Day 21- De-PARTING de RED SEA

There is a multi-multi-million dollar mountain pass called the Sea to Sky High Highway that was specifically designed (and copyrighted) for the Vancouver 2010 Olympics. It is spectacular and whisks skiers, boarders, spectators – and probably an investor or two -up to Whistler Mountain, Whistler “Village” and beyond.

On our last day here we had a clear view of the majestic range of mountains that plummet into the sea and imagined, for a moment, the possibility of flying back up those mountains. Alas…the games were over and the predictions of 39,000 people departing from the airport made us realize we needed to leave. And needed a strategy for leaving without being mobbed by those crowds we’d survived on Sunday. I’m sure you found out that Canada won – but did you know the ENTIRE city came to a standstill when the game started and then turned into a city-wide party all night? EVERYWHERE was a sea of Red, red and white and maple leaves. Never has Canada been so proud. And you should never say that it’s just a game: if the United States had lost, we would recover by Monday, if Canada had lost, every generation of our northern neighbors would weep for at least four years. And probably not be polite about it.

In our last few hours, there was one last trip to the Granville Public Market for an astonishing, right-out-of-the-oven bagel, coffee and a salute to the harbor. I checked in with a dear friend, Anna Bananna, who has been my role model for wonderful, participatory art and a zany approach to life (she has a WHOLE different experience of the Olympic Invasion). We’ll be swapping notes. Packed and ready to go, we made it to the airport and discovered that the Canadians had, once again, organized everything to flow smoothly with lots of time for friendliness. Once last pin trade, a brief chat with Donald Sutherland in the U.S. Customs line and we are ready to re-enter the normal world.

We will be reliving these experiences for years and, if you check the photo gallery, we’ll be happy to explain any photo and PROMISE not to subject you to a slide show.

The flame is out and we are outta here.

 

Day 20 – Closing Ceremonies

Closing Ceremonies

As our time comes to a close so do the Olympics. Tonight’s Closing Ceremonies were, we have to admit, a bit anticlimactic compared to the spirit of the games. Most US Athletes had gone home, the speeches were flat, and the theatrics were over the top and seemed to be lacking heart. The parade of inflated Canadian icons was embarrassing and belonged in the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade NOT at the Olympics. We watched it on the HUGE Team USA House screen surrounded by press, former Olympians and ate lobster, sushi, exotic cheeses and desserts. Although the performance was a disappointing, being at Team USA house was a great way to end the experience. However, the most fun was on our walk home and being surprised by a spectacular fireworks show and the subtle remarkable cloud formations we’d ever seen. Mother Natures gets the gold for special effects!

 

Day 20 – High AFTER noon

They let the world know whose game it is…

The Olympic fever has broken. Pride has been unleashed – going straight from their hearts through the well fought battle on the ice and now flowing onto the streets.

This video captured it many years ago – and is now completely true.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JqUde5i4KbI

 

Day 20 – High Noon

The line was around the block at Irish House well before 9:00 a.m. and the city  a-buzz with the USA/Canada game scheduled for HIGH NOON. Tickets are $5000 each. While it would be thrilling to be in the stadium, perhaps make history and take a MAJOR risk on foreign soil if the USA wins - that amount of money is the equivalent of a month-long trip to Italy. Simple cost analysis: $2500 a hour (plus the expense of cowbells, flags and Tim Horton donuts) vs. $7 an hour (in a villa in Umbria during truffle and wild boar season). However, any savings to be had were immediately eaten up by the HALF PRICE sale at the team store. The athletes, friends, sponsors and families swarmed upon us like locusts and picked the shelves clean of everything from plastic logo-encrusted plates and  popcorn bowls to complete “you, too, can look like an athlete on the podium” outfits (with a  free racially insensitive bobble-head doll with every purchase). I don’t DARE mention to the Retail Demi-gods that the competitors in the Ancient Greek Games performed their athletic feats, not in Ralph Lauren apparel or Nike warm-up suits, but IN THE NUDE – and I imagine that the spectators somehow managed without  popcorn. More importantly, have you ever seen a classic marble statue with a head  that bobbles?

