Where were you in February 2010?

'These were the best Winter Games ever'
Salon.com

'Now you know us, eh!'
VANOC Chief John Furlong, The Vancouver Sun

This is my dream, and the dream came true. That we would see a shift in our indifference to our city and the face we portray to the rest of the world wouldn't be so mundane. Somehow we would realize what we have here is highly valued and admired by those living abroad.

Maybe this was our defining moment...our Berlin Wall. This was our wakening realization what it is to be called a Canadian and what it really stands for. For while it is easy to be cynical for waxing lyrical in praise upon ourselves.....something did happen during those two weeks in February....we came out in our thousands and flooded the streets, with our hearts on heaving chests, with good humour....with dignity for each other...and it didn't go unnoticed:

The bright-eyed exuberance can be a little overwhelming to someone who has spent many years absorbing cynicism in the Middle East, but the sheer earnestness helps temper what could elsewhere be an aggressive nationalism....The Jerusalem Post

'For Canada, I'd call it a 'coming of age' moment. The country, all 35 million of us, were able to bare our patriotic souls in an outburst of unbridled patriotism not seen before' The Toronto Stars

'Thank you Canada. For being such good hosts. For your unfailing courtesy...For reminding some of us we used to be a more civilized society..... Brian Williams, NBC News

For our own much maligned Prime Minister Stephen Harper, for once, he captured the whole beauty of the moment when he suggested that these Games would elevate Canada onto the World stage:

'Mark my words, some day historians will look back at Canada's growing strength in the 21st century and they will say it all began right here, on the West Coast, with the best Winter Olympic Games the world has ever seen' CBC.ca



And then, the flames was extinguished and it was all over. As if like the most wonderful dream, we all awoke with a sense of disbelief. I know I did on Monday. Downtown just seems empty without its cheering Red and White Army. Why, when I am watching 'Dancing with the Stars' with Olympic Gold Figure Skating Medalist Evan Lysacek meeting his new partner, as they stood overlooking Coal Harbor, do I feel emotional? Because that's my city and I feel so proud to say that....

Hi, my name is Des Reid and this is my legacy after one of the most magical and breathtaking journeys of my life. If you weren't here in February 2010 - where the heck where you? You missed one helluva of a party my friend. This is my personal record with words and pictures of my Olympic experience and how it affected me, my friends, my country and really the rest of the world as they looked on.....



If you do read on, you'll get to meet some of the characters that made this personal journey so rich...thank you to the huge generosity of the owners of Aquabus: Geoff and Margo, who just allowed me to be me. I really hold you both dear to my heart. Jody, Aquabus Manager and all round Trouble Shooter...who always held himself in calm professionalism and help put together the 'plan' over the previous 2 years....a close friend who always was there in my corner...thank you Jody for just being you (Oh! give me a hug you big lug).....and of course! My wife Helen, who realized that the 3 weeks I would be working on Granville Island would be wild and woolly, and just accepted that my whole focus would be just the Olympics and acted accordingly....'Where's daddy?' became a familiar and sad lament from my long suffering sons....Thank you so much for allowing this time away, really to just have self indulgent fun! It really IS about me - isn't it? ;-)



And all the other host of characters whose absence would have made this the adventure all the less memorable: Jakkie (a man among men!), Brandon (my step brother for ever!), Mr. Two Phones (the legend of the high seas), Heidi (so wonderful to work with you again! Love her!), Gerry (who commanded the dock with a iron fist, and we all so indebted to him for doing so...)...Big Kev (good times ridin Shotgun!), Congo Bob (Gentlemen Supreme!)...the list goes on + on: Paul, Johnny, Max, Adrienne, Uncle Ray, Bry....thanx to everyone who really did pull this together and make this all work....

Since then, as some would have us believe otherwise; our economy hasn't tanked and in fact our housing market has rebounded better than ever. ('Oh, mark my words - we'll pay for these games - property will crash after the games just like Expo 86...' blah! blah! blah!) Maybe we will be paying the bill for some time but aren't we in a better position because of the games to pay the piper that much quicker, more united as ever and proud of it?



As you know, my original country folks back in England, called these the 'Calamity Games' but started to chow down on a huge bowl of crow afterwards. I'm sorry Marina Hyde of The Guardian, you're not fooling me that teasing the Olympic Hosts is a 'time-honored tradition' and that we should '...lighten up, Canada' as the British media themselves will be '...cheerily undermining London 2012 more than the British themselves' (The Week 27/02/10).



