The 2010 Winter Olympics Opening Ceremony in Vancouver

photo taken just over a year ago on Jan.21, 2009

by Lisa Ovens
I've been going through some of the notes I wrote after the Closing Ceremony in Torino 2006.

A shockwave had rolled over Vancouver and the rest of Canada after witnessing a brief “sample of Canada” presented in Torino. Plenty of critics showed up leaving everyone wondering if Vancouver 2010’s ceremony would cut it as far as big spectacles go.

And then the most recent Olympics in Beijing 2008 didn’t help: their ceremony was over the top! Going back to my notes, I had made a list of things I would do if I were in charge of the ceremony in BC Place. I have been to plenty of events there; Pink Floyd, U2, Rolling Stones, U2 again, and more, including the very first concert held in the Dome: David Bowie, Peter Gabriel and the Tubes (I was a younger kid then.) If Robert LePage was available (he’s done some amazing Peter Gabriel tours, and other grand installations), I would hire him to produce the show (but as it turned out, we have the Australian, David Atkins in charge. Though Robert LePage is part of the cultural Olympiad: The Blue Dragon).)

Over the last few days I have done my best to avoid any of the “reports on the ceremony” from people who attended the dress rehearsals. If I feel someone is about to say too much I stop them in their tracks. I haven’t seen any photos or videos leaked. All I have is my list of what I would do, so here it is.

My Opening Ceremony Production List

-Interior should be completely white, with lots of ice inside...minimalist looking, like Superman’s Fortress of Solitude.

-Ban anything resembling a Styrofoam tree, rock, or mountain top. Unless you are staring the natural beauty of Canada straight in the face, you’d best be experiencing the landscape shot on high definition cameras and projected onto the best damn screens money can buy.

-Go easy on anything to do with ice fishing.

-Incorporate boats into the show. (Ever since I went to a boat show in BC Place, I ‘ve always felt boats, especially big boats look really cool inside, with no water around.) Sail boats have a dramatic look at times. And I love they way they look dotting the ocean in Burrard Inlet on windy days.

-Get Celine Dion and tenor Ben Heppner to sing. Ben Heppner studied music at the University of British Columbia. (Sadly Heppner is in Germany right now performing)

-There should be some light comedy performed. Okay, this might sound crazy, but if there is one thing Canada is known for is producing funny people. I figure a little comedy would be nice, and a little different than other opening ceremonies. Imagine an MC working the crowd of famous people in attendance, sort of like how some Academy Awards show hosts do ;o)

-The torch bearer that lights the cauldron should be a man and a woman if possible. If hockey is defining us as a culture right now, then make it Wayne Gretzky and Cassie Campbell. (I thought this up until Cassie was in the Torch Relay on Prince Edward Island in November)

Well those were some of my ideas, I'll know soon if any of them come true. There are plenty of people out there still not comfortable with Australians pulling the strings for the 2010 ceremonies. All I can say is crikey to that!

Today is the big day. I will not be attending the opening ceremonies in person. I will be a few blocks away from BC Place at my cousin Jen’s watching on television. I can hardly wait. This is a big one on the Olympic schedule, and for some I imagine it will be a huge relief when it is over. Best of luck to all the ceremony organizers, and performers; I am sure you will all do us proud!

Let the Games begin!

Lisa's Olympic Countdown Day Seven: About Vancouver's Mood...

                               composite photo by Uncle Skeppy

by Lisa Ovens

Day seven had me reflecting on the brief interview I did with NBC London on Thursday. The reporter asked several questions about the mood in Vancouver and if there was excitement felt by the locals for the Olympics. I have read articles from out of town media outlets suggesting we are not excited about the Olympics. I get the feeling many Vancouverites might not even be aware of the world’s interest in our mood. Journalists want to know how we feel, people! I do think our actions and reactions could be misunderstood though.

Tourists in the city are business as usual for us. Perhaps we aren’t feeling anything extra special on that front because we are accustomed to welcoming the world. Vancouver has been a popular vacation destination for many years. Granted this time there will be more tourists here, and over a shorter period of time than say Alaskan Cruise ship season.

I have said this before and I will say it again: We are a last minute kind of city and maybe the rain has something to do with that. Everyone seems to be doing their thing and when it’s time to go, then that’s the time to go. Its like, we know the games start next Friday so we’ll see you next Friday, kay?

However, at times we are like a city full of people who leave their schedule open just in case other things come up. We have so many great outdoor places to hang out here, that we’ll just decide to stay there and skip whatever it is we thought we might do later. A photographer I know showed up at my book launch an hour late because the sun came out, a phone call came in and voila, she was out on a speed boat cruising Burrard Inlet. I totally understood: I probably would have done the same thing! There is definitely something a little non committal about Vancouver. Perhaps the media has picked up on that and perceives it as a negative.

One thing is for sure, we have joined a group of cities that have lived with the Olympics and it's seven year long pregnancy...and we are about to bring another "kid" into the world so to speak. Whatever happens..well it's our baby for now. Hey, from this point onward we can share knowing looks with residents of Salt Lake City, and not have to say a word!