 

Mob Dancing and Street Performance

All over the Olympics, there are street artists, dancers, performers and the big thing recently has been group dancing. From tonight’s Decentralized Dance Party to the Flash Mobs, everywhere you turn someone is dancing!

Check out the  “Dancing in the Street” Flash Mob Dance from February 13th

 

Day 19-Splitting Up Saturday

Woke up quite refreshed and no more cold. Amazing. Mopped out the water from the bottom of our backpacks (HOw did we assume they would be waterproof) and threw away all our soggy brochures, flyers and tickets. Off to work only to discover that they were overstaffed. So Lauren worked at the house and we went our separate ways for the day, so there is a bonus for you! Two Blog Entries!

Tina’s Day:

Susan and I got to go exploring together.Saw the never-before-seen Leonard DaVinci Anatomical Drawings at the Art Gallery and the exquisite modern Stained glass windows created by a First Nation Artist, Susan Point, at Christ Church Cathedral. Manuvering through the tsunami of people (there was a warning about another real one coming from Chile) we managed to see the caldron, brave Robson Street, catch performing artists, eat the BEST hot dog I’ve ever tasted and find out that tickets for Closing Ceremonies would be no less than $475 for “view obstructed:10-90%” seats. Decision made to see them for FREE on the big screen at USA House. Back to Granville Island for a much needed relaxing Yoga class, nutritious dinner and to wait for Lauren’s return from surving the Saturday night-pre-Hockey Game craziness.

Lauren’s Day:

After we discovered that we were overstaffed, I stepped up to allow my mom the day off with her friend. I was initially put in the store. We sold bobbleheads, shirts, scarfs and toques to visiting patrons. Because I have been put in the store nearly every shift, I requested to mix it up. So for the second half of my shift, I was put on transportation, but the title really should be called “Bouncer.” I allowed those with credentials to enter and those without to kindly find the door. The schedule had changed and one of the volunteers didn’t know so I was on for a total of a 12-hour shift. I was exhausted.

After my shift, I met up with a former coworker from Backroads and a couple of her friends who were ironically all part of the film industry here in Vancouver. Most of them were stunt doubles so it was fun to have a glimpse into the world of stunts.

Together we headed to an official “Decentralized Dance Party.” What happens is that a group of people bring old radios, boom boxes and stereos and line them up on a stage. In this case, it was the Art Gallery Building. They then tune all of the radios to the same station. Once all of the radios have been prepped, they hand them out and everyone is then listening to the same music. People walk, dance, and run around the city listening to the same playlist, bringing the party with them.

To be frank, it wasn’t really my cup of tea, in fact, it was a wee bit disappointing and felt more like a massive frat party. So we headed around to the opposite side of the building. There was a much more “civilized” presentation with flames, laser lights and live music. The contrast was like comparing Bay to Breakers to the Disneyland Parade. The restricted views and the crowds, however, didn’t make the show easy to watch.

After the performance, we took out our soccer ball and started playing in the streets. This caused the crowd to part and to join in in some cases. We dripped around couples, passed to young kids and sure enough had a little game of soccer going on. The spontaneity of the situation was fun and carefree After walking around, dancing and escaping the mob, we all realized that we were hungry. We headed out for sushi. Yum! Over a delicious Japanese dinner, I was introduced to Japan’s style of a pizza. It was absolutely delicious.

With our bellies full, we found out way back to the Canada Line/SkyTrain, which is Vancouver’s public train system. I boarded the train got off at Waterfront and all of a sudden got a text message. It was my friend from Los Angeles texting me to get together. The reception was bad and I could hardly make out a word, but I did piece together that he was about 10 blocks away from me and in a car. So rather than getting on the next train. I started walking, well more like jogging, until 8 text messages later and spotty reception we finally met up. I hadn’t seen him in over 8 months and it was fun to chat. He drove me back to the condo and we join my mom in watching the Ice Skating Gala that was on television. The top skaters from the Olympics all came together to showcase their work on shared ice. We watched it on the projector in the living so it was mesmerizing!