You criticized us for our $118 million 'Own the Podium' campaign as you cheered your only medalist Amy Williams (as you should, a great story how she won gold) returning home. But after all that, the British media jumped on the bandwagon and had to admit that the Brits need to be more Canadian in their outlook. To get behind their team as we did, after delivering a massive 26 medals home. As the BBC rightly stated about the 2012 Summer Olympic Games in the UK:

'London faces a big challenge to generate the same level of enthusiasm for the games'....

Yes, you really do.....

I hope you enjoy reading my exploits as much I did writing them....

In the meantime: peeeaaaaccceeeee out sisters!

Love + stuff: The Limey xxx

The Limeys Top 10 Olympic Memories.....

....after a week back at school, the only way I can get any sort of perspective on what just happened to me in February is over a cold Cerveza, lounging next to a cooling pool in Nuevo Vallarta, Mexico....did the Olympics really just happen just over a couple of weeks ago?

Reflecting back, I came up with the following:

1 - The Mens Ice Hockey Gold Final: Canada v. USA - Crosby's Revenge!

(Especially watching it with Jody, Big Kev, Geoff and Margo, Adrienne and Boy Wonder Bry.....very very hard to decide between 2002 and 2010....both magically...)

2 - Writing this Blog (a seed of an idea, timing and the freedom to write...thanx Paul!)

My good friend Kat said it best...I probably needed to do this just to gain some perspective of this whole experience - as it happened...and doing so re-energized that dormant writing muscle..I really loved it..

3 - Meeting Olympic Gold Medalist: Steve Holcomb


The icing on three brilliant weeks - I left feeling elated believing that the old fashioned virtues in the purity of competition, humbleness and character are very much alive in athletics like Steve. The world isn't that bad after all....


4 - The Return of the Old Gang at Aquabus with Paul B and Heidi....


A venture this large needed experienced hands at the helm, and this reunion only made the ride more enjoyable and sweet together...

5 - The courage of Joannie Rochette....truly the Queen of Vancouver....


The spectacle of great competition, in essence, is the journeys of life we all face: success, failure, love, life and death. With the Olympics, like some great play before us, they are written large on the open stage which only makes them more compelling to watch....Joannie suffered the saddest lose of all, while the whole world looked on....yet despite her grieve, she fulfilled her mothers wish to carry on and still performed beautifully as a result....

6 - 3 in 1 Day: Happy 3 / USA v. Le Swiss/ Canada v. Russia


February 25, 2010 - A spin around the bay on Happy 3 with Big Kev....row 8 seats to the USA v. Le Swiss game at Canada Hockey Place....watching Team Canada take apart the Red Machine in 13 minutes with all the gang....I kept saying to Jody: What a great day!...what a great, great day! And it was.......Thank you so much every body!....


7 - Meeting Matt Lauer and Micky Bubbles and that infamous picture together!


I know, I know they're just people like anybody else...yet despite their positions of influence they weren't assholes at a time when everyone and anyone were just being happy, kind and fun....thanx Matt and Micky for showing a genuine face to celebrity when it was most needed....

8 - The Atlantic House Girls: Alicia, Ida and Sable!


It was so fun to chit chat, giggle and help each other out, while working the lines together...love those girls and I miss them!


9 - The Red and White Army + The Police on Mainland, Granville and Robson...


A new era of awakening confidence of being Canadian, demonstrated with smiling faces en masse, a human face to those wonderful man and women in blue who kept cool heads and made us proud to say they are us (who would have thought that was going to happen??).....I don't care if I'm gushing....I love my country and I love saying: I AM CANADIAN!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

10 The PINHEADS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!


The second biggest sport of the Olympics by participation....in the end a lot of us turned into amateur pinheads....it was just so nice to witness everyone from children to retirees (and all in between) approach each other and spark up conversations with mutual happiness and respect.....all great communities need face to face exchange to encourage peace and harmony among diverse populations...maybe Pin-trading should be a legal mandatory activity to citizenship!!!! I loved it!

...so there you have it....in the meantime people....

peeeaaaaccceee out sisters!

A dream come true......

It was a dream come true, and one that I wished for when I was about to jump abroad this whole wild Olympic ride.....wouldn't it be great to meet an Olympic hero and actual see a real medal? As they say, be careful what you wish for: it might just happen. Eric and Stephanie are Americans who reside in Vancouver, and both look straight from the book on the American dream: good looking, athletic and genuine with three beautiful, healthy kids. Their youngest son is in the same class as my youngest, and I have coached soccer (I know - it's really football!!!) with Eric for the last couple of years. Come to think of it, they could be the Canadian dream team as both their sons are naturally talented in any sport they touch (to early to know what talents their youngest daughter possess but it would'nt be a surprise if she does have the same acumen for sport like her brothers!)....yes! really! that good! So, it must run in the genes on both sides of their respective families, as Stephanie's brother is one Steve Holcomb. You might have seen him, as he was part of one of the biggest stories of these Olympics for Team USA, as recently highlighted on the front cover of Sports Illustrated this month. He was the driver, that led the 4 man bobsled to gold in Whistler on Saturday and, amazingly ended a huge 62 year drought for Team USA in this adrenaline fueled sport.



