Nice to run away but not practical

[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

[shootingstar]

Maybe there will be an advantage being a cyclist during the torch relay route to somehow get a pic or 2 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.

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.

[Serendipity]

Hello, shootingstar, I'm looking forward to visiting your city next week. Yep, we're part of the hordes that will be descending. 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 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 . The trains arrived on time & people were friendlier than normal

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

[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/sport...g-from-village

http://www.abc.net.au/news/stories/2...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 & no one will complain.

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

[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? 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.

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.