Figure skating aside, the big thing on everyone’s mind is HOCKEY,

12:15pm Sunday afternoon!

Be ready!

 

Day 18- Day Trip to Whistler

6:10AM, Asleep on the bus to Whistler

Yep…it’s DARK at 5:00 here in the north, northwest. And it was raining. We had our tickets for the bus, but Susan was going to have to be a stowaway. It was touch and go, but they didn’t kick her off and we all arrived at Whistler Village at 8:30, just in time to get tickets for the biathalon.

Another 45 minute, far less comfortable, bus ride to the Olympic Center plus a long hike uphill to the viewing stands got us to the start at 11:30. I’d never attended (and probably will never again see) a biatholon relay: each member of a cross country ski team team of four skis 7.4 km interrupted by 3 precision shooting challenges. They have to go at full speed, “skating” up and down nasty terrain, then stop, force their heart rates down, shoot five targets (or ski a penalty lap). I was tired from merely walking up the hill and continuously trying to wedge my feet sideways into the slippery slope where we all stood.

Trying to stay on the slippery mountain!

We completely forgot that it was raining/snowing as the animated commentators described the event in three languages. Cowbells clattered, flags were waved with vigor and the HUGE television screen kept us posted on all the skiing beyond our scope of vision. Norway clearly took the gold but the silver and bronze battled fiercely (did we tell you that when a team member finishes their segment they TOTALLY collapse? The first time I saw it, I thought one had died like some sort of expired insect) . It was a photo finish – .2 seconds – one quarter ski length separated them.

Lunch in Whistler Village was as much a need for warmth as food. We loved the Mongolie Grill where you choose your own components and they stir fry them with great flourish. We then rode back down the mountain in soggy jackets, frozen mittens and hats you could ring out. I do NOT recommend this method to treat a cold. On the way home, we stopped at USA House to share our adventures with our friends, picked up dinner and took the ferry home to Granville Island. I’m sure we looked like drowned river rats. Robitussin straight out of the bottle was the after dinner drink of choice.

 

Day 17-Brentwood and Beyond

One of the teachers at Brentwood ran the torch and the cleaning ladies chose to make it into a fun artistic art piece. Holding the torch, must have worked him to the bone...

This morning Lauren was invited to give a presentation at Brentwood College School’s Assembly.  We got up a quickly ran to grab a little breakfast in the dining room. After  15 days of being in service to world champions, celebs and famous folk at Team USA House, we were truly moved when Lisa Bell, the school cook, greeted us warmly and immediately recognized Lauren. The tables were now turned, we were the honored guests. “So wonderful to see you.” she said. “It’s been seven years, but I remember you. What are you doing these days, my dear?” There was something so heartwarming about her authenticity and genuine interest. Such a great lesson to learn.

To an audience of nearly 500, Lauren spoke about her experiences, accomplishments and adventures after Brentwood and the founding of her company,”Reel Green Media.” She also offered a dash of wisdom under the banner of “I wish someone had told me to …..”  Can you possible guess what it was? Comment BELOW what you think Lauren told the students and better yet, comment what YOU wish someone had told you.

After the presentation, we found Lauren’s theater seat that we donated to the school back in 2003. It was beautiful. A custom plaque and on house right. Just perfect! After we found the seat, we made the rounds and toured the new buildings on campus (there has been an explosion of glorious facilities that match the already breathtaking location), visited with former teachers and friends.

We found Lauren's seat!