So, it was hugely exciting to get a call from Stephanie, inviting all of us to meet Steve 'to toast' his success and meet him and that infamous gold medal. I had to dress up in my Canada gear and stayed resolute despite my eldest son Aidan saying 'Dad, you're not going like that - he's American!' I know I explained, but this is not about his nationality but the chance to meet a true hero in the very purest sense. This was a man who lead his team to the very top of his sport. I just wanted to shake his hand, congratulate him and get a sense of what's it's actually like to win such a highly prestigious accolade. And who wouldn't want to get the chance to see, and if touch the real deal: an actual 100% genuine Olympic Gold medal won at these very special games not 72 hours or so ago!

I turned up in costume, and a few parents I knew cheered. A few I didn't looked on cautiously and I had a pang of guilt...I knew this wasn't about me but I really wanted to get a picture to finally complete this whole journey.....

Steve was already taking pictures with some gathered families. It was just so cool to witness young children stare in awe at a real Olympic medal. Steve was so relaxed about allowing them to put it around his neck, it was quickly obvious this was a very genuine man. Slightly shorter than me, his broad chest showed what explosive strength and power he must possess to propel that huge sledge. Yet, his soft voice and quiet demeanor reflected a man of true character, one who allows his supreme achievements to speak for himself. I asked what it must have felt like to win gold and he said he felt it just hadn't sunk in yet. No wonder, especially when it hadn't been done by Team USA in 60 years! For him, this was his sole profession, 12 long years of sole dedication to his sport, while living with his parents. He freely admitted he didn't have any money, with all his training underfunded by the US Sports program. Yet, here he was, having gone to his nephews school earlier in the day, and now allowing friends and family to share his success and happiness.




Steve's story and how he got to the games is just as remarkable . This was a man who had a disease which compromised his most vital asset: his eyes. Two years ago he was diagnosed with a degenerative eye disease called Keratoconus. True winners don't complain but finds ways to succeed, so he learned to drive by feel (imagine doing that down while going down a white tube at 130km/hour!). Even after surgery, he continued to drive with a dirty visor, purely for the magic of driving by feel: 'I do still drive alot by feel' he recently said ('Steven Holcomb, USA-1 end 62-year American drought' NYDailyNews.com 27-02-2010).

Of course, there was his new companion: that infamous Gold Medal, which surprises you by its actual size and weight when touched. The check out girl I showed the Sports Illustrated cover to (with Steve and his team mates propelling to gold on the Whistler track), told me she had met one of the women from the Canadians Women Hockey team as a volunteer of the games. She said they had placed their own gold medals on a scale and they weighed just under one and a half pounds each. It's unique rounded shape, in the form of waves mimicking a shell, native etchings and neat inscription on the rear, highlight the beautiful piece of art that it is. Helen and I got a picture with Steve, but I somehow couldn't foresee myself asking to wear it. It was only later, witnessing others doing it, that I plucked up enough courage and put the actual medal around my neck, by myself!! After attending the USA v Le Swiss Hockey game and this very special moment, both have afforded me a rare privilege to experience a very small part of the Olympic magic from the athletics view point. Eric, ever the real gent followed my direction and took the famed shots. I was so in awe that I kept saying 'I don't want to drop it!' as I gave it back. Some might see it as just a lump of medal, to me and those there tonight it was much more than that. We were living in a moment of pure occasion that I will never forget.



In this age of commercialism, and cynicism, where we value getting ahead by the expense of others, how refreshing to have an event that produces a true hero in the purest sense. One so dedicated to his dream, he pursued it to the ultimate conclusion with integrity, character and humility. I was very honored to meet him.



For if we strip away all the commercialism in today Olympics, Steve and those athletes like him, are what we should cherish and value from this experience. We need him, to hold up as our true models for our children and all we want in their world. Hearing to today (March 3 2010) that the Federal government is set to double the expenditure for the 'Own the Podium' program only gladdens me more, and my hope for the future.

I can only thank Steve for being so kind to take the time out to allow us to share this moment together, and for Eric and Stephanie for being the wonderful hosts on the night. You are one very special family.....

...I left giddy and happy on a night which really topped 3 unforgettable weeks in February 2010....

For now friends.....peeeeaaaccceeee out!

What 'am I doing here??

