For those of you who don't live in the city it's hard to describe what it is like here. I can't remember anything quite like it. I think our last big party was Expo 86 which seemed mainly contained within the grounds of the World's Fair, some of which is now the Athlete's Village. I also lived in Montreal during the 76 Olympics which I boycotted but have to admit I enjoyed the festive atmosphere.
Despite the fact I have to work and really haven't done much, I have to say I actually feel sorry for those people who are away on holiday because it's kind of amazing being here.
Due to the fact that it is winter or actually feeling like spring, there are no leaves on my neighbour's massive chestnut so I can actually see the fireworks every night if I climb up to my second floor. That alone is kind of fun.
This week at school all the feeder elementary schools' grade five, six, and seven students were invited to John Oliver High School for JOlympics, an event put on by the staff at JO and assisted ably by many of their students (the students in the picture are some of my former students). The kids had a great time. Students had academic, entertainment, and athletic stations or some were able to use an "immersion" activity such as building and racing luges, competing as Iron Chefs, building and firing off rockets, or being participants in So You Think You Can Dance. The opening and closing ceremonies included an official Olympic Torch Bearer and two of our city councilors representing the mayor. Kudos for the JO community for making a memorable day for our students.Friday ten of my students and I were able to go to an official Olympic event, women's curling. A beautiful day. one short bus ride and a short walk and we were at the Olympic Centre. It was my first time inside although it's my neighbourhood as I only live ten blocks away. Now personally I would just as soon watch paint dry as watch curling but I have to say it was great. We had seats in the third row and a documentary film maker who had just made a film on curling was sitting in front of us to give us helpful information. When I asked my kids if they would like to learn to curl, they all said, "Yes". The walk back to the bus included a stop in my favorite local kids' bookstore, Once Upon A Huckleberry.
Last night, I ended up at the Awards Ceremony at BC Place. I forgot my camera but my sixteen year old friend, Yvonne, took lots of pictures so I hope to have some soon. We didn't get to sing O Canada, but it was neat because the gold medal winners represented nine different countries and to see the happiness of those medalists was great. We saw on big screen the ceremonies at Whistler and I could see those athletes better than the ones in BC Place! BC Place looks so spiffy in the Olympic colours. The special effects were great. We slipped out before the end of the Loverboy concert, and took a bit of a detour over to see Live City in Yaletown and took the subway home from there. More great lights. I have to say I love Canada Line! I feel like I am back in Montreal with a stop three blocks from my house. When I got out at the King Edward station, I was greeted with hot chocolate from the Salvation Army as a reminder of the needy in our city. What a good idea! I walked down Cambie with a couple of Olympic visitors. When I asked them what they thought of our city and it's hospitality I was quickly told how great they think it is.
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