Dashing back down to Victoria for a reunion with her former Rowing Coach was the highlight of the day. One of the MAJOR influences in Lauren’s life, her “Mama Goose” Susanne Walker Curry, provided the best example of being a true athlete and created a team that earned victories not only in rowing but in triumphs of the spirit. She was recently recognized as the best female coach of the year by Rowing Canada! Susanne left an impression on Lauren that will last a lifetime. Their friendship has now evolved into deep and unshakable admiration.

Back on the ferry (this time on the right deck) to watch the USA/Canada Women’s Hockey Game all the way home to Vancouver. It IS Canada’s game and they won handily, but no one was injured and on Sunday we will see…

Yipee!!! Quite spontaneously, Susan Hoerner drove up from Portland to join us for the weekend. We’ll take our chances getting up to Whistler Mountain on Friday. Weather looks grim and getting up at 5:00 a.m.even grimmer.

 

Day 16- No Waaaay!

Since the laptops have been autographed by famous people and U.S. Olympians, I was in the habit of asking,”Do you want ‘Brian Williams’ or ‘Michelle Kwan’or ….(some unidentifiable squiggly sharpie signature)?” Sometimes you don’t realize who you are asking and if competitors will end up on the same computer. A mother and her Olympic daughter came in and turns out that I handed them a computer with their top competitor on it. But in the Olympic spirit, it was no big deal. The daughter was Lauren’s age and aside from their matching black LuluLemon wonderunder tights, it turned out that the two of them lot more in common and even knew some of the same people. The world seems to get smaller byt the minute. After our shifts and an exchange of hugs, giggles and many “No waaaaaaaaaaaay!!s” we all left together.

What a perfect ending t another day filled with unexpected surprises.

In the evening…

We were scheduled to have both Thursday and Friday off from our work at USA TEAM House, so decided to stretch it a bit more by hopping on the 7:00 eveningTwassen Ferry to Vancouver Island. We’d been planning to use a patchwork of public transportation with an estimated arival time of sometime way after midnight, but thanks to Darlene’s generosity, Lauren got to drive a car onto the ferry for the first time in her life (although her mother directed her onto the wrong deck that is reserved for belching 16-wheelers and their beer bellied drivers).

We skulked upstairs trying to cover the 5 ” high U.S.A. embroidered letters on the backs of our jackets. Maneuvering over the Mulahat Pass was a cinch and we arrived to a warm reception at Brentwood College School in Mill Bay just a bit before 10:00. We were personally guided to the “Guest Suite” and given royal treament by the Night Security Guard.

 

Day 15-Sustaining the Energy

So it’s Day 12 of the Olympic Games and Day 15 of our visit. We initally started working at the USA Team House  6-1 a.m. On these “night shift”  days, we’d go to events, explore Vancouver by foot, bus or boat  (never by car) before going to work. So, in fact, we packed two days’ activities into one. So really we are more like Day 20. Thank heavens for this blog business – it’s all starting to blur together in a sort of de javu “what hockey game is this anyway?” sort of way. Is there an hour where someone, somewhere, isn’t curling??

Now that we are on the civilized “day shift” we’ve discovered ANOTHER whole night world: Grouse Mountain is open 24 hours a day (they start filming the TODAY show at 3:00 a.m.),Whistler is lit so that they can do snowboarding at 9:30 p.m., hockey games start at 11:00p.m. and because the bodsled run catches sun during the day, training session are after dark and late at night – sometimes as late as midnight. So when you’re watching these events in the comfort of your warm living room during prime time, check out the sky and see if you can get a sense of what time of day it is. Or just imagine being in the epicenter of an unrelenting  4-Dimensional 3-ring circus.

Our Nordic Combined Team was redeemed yesterday. Having finished fourth in the team event on their home soil (or should we say home SNOW?) in Salt Lake City in 2002, they finished with a silver medal on Monday – our first ever in the event. This medal is now the 26th won by TEAM USA in Vancouver, which breaks the record for most medals won by a US Team in an Olympic Winter Games not held in the United States.  Way to go US, eh?