....what am I doing here? I feel the anxiety rise up in me...am I having a panic attack? I feel I am in the wrong place, with the wrong people: Where is Jody? Mr Two Phones? Big Kev? I want to hear Margo shout 'Dessieeee' as I walk into AQHQ....how do you explain 3 weeks of this wonderful, rich experience in one or two words? I have arrived back at my job as a Youth Worker, dressed as I have been for the last 22 days - bell and all. I am happy to give a big hug to my dear friend Kat, who has a special understanding of me, as me....it also seems there are few kids around right now. We are having a special unit on the Olympic experience and it just seems to weird to be watching 'Miracle':  the story of the 1980 American Ice Hockey team that fight the odds to win gold at Lake Placid. Somehow, I don't think they'd be showing the kids this film if we had lost yesterday......I can't help myself, when the final tight shot shows the Americans in blue, all holding their arms up with their gold medals.....'but the arms were red yesterday, and we held gold my friends!'.....I really must stop thinking I'm an orator on stage narrating the scenes of a great play.....'and darlings over here, sits a young Sidney, swathed in red...the color of blood..victor of our noble times..' oh stop it...

But, on reflection I realize that this transition is jolting me, because for 23 days, I have been on the stage of my own making....walking around in my costume performing 'Des: In the Center of it all' and everyday enveloped in positivity, good times, warmth and kindness. And while I have missed my own home room kids, I find the atmosphere alot less frenzied than where I have just come from.....



I find myself at 9:15 am attempting to get hold of Jody and leave a message of angst on his other phone....as his business voice mail is full. I try again at 10:00 am and get hold of him, who confirms what I didn't know but my emotions are trying to tell me - its obvious you're like this after such an intense experience. No wonder VANOC is offering counseling to its volunteers returning to their former lives, we're all in post olympic crisis! In my case, I'm post Olympic, Atlantic House girls, Cow bell induced paranoia....or POAHGIP for short....I'm almost embarrassed when somebody comes into the staff room when I'm on my cell phone, as I'm sure I must be seen to be having a bro-romance with someone on the other end...but I am so glad I get to talk to him right at the moment I needed reassurance....As the day enfolds, I very slowly return to the old groove of my former pre olympic life. Reaction from some of my students is positive, one student seem almost happy than his usually cagey self.....I hear of many nights spent down town during the games....one girl is having viewing withdrawal, such is the amount of time she spent glued to TV from morning to night.....the anti olympic sentiment I left when I started this whole 3 week journey seemed to evaporate in the huge balloon of love that Crosby created over Vancouver.....I wonder how he is this morning? By the time, I sit with Kat in Das Bunker, I have a little bit more perspective, which she confirms to my own relief: I'm not going mad, so be gentle on yourself old boy.....

Such is the return to domesticity post games today....

For now, peeeaaaccee out my friends.....

Phew! I can't keep up!

...hi guys! If you're expecting a log for Sunday and yesterday (that was a nightmare but more later) sorry but I can barely keep up! I've been captioning pictures - still behind, and trolling papers for stuff that I want to summon up the games. So, I will get to it tomorrow...promise! Thank to everyone who have been so supportive and positive about this experiment that I carried on during the games. Chat tomorrow!

For now! Peaacceee out sisters!

It came down to one goal......

It came down to one goal, the goal that counted, the one goal that ended it all and put a whole nation on the young shoulders of one man. A man who seemed to float among the immense talent surrounding him, but when it counted as it did against Le Swiss on Day 7, he came through when he really was needed a second time - and showed why he is, simply the best player in our game today.

Eight years ago, when Canada played the American in Salt Lake City, I remember I was doing exactly the same as I was doing today. Heading somewhere to meet friends to celebrate our game, in the final game of all games. As I stood next to a Canada bedecked man in a wheelchair on the 99 bus, I felt a little panicked as I passed bars with line-ups outside along Broadway, all trying to get in. Had I miscalculated and not planned enough time to get into a pub to see the game? I ran down to GI and into the AQHQ.....Jody was at the desk, with Geoff and Angie. I felt my shoulders droop when I found out there was no plan to go somewhere to watch the game.....but in the office? I tried to hide my emotion but struggled - this is the game of the century! We have to see it with other screaming fans. I didn't know what to do - Margo said I looked lost. I said I was just tired.....What to do now? It took me a full 40 minuted before I came to realization I was being very selfish...this was a business and I simply couldn't expect people just to drop everything - even this game. Yes, I could watch it on my 55 inch HD mammoth at home - but it would be by myself. The whole experience of these games have been the celebration of being associated with a group of people who have a common identity under a collective called 'Canada'. At its very essence is the sharing of this experience with friends and strangers alike. We as a working group, community, neighbourhood, city, and ultimately our country all bonded, as we all shared the same journey together.

