Downtown Vancouver is a Theme Park During Olympic Winter Games

Vancouver -- I walk through downtown with my camera strapped over my back, careful to protect it from bumps in the passing crowds. People move at an even pace -- not too fast, not too slow. Occasionally the crowded sidewalk chokes as a family, or other group, stops to collect itself. Main streets that are not blocked to traffic have few cars passing so stepping onto the road to bypass lollygaggers is easy.

I am doing a small circuit from Burrard and Robson, to Granville, up one block to Georgia, down Georgia a few blocks to LiveCity Downtown -- home of Canada House -- then back up Georgia to Burrard.

As I walk along, slightly faster than most of the crowd but decidedly slower than my usual downtown pace, I am struck by a particular feeling. What is that? I feel like I am . . . in a theme park! That's it! Or at Carnivale. The celebratory atmosphere of the 2010 Winter Olympics is unmistakable. The sheer joy and delight at the smallest thing by those around me is tangible.

News Broadcast in the Middle of Robson Street

The first thing I come across, and it's almost immediately, is a large elevated tent set up in the middle of the road. At this very moment, a local TV station is broadcasting the news. People are gathered all around to watch both the simul-cast on the big screen at the top of the tent and the announcers behind a row of cameras, explaining the security breach involving U.S. Vice President Joe Biden at the Olympics Opening Ceremonies on Friday. Behind the announcers another crowd gathers, holding flags up high and cheering at regular intervals in an effort to get caught on camera.

See video of the author's trip through downtown Vancouver here.

Zipliners Pass High Above

I proceed to Robson Square, a traditional gathering place and general hangout. The steps of the Vancouver Art Gallery, former home to city hall, are a place for all kinds to sit and pass time, whether waiting for someone, eating lunch or just taking a break. A distinct "zooming" sound catches my attention. I look up to see a fellow bobbing and waving his arms, riding the zipline high above the Square. People below cheer and hoot. It looks like tons of fun, but the lineup is consistently five hours long so I will not partake.

People Are Willing to Line up for Anything

I progress toward Granville Pedestrian Mall. The north part of Granville St. downtown is always blocked to traffic; only buses are allowed. The street is lined with movie theatres, bars, clubs, eateries, and retail outlets. Just before Granville, there is a booth set up by a beverage company; if people can slide a bottle along the table and land within the bulls-eye, they get the drink free. It is not a challenging trial, so almost everyone has success. At first I think I can just ask for a bottle, but then I spy the lineup, which is moving fast but still must be over 10 minutes. People seem to be in absolutely no hurry at all -- in any way!

Artists, Hawkers, Politicos

Anyone in this town with a skill to show off, something to sell, or a message to get out is either making a demonstration encircled by a small crowd or passing out fliers pitching their wares. Jugglers, musicians, elevated uni-cyclists, drummers and musicians of all kinds, and whatever else, are scattered all about the streets and sidewalks providing free momentary entertainment to whoever briefly stops. I've seen some of these people before -- the Australian juggler for sure usually works Granville Island.

Granville Mall is set up with an installation of five or six pieces mimicking athletes' movements: the snowboarder with arms outstretched, the figure skater posing, etc. These pieces are hollowed out, so people can take the position and have their pictures taken. Behind that are several tall stands bearing thousands and thousands of lanterns made by Vancouver schoolchildren in celebration of Chinese New Year.

People are milling all around, joking and laughing, taking pictures of anything and everyone. There are much fewer security people here than there were on Robson, but there are plenty of blue volunteer jackets to help anyone who might need directions or anything else.

Aboriginal House and Canada House at LiveCity Downtown

I am just not willing to stand in line. I was inside the LiveCity Downtown site the other day to see a band play, Elliott BROOD, they were great you can read my review here. I didn't go into Canada House or Manitoba House when I was there because I was fixated on seeing the show and just wanted to get through all the lineups and into the venue. Today I am not in a mood to stand in line. Apparently it's worth it; there are some seriously valuable coins in the Canada House, plus you can see the Olympic Medals close up.

The Aboriginal House is very impressive, I have been told. A volunteer outside is announcing to everyone that the lineup is not as bad as it looks, that Aboriginal House can hold up to 850 people. Not for me, not on this bright sunny day. I make my way back up Georgia.

The City has an Entirely Different Rhythm

Streams of people move in similar directions, breaking off this way and that. Crowds gather to catch buses as they pull up while a regular flow of shoppers exits The Bay. Official Canadian Olympic gear is everywhere. I can't believe the success of this line actually. The red jackets with "Canada" written across the chest in white mimic the athletes' own jackets. Hats, alternate jacket designs, and those red mittens abound. It's not just visitors, I know that a lot of the customers are locals. Good thing the money is going to Canadian Olympic athlete training costs!

Vancouver Art Gallery

The back of the Vancouver Art Gallery is a different kind of gathering spot. Usually only skateboarders and vagrants hang out here, as the backside of the building is permanently cast in shadow. The park here is a favourite spot for rallies, protests and such. Supporters of free election in Iran staged a silent vigil here last year. I think it went on for nine days; it may have been more.

The Coast Salish First Nations chose this spot to put up a small house for a carving demonstration. The security guards allow me to stick my head in the back door and have a look around, rather than stand in line and walk through. I stick around behind them for a few minutes watching the carver work on a lovely piece of white wood. I would be surprised if it was spruce as that species is not very durable to the elements; however, this block is lacking the usual red colour distinctive to coastal cedar. I should have asked; that's a bit foolish.

It was a nice walkabout, giving me a great idea of the best of what is available all day, for free, here in town during the Olympics. These clear blue skies are supposed to last for a few days yet. Then it will be back to the usual ponchos, rain jackets and umbrellas for Vancouver.