When it was first announced years ago (10 years?) that Vancouver would be hosting the 2010 Winter Olympics I was still in grad school and doubtful that my career would keep me in this town for so many years. I’m still here and the Olympic Games start tomorrow.
We don’t have tickets for any of the events mostly because I am cheap. A friend from work will be attending a the closing ceremonies for just over $550. There is, however, a metric tonne of free stuff that Scott and I have scoped out including some of the protests. And we fully intend on using the free valet bike parking at every opportunity.
The torch relay came to North Vancouver yesterday morning and mostly followed my commute route. I didn’t have a super strong desire to watch the relay, but I know I would have been disappointed to let this experience go by without participating. Channeling my inner child- because it really was the children who were the most excited and thrilled- I joined the masses at the Lonsdale Quay at 7am.
We don’t need more cowbell- We need more Bear Bells that have been blessed by a local first nation elder.
This bit of incomplete combustion was carried by Julie Payette, female Canadian astronaut.
This puppy was handsome in Olympic mittens.
The flame heads uphill. Good thing each member of the relay only carries the torch for 300 m (insert questioning emoticon here). I was intrigued and distantly intimidated by the runners outfitted in grey (to match the Vancouver skies?) flanking the torch bearer. That is probably the point.
Leaving Lonsdale Quay and starting to go to work I passed this woman. Canadian flag in her backpack, Canada hoodie, Olympic mittens and bear bells on her handle bars. The best way to follow the torch is by bike. The police escort were letting bikes through the closed roads to the ire of the detained drivers. 
This group of children from the local montessori school were waiting for their skating teacher, former silver medalist Karen Magnussen, to carry the torch.
Official sponsor Coca Cola brings free sugar, caffeine, and clubbers to the masses at 8:24am.
But this little girl was too slow and only got a consolation Coca Cola pendant.
Maybe her parents will take here for a consolation Mcsomething-or-other?
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