So, if I was going to see this game on a 14 inch computer monitor, drinking water so be it, because I wanted to be with the very people who I personally walked this journey with, the last 22 days. Sitting right next to Jody, Uncle Ray, Adrienne, Big Kev, Bry and Jakkie. They had make these games special - so I smartened up and counted my blessings that I could do some laminating and watch the game as well......

12:20 and game on, history is about to be made right in front of our eyes. I am standing, and keep pacing from side to side. I am talking non stop, it seems.....I am so jacked up I say to Jody "I spouting verbal diarrhea ain't I?' Jody agrees, but calmly states: 'But, that's OK' The game goes back and forth at a frantic pace....From the Aquabus office, looking east , the sun slowly peeks out and spreads it's arms across the creek outside.....this must be an omen of things to come. Lady Luck is shining her sweetest smile. At 10 minutes in, Louie finds himself spread across his net mouth, butter fly style, with the puck tucked behind his skate, so close to the line..but still outside!

It would take 13 minutes of play, when at 7:10 to go,  Mike Richards piles drives through the American wall, and ripped it around the net for Towes for the first goal. And we roar in relief.....The second period sees us once again thanking the gods for the Anaheim line, as once again Getzlaf sneaks past Orlik, to send a centre shot to his NHL teammate Corey Perry who taps in Canada's second goal.....but the Yanks cannot and will not relent....Miller stood tall and denied the Canadians, which allowed them to gain momentum enough for Kane to power a shot which the Canuck's very own Ryan Kesler to deflect and make it a one goal game. Now Louie had to stand tall, and he did his job from the continuing American slavo's but we made to the end and we still have a goal by the end of the second.

It's turning into a beautiful day in Vancouver and we are now just 20 minutes from Hockey Heaven. Vancouver is abuzz, and we nearly died and went to heaven when Weber one minute in, causes a loud dink heard all the way to Afghanistan, where the gathered Canadian troops groan a chance so near. Our free heart examination continues as Pronger does the same and causes us to foresee the promised land snatched away yet again....is there anything that can stop Miller and his amazing antics...it seems to this amateur watching at least, as if Canada are shifting gears and playing the defense game, throwing a forward above the blue line while the others defend as a unit. Which can only go so far, until the Americans seize just the one opportunity needed to equalize. But the Canadians continue to grind away and the defense man are so strong, with the likes of Pronger, Niedermayer and Boyle keeping the blue tide away...until 25 seconds to go. We can just about taste it, I am almost in tears.....but we forgot to remind Kane, who fires a shot, which deflects off Langenbrunner, and which allows Parise (damn you John Lucas! for taking him in our hockey pool this year!!) who is unmarked to tuck away the rebound......'Faaaaaaaaaaa! I can't help myself......we were so close......

Overtime: 20 minutes of do or die 4 on 4 action......I see Geoff pull up outside in his van, a look of open mouth surprise all over his face: 'Why?'.....Miller stands on his head as Iginila and Niedermayer scrambled and were denied, denied, denied by Miller the Killer. Steve Law is giving bursts of commentary over channel 72...he's doing a Limey and his eyes are glued to the front windows of the Atlantic House bar.....all it does is twist the intensity another impossible click on the heart attack meter.....and then....history makes its final stamp and we all see the snapshot which will burn into my generations conscience, as the '10 Canada series is decided once and for all....Henderson had 72, Lemieux had 02.....

It came down to the shot, the one shot that counted, fired by a legend at just 22 years of age. Up until then, he seemed to be a ghost floating in the greatness of the masters of the game around him. Maybe it was just his youth keeping him back. But it was the one shot that counted, and for the second time, one Sydney Crosby, carried the hopes and dreams of an entire nation on his shoulders and sealed the deal once for all.....the play, of all plays started with Crosby sending the puck to Iginla and racing to Millers domain....Iginla with Suter draped across his back, like a cheap fur, heard Crosby scream 'Iggy! Iggy!' and he shot it, hoping he had the space.....Crosby shot blindly and it sailed through Millers legs catapulting us into the land of dreams come true.....it was over, it was done. And I, like I am sure every one who was glued to this intense 3 hours of mastery, just felt an enormous explosion of relief.....the film of me, shows me shouting OMG! OMG! In your face! And my favorite: 'Anything to declare? Only a can of swoop ass!'......I hug everybody: Geoff, Margo, Adrienne, Bry.....and then a few happy tears trickle away. I hug the best man I want to be next and take a picture.....


