclists, cycling as a sport, is already "journey" oriented. Alot of us have already experienced personally the thrill/high of completing difficult /long bike ride/trip, of doing that "run". I don't know about others here in TE, but it is a feeling that is not necessarily experienced by alot of people --yet. But when the feeling comes, it can be quite motivating and spill over in other areas of one's life.

And if they experience it as a jogger relay participant (even though in some cases it was only 300 metres), some probably had to train for it, then I'm happy for them. It's an once-in-a-lifetime experience.

[Aquila]

If only they'd add winter biking!

[crazycanuck]

Shootingstar, Perth will be dealing with road lockdowns either later this year or earlier next because CHOGM will be held here. UGH.

[tc1]

Run away? I am green with envy at Vancouver's getting the Olympics! Well, green in a nice way, glad of your good fortune but still...
Enjoy the once in a lifetime event. Seattle will probably never get the Olympics 'cause we are too much of a NIMBY town.

[shootingstar]

Run away? I am green with envy at Vancouver's getting the Olympics! Well, green in a nice way, glad of your good fortune but still...
Enjoy the once in a lifetime event. Seattle will probably never get the Olympics 'cause we are too much of a NIMBY town.


Methinks Seattlers would react like Vancouverites --strong camps against and some for the Olympics.

You're close enough. You could even take the train. Amtrak has added an extra train for Vancouver specifically to off-set the Canada-U.S. border car traffic. Our train station is located downtown. Problem would be finding cheap accommodation right now.

Sure if any TE'ers came, let's go out for coffee and a squirrley bike ride in the mayhem.

heh, heh,heh and the 400 bikes that the Dutch consulate's offering as part of the Olympic bike share system at their welcome house. The consulate is panicking abit now...800 people have registered interest for a 10-15 kms. bike ride. They are imploring people to bring their own bikes instead of riding a Dutch bike.

[Red Rock]

Shooting Star you should go and see the torch relay and lighting if possible or other events that seem somewhat sensible (if that is possible). I could not make it to see the torch run through my town when it came by. In hindsight, I wish I had gone. I do remember all of the TV and traffic being totally outrageous through it all.

One solution might be to see the Cross Country skiing events. My younger brother did that when they were in SLC. Enjoy what you can of everything. It will all be over too quickly. Also be sure to take pictures for yourself and others since "your right in the middle of the action."

Red Rock

[bouncybouncy]

I will be stuck inside for the 3rd snow/ice storm this season (unusual for our part of the country so our city just doesn't have the equipment to deal with such weather...makes it too dangerous to go out and about on these icy roads)

I sure do wish I had something fun and exciting to look at out my window...it is only 2 weeks, really not that much time in the big picture of life. I say soak it up...it will be over before you know it and you will have lots of new conversation topics :p

[shootingstar]

Maybe there will be an advantage being a cyclist during the torch relay route to somehow get a pic or 2 :confused: Have visions having to abandon and lock up bike somewhere to do this. Bike will get in the way amongst a pressing crowd.

Or do it from far away and hope for an itty-bitty flame somewhere.

Back end of stadium for opening and closing ceremonies. Looks like a marshalling area or equipment area. Dunno.

A friend of ours, he's a computer tech. person volunteering at Olympic Athletes' Village. Has to help set up equipment for different countries' teams to review athletic performances, strategy, etc. Oh yea, there will be a story behind the Dutch ride..I just can't reveal details yet. I hope I won't cave in to stay at home, if there's heavy rain. Hope to blog this dinky ride. :p

One of my sisters is psyched after a Canadian Olympic gold medallist speed-skater Catriona Le May Doan, gave an inspiring speech earlier this week at a pharmacy conference. Sis has 3 young children ages 8-12 who are all enrolled in ice hockey..so I have no doubt she will pass on her enthusiasm to children. To make a long story, short ..now I feel abit more motivated to blog Olympic stuff around here..for young nephews and nieces. It is the next generation for us to help inspire.

