Olympics-cycling & sleepless in vancouver?

[buddha_bellies]

Here's a link to the Oval Skate ring Public opening...

http://www.richmond.ca/news/city/ova...ertainment.htm

[Serendipity]

crazycanuck - I had to laugh when I read the post because my normal state of mind seems to be wandering around without a clue...

We were fortunate enough to get to the 2006 Olympics in Torino. It took a while to figure out how everything worked (security, transportation, etc. etc.) including the train system becasue we stayed in a small town 60 km and 2 hours (!) away from the venue that we were particularly interested in. Add to that the challenge of a language that my DH and I knew only a few words of! Interesting to say the least.

The organization in Torino was certainly well set up to look out for people like us - fabulous volunteers/employees! I would expect Vancouver to have the same level of support for those participating. After being a newbie at Torino, I expect getting around to the venues in Vancouver/Whistler to be a piece of cake - language I understand, in a city I've visited many times - now just have to wait a while to make sure the athletes qualify (!).

[badger]

for those of you who are coming to Vancouver, may I ask where you're staying and how much you're paying? I was just at a site yesterday looking into putting my place up for rent, and some morons are hoping for an idiot to walk into their over-inflated price trap.

A Jr. one bedroom, aka studio apartment, 4 blocks away from my place, is going for $800 A NIGHT!! Ridiculous, and I hope they never find anyone to rent.

I'd be more inclined to rent at $300 a night (which is still ridiculous but miles better than the one above), but I can't think of regular folks being able to afford that.

[Serendipity]

badger - I have a sister & brother-in-law that live south of Vancouver so that is probably where I will stay. Having said that, given the length of time it will undoubtedly take to travel to Whistler, I will definitely look at staying part of the time in that area. Cringe to think how much I will have to pay so we shall see!

[spindizzy]

I say enjoy the chaos and noise....Get out and meet some of the non-locals -you'll have stories to tell forever and they hopefully will be able to tell stories about you!~ It will only happen once in your lifetime (unless you move)...but that's just me

[shootingstar]

I say enjoy the chaos and noise....Get out and meet some of the non-locals -you'll have stories to tell forever and they hopefully will be able to tell stories about you!~ It will only happen once in your lifetime (unless you move)...but that's just me

Ok, us locals...are just party-poopin' dull.

As for whether or not, Olympics benefits local economy..only a few people hit the true money jackpot and make that stretch for awhile after the Olympics. Did Vancouver need the Olympics to boost tourism? No, tourists still come now..

Truly, am just hoping it doesn't rain much in Feb. 2010.