What to do now? I have to go into town. Jody wants me to give out maps downtown, which Geoff thinks is ridiculous. I'm going anyway,  regardless of whose going or not....People are heading to the dock in red packs and breaking out in spontaneous cheers.....'I wanna get a picture with Crosby!' says someone in a Iginla top. What a dream come true for that work horse, 3 Olympics, 2 golds......On the way over, I talk to the dear ladies from the Atlantic House: Lyn and Carol. They will be heading back to Cole Harbour, Nova Scotia - yes the birth place of the nations favorite son himself: our Sid....Lyn's son sometimes does Syd's lawn and you can hear in the tone of their voices, they couldn't be prouder of what he has accomplished for us all. Mike, head of Security at the Francophone House and part of Live Nation, also was chatting away and turned out to be really charming and genuine guy who loved what he experienced the last few weeks. He was happiest when he met new people he liked and got help them out. An card exchanged and offer invited if in his hometown of Toronto, with a picture of the Atlantic Ladies, just made me float higher down the dock to Jail Town. The genuine goodwill and happiness generated by this truly beautiful event must have some huge effect which sweeps forward into the future for the good for our city....


I head into Jail Town - along Mainland.....groups of girls, dressed in white....blond passes me with tight T, breasts a go go, round....2 guys hanging off each other....one eating and spitting popcorn: 'Sign our flag!'.....the Limey with heart shape...Popcorn Man apologizes for spitting popcorn everywhere...sweet guys having fun.....Pretty Police girl, short and pony tail, with big gun...guy goes up leans down with hand on heart? 'Picture please?'...sure! I do the same....love those cops!...cheers everywhere....high fives in long rows of people.....Robson: A Water Wagon sits for all '...compliments of Ontario...' people use it and I thank Burke....poor Burke I think of as the grieving father that he is.....hockey shirts, everywhere....Crosby, Fleury.....another disco dancing party outside Starbucks.....one pretty girl, young, sticks out...having fun....screaming with her girl friends....smoking a mini cheroot.....Man-boy in body paint...'louuu' on his back..poses for camera...crowds everywhere...no hint of anger, polite, trying not to infringe on each other...oops! women stern: 'careful!' walking with another women with a stroller...easy tiger!....man goes by holding bike above head....cameras, cameras, raised above head - recording sea of heads down Robson.....Cops back to back in a outward circle...smiling...a little unease in their eyes...smiling...'take a picture?...sure! Love those guys.....tell them 'Thanx - doing great job'...they appreciate it....Luongo peers down on a stick held high.....bubble talk: 'Suck it Kesler'....many pictures taken.....cheers in agreement.....kid on shouter...safe...curious...guys on shoulder....pretty girls on shoulders....cowboy hats, ball caps, Margi Gar hats....Wow! Pretty Goth girl, piecing blue eyes...nose ring....in her own empty bubble, defiant stare, arms aloft....bet you're a laugh darling!......flags, small, big, always held high in respect....Hockey sticks held high with Maple Leafs....hey! its Jenny and Kaylee...take a snap.....Pin Heads...buy a pin...'No, these pins are 3 for $10...that's a $20 pin' 'You should have said'..walk away: Wanker! Another Pinhead with sister/daughter 'I traaaaddee as well' in soft Russian accent - ask Brother/Dad - how much for same pin...$5...nice!....'Hey USA...We Want You! - amended in pen...'Hey USA!...We GOT you!' carried around with Kojak in a hat with feather and gold horns.....Chapters screams: 'THE WORLD NEEDS MORE CANADA!'...I agree...Pretty girl on guy Canada Clad and Superman chiseled looks....Girl has a Lou head on a stick....her gang break out in O Canada...we all sing..of course! Those jeans look good on you missy! Another guy in a kilt...looks fucking good as he wears it with confidence...one day I tell ya one day!.....guys playing shinny on streets....noise everywhere talking to each other, cells....guys huddled together in friendship, warmth and being in the moment...never again...soak it up! We will!.....Here's another crazy group - holding huge flag up...one guy encouraging in frantic arm gestures to run under...I do..high fives as I go under.....fun! Canucks guy goes by - arms aloft 'Its golden'...it certainly is.....

And we're back.....I head back to AQHQ. I watch some of the closing ceremony....the 'We are Canadians' bits with Catherine O Hara, Micheal J Fox among others seem a little out of time, a bit empty: the whole 'we're so polite, I'm sorry' but it did cause a chuckle or two. I did like the theme that once you come here as a visitor and start to adopt our idiosyncrasies, that you to, can be a 'Honorary Canadian'....the Russians 8 minute introduction to Sochi and the next Winter Games in 2014 just seem stodgy and heavy.....operatics, blackness and big orchestras....I later gather that the honor of carrying the Canadian flag into the stadium for Team Canada was given to the very beautiful and elegant Joannie Rochette - a very fitting person to represent the elegance and very human aspect of these games and her country....Micky Bubbles was on! So I met a performer who was in the Closing Ceremony! Later, I help direct the returning Cha! Cha! Cha!'s to our boats at the top of the Jail Town dock....one of the RCMP lookalike female performers with Micky, with gorgeous long hair swept pass me in a flash of red and long, long legs to heaven.....sigh!

