Long Line-ups Do Not Diminish Spirit

Chilliwack, British Columbia -- It was 5:30 a.m. when I stood at the Chilliwack bus station, waiting for the Greyhound to take me into Vancouver for the day. If it hadn't been for the invitation from the Canadian Historical Society to meet them for luncheon with Olympic veteran Dick Pound, I probably would not have braved the trip to the Big City. But, anxious to meet others who feel strongly about Canadian history, I dared to take the trek and to experience the flavour of the city, changed by the Olympics.

Along the way, I found a feeling of commonality. People feeling connected to each other, sharing a bit about themselves and what was bringing them to Vancouver. Some were coming for the Games, some for business, some for work and some were preparing to move from the Big City. It was the Olympic spirit, though which brought us together and helped us to share who and what we were about.

Once within the city, rather than opting for a taxi to take me close to my destination, I opted to ride the Skytrain for the first time. It was a pleasurable experience; people were friendly and laughing about the cramped quarters, and it was an easy ride from the bus/train depot down to Burrard Station and the nearby bustle of Robson Street.

Everywhere I went, I could see people with cameras hanging from their necks, people taking pictures with their cell phones. Everything and everyone was fair game for a photo opportunity. Everywhere I looked I could see the characteristic Canadian red and white. I started wondering if I was passing our Olympic athletes on the street and just didn't know it. The nearer I came to Robson, the more people I met, smiling and friendly, even in the early morning.

Coffee in hand, I wandered down Robson Street, which was closed off in some sections from vehicular traffic. I came to the skating rink where CTV has been broadcasting much of the past two weeks and watched as a dance troupe did a fun presentation for the crowds gathered there. I sent a Cheer card to the athletes. I wandered past the line for those wishing to try the zipline. Some had been lined up for more than seven hours. Then I passed the Bay and witnessed a line-up which stretched down the street and around the corner just to get into the store to purchase official Olympic gear. I paused to ask someone how long they had been waiting and the response was enough to send me running away. Two hours, they said. I walked down the street and saw another line, this time for the Royal Canadian Mint, where people were waiting to see and touch the medals. Another three-hour wait.

With just over two hours until my luncheon, I could not stand in line for such a long time. I continued to Harbour Centre and went for a short walk to Mink (in my opinion, the best chocolate ever). As I don't come to Vancouver often, I have to purchase enough of it to ration out with my husband (the REAL chocoholic) to last a few months. Now, I had time to check out ONE pavilion, if I was quick. The Northwest pavilion was close, and better yet, the line-up was fairly short when I arrived. Less than twenty minutes later, I was inside, enjoying the artwork, listening to musicians and witnessing traditional dancers before I had to rush off and change for my luncheon.

I found refuge in the Harbour Centre bathrooms and made a quick change from my jeans and t-shirt to a dress, high heels and blazer; it seemed that that everyone had forgotten that this place existed in the midst of the hubbub above ground. Lucky for me!

I emerged, and walked the short distance to the Vancouver Club (temporarily renamed the Olympic Club during the celebrations) for my luncheon with the Canadian Historical Society. The luncheon was exquisite, the company pleasant, and I was sad to have to leave a little early. But, when I thought about staying to the end, trying to take in more of the atmosphere and catching the 6 p.m. bus back home (to arrive around 9 p.m.) versus catching the 2:15 bus and being home for dinner with my family, I knew what I had to do.

The bus ride home was relaxing, and I was pleased that I had managed to please everyone at home by getting them a small memento of my trip. Sitting at home for supper was satisfying, sharing with my family the energy and connection of the Olympic spirit in Vancouver, B.C.