So, as I “did my thing today” I noticed plenty of signs that more and more people are starting to get ready: saw plenty of Canada flags on cars, saw more Olympic inspired window displays than yesterday, talked to some people about the Torch Relay and they all were aware of when it will be in their community. And speaking of that torch...wow, we’ve waited a long time for it! Longest. Torch. Relay. Ever. Totally worth the wait :o)

On the personal front, my Olympics hair cut and highlights: done , found my perfect Winter Games hat (on sale, too!) booked another event in my calendar (Panasonic Pavilion launch event on February 11th) and determined Tuesday will be my pre-Olympic laundry day...unless something else comes up ;o)


Uncle Skeppy's Art

Pictured above: My Uncle Skeppy created a beauty: and can you see the red mittens? I know Uncle Skeppy had been quite busy completing some home improvement projects and I am thrilled he shares his Olympic Spirit through art with all of us....Thanks Uncle Skeppy!!!!
Here is an encore of one of his earlier submissions...

2010 and High Heels Tuesday Photo: Is that Vancouver?

by Lisa Ovens

No mountains, no fir trees, no blue Pacific Ocean. Just an empty lot and a bridge. However it's the Canada Line Bridge! Heading to the Oval, the Ozone, the Airport...it's all possible with the Canada line train and this bridge. Olympic walkers and bikers might enjoy the pedestrian crossing feature.

Beware of the River Rock Casino stop just ahead...

Finding new Friendships at the 2010 Winter Olympics

by Lisa Ovens

I have received some feedback after posting my 2010 Winter Olympics Bucket List, particularily about item # 6...having an Olympic Fling. Funny, huh? The second I mention anything remotely related to cuddling at the Olympic level, people get off their butts and respond! Forget all the other cool stuff I report on! Anyway, I posted the one comment in the comment area below that was viewable for all ages. And thanks everyone for the comments and emails. They are appreciated.

 Now let's look at one major opportunity the 2010 Winter Olympics can offer to the hosting citizens of Vancouver: meeting new people! You may have heard this before, but for some, the Winter Olympics is all about the joy of meeting new people. Whether you are an athlete, an employee or a fan of the Olympics, you will be meeting lots of new people. And singles in Vancouver should view this as a golden opportunity to put themselves out there in social situations surrounding the Olympics, have some fun, and enjoy the delightfully simple act of chatting with someone new.

The Olympics, and all of its stories and experiences are like the best and easiest of ice breakers for conversations. Anyone who might have had a New Year's Resolution revolving around meeting new  friends or finding a new romance, Lisa's here to tell you... this is it! Forget going online looking for new friendship and love. Take your search outside and meet people face to face for a change of pace.

It doesn't have to cost you a lot of money either. The following link lists all the "free places" to be all over the lower mainland during the Winter Olympic Games. If you have a friend or family member that needs to get out more, be sure to convince them to join you on some Olympic outings. Getting out, being around groups of people in colourful places is great for the soul.

Link: Vancouver 2010 Free Event Guide

Start making some plans now, peeps!!

It's Raining in Vancouver Right Now...

by Lisa Ovens

photo: Lisa Ovens

Just a heads up to 2010 Olympic travellers new to Vancouver: when it rains here, it really freakin' rains here! This part of Canada is a rain forest, so be prepared for possible soggy days in February.

Have a look at this weather report for tonight as I write this post...

ADDITIONAL RAINFALL AMOUNTS OF 20 TO 50 MM EXPECTED BY TUESDAY MORNING. THIS IS A WARNING THAT SIGNIFICANT RAINFALL IS EXPECTED OR OCCURRING IN THESE REGIONS. MONITOR WEATHER CONDITIONS..LISTEN FOR UPDATED STATEMENTS.

A SLOW MOVING PACIFIC FRONTAL SYSTEM OVER THE SOUTH COAST OF BRITISH COLUMBIA WILL CONTINUE TO BRING RAIN AT TIMES HEAVY OVER THE AREA TONIGHT. ADDITIONAL RAINFALL AMOUNTS OF 20 TO 50 MM CAN BE EXPECTED BY TUESDAY MORNING WITH HIGHEST AMOUNTS OVER HOWE SOUND AND NEAR THE NORTHSHORE MOUNTAINS. MEANWHILE, STRONG SOUTHERLY WINDS UP TO 70 KM/H WILL DEVELOP LATER THIS EVENING. THE WINDS ARE EXPECTED TO EASE TUESDAY MORNING AS THE FRONT MOVES INLAND.
 
That's nothing: by Monday morning (yesterday) up to 100 mm of rain, rained down on us! That's almost four inches. I'm not wearing my four inch heels in this weather; they'll be ruined!!!
 
My choice of boots (actually the only choice I have since the freakish piles of snow and cold weather that stunned us last Christmas destroyed my other boots) are weather proof, leather Hush Puppies with chunky rubber souls. I'm rotating three umbrellas, only wearing jackets with hoods and using one of my more popular phrases... "Okay, I gotta run: its not raining at this moment." (I do love those mini breaks from the down pour.)
 
So Oly travellers, that's your Vancouver "RAIN WARNING".
 
Pack extra socks, think about gum boots, and plan on losing a few umbrellas during your sporty vacation.
Should rain be a factor during your 2010 visit, batton down the hatches and just start singing :o)
 
 

 
 
 
 
Fun "Kidorable" umbrella's from The Umbrella Shop in Vancouver (since 1935). Three locations and all of them are handy to Olympic hot spot areas: downtown, Granville Island and West Broadway. Lots to see at the Umbrella shops website. Click here and let the rain inspire you