The awkward dulcet tones of an Irish man fighting a foreign language, very defiantly not of his native land, signaled the ending speech of John Furlong, head of VANOC. This man should be given an honoree knighthood for steering this great mammoth called the The Olympic Games' over the last 7 long years. Through all the highs and lows, to arrive tonight a very triumphant man who delivered probably the best Olympics - winter and summer - since Sydney, for its very real and human demonstration of competition, fair play, emotionality and togetherness. For also accomplishing the new ideal of any country to win the most gold medals in a winter games. With the spectacular win by our Men in Ice Hockey today, we gained a new record of 14 gold medals for Canada! Brilliant!

There has been criticism by some in the press, for Canada being very proactive in spending $110 million over 5 years through the 'Own the Podium' program. Monies given to athletes to be competitive through training, and having a fighting chance to win medals. (They predicted 30, we won 26!) The intangible benefits may not be so apparent in the future, yet it is not hard to witness the very positive optics of success and togetherness we are seeing right now on the streets of our city. This is a huge influence of good on our youth throughout Canada. Furlong summoned it well when he said:

'I believe we Canadians tonight are stronger, more united, more in love with our country and more connected with each other than ever before'

A huge cheer erupted when he said about the rest of the world:  '...now they know us, eh!'

All ears were careful to hear Jacque Rogge's closing words and see if the IOC felt the same, which they did: 'You have done it. You have won. These were excellent and very friendly games.' His and Furlongs words echo across the last few years and the considerable anti-olympic sentiments expressed by many. With concerns with the bulging cost of the game in the billions, an international economy on the ropes, and expected cuts in education and social programs in our own province, many asked: How can we afford these games? I ask how could we not afford not to have them?

After the way it brought a city and a country together in peace and harmony, where we rediscovered and reinvented what it is to be Canadian....these games did what very few if any have done in the past - brought a community closer together. We focused on what's right in our society, including to our surprise a human approach to Police without severe infringement of civil liberties (Up to half way through the games, it was reported that 4 complaints had been lodged against the Police ('Civil Liberties Group Lauds Police Conduct During Games' - Vancouver Courier 26-02-10)). It did seem that all that really happened was that good old fashioned Policing with a human face was used during these games. 7,000 officers were in the downtown core leading to a 58% drop in car crime, 38% drop in assaults from Feb 8 to 14 compared to the same period last year (Globe and Mail 'Security's New Look..' 20-02-2010). This experience showed, with more people across the spectrum seeing each other in their daily lives, with a highly visible police presence (and most importantly, one with a human face), this produces a safer more livable community. But it all costs big bucks - around $1 billion was spend in Policing for these games.....

What I felt was also very exciting and positive about these games, was the placing of our first nation's community square and center, and the IOC commitment to leave lasting postive, working legacies to cities that host the games. Its refreshing to hear that one VANOC program helped 200 at risk youth enroll in a carpentry program that help built the podiums. They also hired binners to pick up and sort garbage. Tewanee Joseph, Executive Director of the Four Host Nations, said the games helped change Canadian attitudes to Natives and hoped they could use this attention as a ladder to address poverty and suicide in their own communities. 'If we come together on a world stage like this, we can tackle those challenges and I think we can contribute more significantly to this country'

All in all, a lot of food for thought over the next few months on the society we want our children to inherit. Even if I do lose my job through education cuts, this experience and its overwhelming postive impact showed it was right to have the games here.


Back to this evening, and over a warm cup of wine, I seat with Geoff and Margo who just enjoyed the closing ceremony. I am glad I have this small window just to sit and spent the time together to these two very special people...we really can't believe it's over. Which is the message I croak out - my voice is barley surviving - atop a stool addressing the troops, one final time at Sammi J's. 'Mission Accomplished' I shouted after re-witnessing King Sid score that famous goal once more, I lead them all to sing 'O Canada' yet again. I never seem to tire of singing that song....everybody is there except Mr. Two Phones himself.....Brandon doesn't want me to go...Max remembers the first time he met me on the dock.....I apologize to Johhny for that one slip about the cow-bell....I hug Jody and give Uncle Ray a peek on the cheek and slip out with Geoff and Margo....who drop me off on Sassy Street - Sassy after we moved into the 'hood! On the way I have to say I am touched when I thank Geoff for having me aboard and he said '...you know, I would come down to the dock, and see you in action working the crowds and just feel proud that was one of my employees...'

