Vancouverology and More Snippets from Journals

From Cow Bells to Cocktails:

Tried fixing up my nephew, who was one of the snowboarding judges, with a sweet gal named "Rose". It didn't work but still decided to buy him a Vancouver 2010 wedding present with hopes that he will find a mate this year! One year that he is sure to remember!

Was thrilled to meet and enjoy the company of all the very global snowboarding judges across the bay at Lonsdale Quay. All were a delight, Marcella Centurione from Ontario, Steve Brawn from Australia, Jesus Froch from Spain, Willener Stefan from Switzerland, Sam Savela from Finland, Kippy from Japan and especially my nephew, Ste'en Webster, from New Zealand. One of the nights my Rosati relatives joined us there, what fun.

Found a great Ukrainian Restaurant and an Izakaya near my home on Haro Street.

The concierge at Hudson Bay Olympic Store was a great place to get valid information.

Met Harvey and Connie who were among the FIRST volunteers. They were stationed at the VIP section during the hockey games.

Among my favorite short but sweet acquaintances were BURR the Vancouver Postman who took a good part of the afternoon off to teach me the ropes near Yaletown and Jake, the twenty five year old bartender at The Swiss House. I also enjoyed most of the pin traders, Paul, Nini, Janet (who was everywhere in Vancouver), Steve, Lenard, Greg, Kelly, Al, Shirley and Randy's son! Most called to request tables and some dropped in when there was a free table.

Heard the RV places had vacancies. Couch surfers were present and large lovely rooms in homes could be rented for 100 (604-526-6830). per night. Several neighbors who I met in coffee shops wanted me to help them rent their places so there were vacancies in homes as well.

Variety and great entertainment was everywhere from barefooted KD Lang to shrink-wrapped Nelly Furtado. Again, my favorite, spontaineous street parties. Oh such sights! Hundreds of small inukshuks that were on the wasteland near the seawall were created by a guy named Ziggy.

Remember hats are "toques", Grandville Island is awesome, even in the rain. Long lines at the olympics? No sweat. Just go out when it is not sunny and jump in line when it is drizzling or raining lightly!

Vancouver 2010 Downtown Activity Highlights

While it is still 2010 will enter a few of my misc. notes on free Vancouver Downtown Activities:

A list from notes about my about my favorites:

Robson Square continuous spontaneous surprises, zip line (170m across), video art on huge wall, free ice skating. yougottabehere.ca

Vancouver Art Gallery, featuring the queen's da Vinici drawings and BC Pavilion on 4th floor. vanartgallery.bc.ca

Royal Canadian Mint such long lines but with credentials not so bad. www.mint.ca

All the Canadian Pavilions!
German Fanfest near train station
Saxony House, boat houses (awesome)!
Olympic Superstore, Hudson Bay
International Village, 5th Floor at the Hudson Bay
Live City Downtown
Bell Ice Cube activities daily, interviews, entertainment, Beatty St.
Live City Yaletown, David Lam Park, continuous activities and pavilions
Lights of Hope, every night
Aboriginal Village
Vectorial Light Display at English Bay, near my home near Denman Street
BC Hydro Power Smart Village, generated electricity as people danced!
Swiss House, Italy House, Korea House and many countries hosted great food and cultural displays