Sorry I will tend to give more links to blog for bigger photos of Olympic stuff. I want to save my TE member photo memory allocation for future cycling pics. :o

[Serendipity]

Hello, shootingstar, I'm looking forward to visiting your city next week. Yep, we're part of the hordes that will be descending. :D My sister lives just south of Vancouver and I know she is dreading the next few weeks.

Actually we will be making two trips - one for the first 4 days and a second for the last 3 days. The events that we will watch are at the begiinning and the end of the Games. No such thing as cheap accommodation - we are paying around 4 times the 'normal' price for a room and lucky to get it. So we are better off to fly home in between rather than stay right through.

The events we will be watching are up in Whistler; should be interesting to see how all the transportation back and forth works. We got to experience the 2006 Games in Torino so have a better idea this time around in terms of what to expect. One thing we learned - don't expect to get anywhere quickly!!!

I was also one of those fortunate people who had the opportunity to be a torchbearer when the relay came through our city - it was an unbelievable experience but over much too quickly! The segments are all 300 metres long so I walked part, ran part to stretch it out. If you get a chance to watch it, do so; don't think you will regret it.

The countdown continues....:)

[shootingstar]

:) Wow, 2 separate trips. Yes, there were some good Air Canada flight deals awhile ago, if one plans months in advance.

Photo posted above..is how close we can see the stadium from home. I'll send you a pm.
Post a pic of yourself here, Serendipity as torchbearer!

[Serendipity]

Shootingstar - thanks, I replied to your pm.
Here's the official torchbearer photo - on what had to be the coldest day of the winter (won't say of the year - it was in early January).

[shootingstar]

Lucky you. Congrats. for being part of the big run!

I just wrote a little piece about a past Olympian runner of which there is a statue of him (http://cyclewriteblog.wordpress.com/2010/02/05/cycling-towards-an-olympic-hero-harry-jerome-2/)in Stanley Park.

Most Vancouverites have seen it. Admittedly I never took the time to learn about the athlete until the little article. And I have lived here for nearly 8 yrs.

[crazycanuck]

I understand Terry Fox's mom will be the final torchbearer?...If so, way cool!

Shootingstar, a few Sydneysiders told me that during the 2000 Olympics Sydney actually ran like a proper city :rolleyes:. The trains arrived on time :eek: & people were friendlier than normal :rolleyes:

Oh btw..have you heard about the Aussie contingent controversy? Hopefully they won't have to remove the boxing kangaroo flag :mad:

[shootingstar]

So far, VANOC is tight-lipped who will light the flame in Vancouver. But T. Fox's mom is getting alot of informal Internet support. There's no official poll anywhere.

And the Aussie team's flag, funny, I took this photo just a few hrs. ago. That's a friendly combative position for the kangaroo.

Let's put it this way: if other national teams haven't done it, then no for Aussies in my opinion. To drape a huge flag like that does mean covering up the vistas from windows. So if another country's flag drapped over your suite window, would you want it?

Thanks for the feedback on Syndey 2000 Olympics. Hmmmmm, it would help if we had nice weather, so everyone would be in a better mood, except the problem is it's not helping to produce enough snow naturally for Cypress ski resort area where some of the competitive sports are. Whistler might be beter but haven't checked.

[crazycanuck]

Hang on a sec...About the boxing Kangaroo.. http://www.metronews.ca/ottawa/sports/article/443964--australians-under-pressure-to-take-down-boxing-kangaroo-flag-from-village

http://www.abc.net.au/news/stories/2010/02/05/2811764.htm

Apparently the Canuck contingent doesn't have any issue with it & support the AOC. Libby Trickett mentioned that the flag was draped everywhere @ the last two Ollies & no one had a problem with it.

I noticed on the news last night that there was another flag draped a few meters above the boxing kangaroo one..but not sure by which contingent? Also, on the side of the building to the left in your picture, there are a heap of Canadian flags.

I'm sure the Dutch fans will be out in force w their orange flags :D & no one will complain.

btw...It's not as if Australia's going to win many medals @ these winter games...:rolleyes:.