Bravo my friend, well said....a final hug from lovely Margo, and that was the end of a very special day for me and all of my neighbors across this great land.

Adieu my friends - its been a wild ride! And if you're weren't here you really, really missed out on something.......


peaaaaccee out sisters!

Barrow Boys, Classy Finns and farewell luvvies....

Leaving the island on Saturday evening, I had to stop and look back at the market, and the Atlantic House which had just shut up shop for the final time tonight. Standing on Johnston, the island was usually quiet for the last 15 days or so and I realize that I'm starting to feel the first pangs of glumness. I went in today and worked the lines giving out maps probably for the last time. There must be the 'east - end barrow boy' which infused with my black Irish pure genes when I grew up in London Town as a wee lad.....So, I walk the lines and it goes something like this:

'...Free maps of Downtown, and Granville Island....absolutely no sign-ups, no obligations....I won't sign you up for a time share in Mexico....Ab-solutley Free! The must have, 20-10 Winter Olympic Games Souvenir - forget about those Pin- Heads they are sooo yes-ter-day....I won't tell you how much these are worth on E-Bay it's absolutely shocking....but they are free right now.....Don't go home thinking: 'I wish I had that map!'...Ladies, stop looking at your husbands thinking where are we going? He's spatially unaware, he doesn't know where he's going! - you know it! I know it! This Map knows where to go...the pavilions, the houses, Wheres' Sochi World? Where's Ontario House? Its all here in these free maps......They won't fade in 10 years! The kids love them...great for scrapbooks....sent them to your cousin in Japan, your friend in New Zealand....who can't make the games but can experience it thought these maps.....'

Something like that....it caused a few to have a giggle....

Today is also the last day for the Atlantic House girls - gorgeous Alicia, who I now know is 22, a student with Mexican blood, and her friend Ida, who is also a student and is taking off to Ghana to volunteer for 6 months. Before that, they found out that they are working in Whistler next week with accommodation and food all provided! Awesome! They are so in the right place, and the right age to just have the best time - as they should! You go sisters! Love those girls!

I promised the girls I would put their picture main stage of this posting....girls! take a bow...



Tonight I watch the Bronze game for Men's Hockey between Finland and Slovakia, which ends in the Finns winning 5-3. What was so cool and another Olympic moment of many in these games - was the utter delight, happiness and relief displayed on the faces of the Finnish men as they waited to get their medals. They really felt those emotions, for beating an underrated Slovak side which made them work right to the end, as they tried to equalize as they did against Team Canada. For the Finns, this also was the chance for this aged team to publicly redeem themselves after being being so unfairly trounced by the American's the previous day. In that game, by the first period, the Kipper had let 6 goals hit his sacred net.


But, unlike the Russians after our blitzkrieg assault against them, the Finns got to fight another day and took the opportunity to clean the slate. Selanne, who positively beamed when interviewed afterwards, highlighted the real significance of getting Bronze. In Torino, they were beaten by the Swedes to get Silver. But, this medal was more significant as they won their game against the Slovaks to get the Bronze. A subtle difference which was significant enough to make these games more special to him and Team Finland. Like Selanne, the Finns came over as classy guys who pulled at my heart, as they took the time to salute the crowd as if they had just played the most outstanding performance on Broadway...which in many ways they did. They stood together on center ice in a long line, held hands and took several bows, smiling and raising the cheers of the gathered crowd. I salute you Finland for being the wonderful team that you are. Well done lads!

Funnily enough Lord Sebastian Coe, head of the 2012 Olympics in London, praised these Games for delivering full stadiums, exciting sports and engaging the population. Oh those Brits you gotta love them. For all their whining at the start of these games, they only got 1 medal and now realize what a bloody good show we put on and now have the same 3 billion people focus on their party in 2 years. Good luck lads, we'll all looking to see how good you guys do....I for one will remember you throwing epitaphs such 'worst games ever' around in 2010.

I go to bed, pensive, a little nervous and glum. Tomorrow is D Day, for despite winning our 13th gold medal by the Men's Curling against those cuddly PJ clad Norwegians; we know that tomorrow is the medal representing our birth right as Canadians. The Men's Hockey Gold Games - the Battle of the Border part II, against our cousins below the 49th. For despite some saying recently, if we lose, will it really make that difference as we had such a great games anyway? The answer is: Yes, it bloody well will make a difference...and if we don't win, I remember being at Robson and Thurlow in 94 when my beloved Canucks lost the Stanley Cup....and I really don't ever want to see that shite again in my town.....stay strong Team Canada!

For now, peeeeaaaaccceeee out sisters!