Probably one of the best things to do during the Winter Games 2010 is to just walk around downtown Vancouver. This evening, the first evening of men's hockey, I had the chance to do just that. It is incredible to feel the energy in the air and to hear the shouts of glory from every goal scored.
On this evening we started, a friend and I, from Waterfront Station and headed west. Go west, young man, go west. (Or, in my case, woman.) Our first destination was the Olympic cauldron. The first time I saw the cauldron in person was during the day on Saturday. I must admit that seeing it at dusk is probably the best time. It is magnificent. I am proud that Vancouver gets to keep this symbol because it is a beautiful piece of art and, coming from an art college graduate, that is saying something.

Cauldron by greysquare photographics

Of course a hop skip and jump from the cauldron is the floating Olympics rings in the harbour so we photographed that as well. Maybe not as magnificent as the cauldron but impressive non-the-less because of what it represents.
What I found really fascinating photographing in this area was the way people were trying to all get the 'good' angle yet were very nice about the whole thing; taking turns and helping people out by taking stranger's portraits. It is amazing what can bring the people of the world together.
I just had to take this next shot because in Vancouver all our cranes seem to get in the spirit of any occasion and the Olympics is quite the occasion to celebrate. I wonder if this happens in the rest of the world.

Celebration Crane by greysquare photographics

From here we headed on to Robson Street and found it had a 'few' people there. This is nothing unusual and I am enjoying having the street closed to traffic during the evening. I wonder who I have to talk with to lobby having this a regular thing on the weekends? I noticed the hot dog vendors are doing excellent business and I am happy that they are making good money with their wares. I know we all have our favourites and I am sad when ‘my’ vendor isn’t there.

Robson Street by greysquare photographics

At Robson Square we went down stairs, under the street, to see what was going on. There are performances happening there every night on two stages. We happened to catch the Richmond Academy of Dance and their tap dance performers.
What Robson Square is most popular for is the ice skating which is surprisingly very inexpensive. I think it is $3 for rentals! We had just missed the mascot skate which would have been fun to see. I have always wondered how anyone can skate in one of those costumes. It is quite a large rink and has excellent viewing potential if you want to bring the kiddies but not skate yourself.

Richmond Academy of Dance by greysquare photographics

The Usual Suspects by greysquare photographics

Ice Rink by greysquare photographics

Free Skate by greysquare photographics

Once we were done photographing at the rink I realized I had not yet spent the time to photograph the count down clock donated to Vancouver that is on the other side of the Art Gallery. So we headed over to Georgia and had a great time photographing there. The fountain is all back lit and made for some fun shots and the clock is now counting up from the opening ceremonies. I wonder if it will count down to the paralympic games then count up during those games as well.
By now we were chilly so we headed over to Blenz on Granville just north of Georgia. Mmmmmm, soy chai latté!

Olympic Clock on Georgia by greysquare photographics

Vancouver Art Gallery by greysquare photographics

Backlit by greysquare photographics

Pacific Centre Polar Bears by greysquare photographics

Once we were properly warmed we headed south on Granville to check out the lit art between Georgia and Robson. I am loving those lanterns! Every time I see them I feel joyful. They are so much fun and people love stomping around on the lantern tree base because it makes so much noise. The last time I was at the lanterns I remember it vividly because Alexandre Bilodeau won gold for Men’s Freestyle Skiing. The cheering in the streets was so exciting and filled the street with such energy that it was contagious. So, those lanterns are etched in my memory forever.

Lanterns by greysquare photographics

Odd Signage by greysquare photographics

Lanterns by greysquare photographics

Art by greysquare photographics

Lanterns by greysquare photographics

Lanterns by greysquare photographics

I had a great time tonight and I look forward to doing the walkabout this Saturday up at Whistler.
GO, Canada, GO!

by Lara Hildebrandt

greysquare photographics

What do you do if you are trying to gain awareness for Ethiopia and helping people everywhere find their passion? Dance in the streets, of course!
Today over 3,000 people on FaceBook confirmed they were joining imagine1day.org and their creatribution of dancing in the streets . However, the number of people who actually showed up to dance packed Robson from Thurlow to Bute!
Sapna, one of the organizers from The Trib and imagine1day.org, spoke with me about the gift and the amazing experience they wanted to share with the Winter Games in town. Not everyone is able to get tickets but everyone can join in the dance or be a part of the celebration.
imagine1day is a nonprofit organization that allows you to be directly connected to community school projects with a goal to provide primary education for all children in Ethiopia by 2020.
It was an amazing sight to see this many people joined-together in dance.

There is so much to see and do in Vancouver, Richmond and Whistler with all the Houses beckoning. It gives people the opportunity to learn about places and countries first hand that they never would have before. It is so easy to go because the Houses are right there, so why not?

Russia House by greysquare photographics

Ryan is the most Canadian garbed person I saw today.

Ryan by greysquare photographics

I met him waiting in line for Russia House. He came all the way from Chilliwack (2 hours east of Vancouver) in the rain to see the sights and sounds of the Winter Games. He does not have tickets to any events but that did not deter him from enjoying what the world has to offer. He didn’t know this morning that he would be heading to Russia later that day.

Ryan & friends by greysquare photographics

Russia will host the next Winter Games and have a countdown clock outside their building at the old Science World site. When you have a chance come check it out, because you can, just like Ryan.

by Lara H., greysquare photographics

On our journeys today we stumbled upon what will become known as the best kept secret at the Olympics.

Just outside of Beijing House in the Plaza of Nations is a little tent town of vendors selling food, toys, jewelry and anything else you would expect at a market.

The food is incredible and the line ups are nonexistent.

This may all just be part of the Lunar Festival so make sure to check it out soon.

While enjoying our time out of the rain and looking at the wares we spotted Sonny & Christie (from North Vancouver and Portland, respectively) taking part in the cuisine. 

Sonny continued to tell me of the demonstration up at Whistler that will happen next week where he and a few friends will be riding Krazy Karpets from peak to bottom. If you happen to be up at Whistler next week keep an eye out for them. I am promised it will be insane!

One thing I learnt from this experience; everyone at the Winter Games has a story to tell. Next time you are walking down the street ask your neighbour where they’re from. You might just be happily surprised!