[shootingstar]

Well, maybe the Aussies will be the sleeping tiger awakened for these Winter Olympics....Though surfing looks harder than snowboarding... wonder why surfing never is part of Summer Olympics. Guess that's not Greek-based, or part of ancient history, eh?

Why am I arguing with an ex-Canuck? :rolleyes::):) You ought to change your pseudonym.

[badger]

I debated whether I should go through the hassle of moving out for a few nights, but in the end I just couldn't say no to a couple of thousand dollars for a bit of inconvenience.

I'll have to pack up my cats and move into my parents' place for 10 days, which should be interesting to say the least. But I'm lucky, I know there are far more vacancies than people thought: they're gouging, who'd want to pay $600/night in a dinky studio apartment??

I'll be working modified hours to offset the anticipated commuting problems. I'm lucky that I'll be able to do compressed work week by working 10am-8pm and get Fridays off.

And speaking of commuting, the past week was quite interesting seeing my route change dramatically. On some roads it's nice with hardly any traffic, but on others I've had close calls from impatient drivers not looking as they turn corners.

All in all, it IS exciting, but I just want it over quickly so life can get back to normal.

And a small post script: it's a shame that the Paralympics are getting such a short end of the stick. They're hardly talked of, planned, or even cared about.

[snowroo]

I'm sure nothing will go wrong, but just in case of a major problem that prevents you returning to your residence, be sure to prepare. Don't leave home without ID and any essential medications, leave extra water if you have pets, and make sure you are well stocked at home in case you need to shelter in place.

Pam

Isn't that good advice for anyone living in Vancouver, anytime?

[shootingstar]

Right now, they have closed off yet another major road bridge into downtown. We can hear the guy talking through the bullhorn for all the long lineups of people for security checks. We can see the long lineups. There are thousands of performers &...spectators. ('course worries if spectators will spill the beans before the big event.)

Today is the dress rehearsal for Opening Ceremonies for the 2010 Olympics ...just down the street. :p

Wonder if test fireworks will occur again. Hmmm..it may be rainy evening. Can't see how that would happen, if it happens tonight.

[NbyNW]

And a small post script: it's a shame that the Paralympics are getting such a short end of the stick. They're hardly talked of, planned, or even cared about.

I agree, it's too bad. I followed the Beijing Paralympics on the web. The Paralympics are every bit as beautiful, competitive, and inspiring as the regular Olympics, if not more so.

[shootingstar]

There is a story I'll be posting about an incredible Canadian athlete...in about an hr. He was last night's Olympic relay torchbearer.

I've been spending time reminiscing..the stories, music and finding those links.

[szsz]

If only they'd add winter biking!


Yes! That is what these Olys are missing for sure!

My wish is that it would be able to watch (record) the events in real time, in their entirety, and without NBC deciding what we should see. Grr.

[malkin]

We're downtowners in SLC. Being able to walk around and not have to look for parking was the best. I remember it being pretty civilized, kind of like a real city; I got tired of fireworks, and we left on unrelated business during the second week.

Best wishes.

And I still giggle when I walk past the stadium and see the "Light the Fire Within" signs, thinking about "Fight the Liar Within."

[shootingstar]

We're downtowners in SLC. Being able to walk around and not have to look for parking was the best. I remember it being pretty civilized, kind of like a real city; I got tired of fireworks, and we left on unrelated business during the second week.

Best wishes.

And I still giggle when I walk past the stadium and see the "Light the Fire Within" signs, thinking about "Fight the Liar Within."

Uh, we just discovered that there will be fireworks every night ...2 blocks away.

Dorkus here had no idea. I slept through last night's. :o We hope to catch some tonight or if that falls apart later this week. Definitely when there's no rain. :rolleyes: Our select opening ceremonies fireworks. (http://cyclewriteblog.wordpress.com/2010/02/13/iconic-photo-memories-2010-winter-olympics-part-i/)