- by Rich Patterson (@pattersonbrands)

In a pre-Games post a few weeks ago I wrote about dealing with crowds. I couldn’t have imagined the reality of the first nine days of the games and record crowds hitting downtown for the fun, good weather and Olympic events. Will this be known as the Olympics of the 5-hour lineup, the overbearing security and the crushing sidewalk crowds?

Downtown Vancouver Crowds Feb 19/10

I get a kick out of how security guards and staff respond to these unprecedented crowds. While some stay good-natured, the majority harden under the pressure and choose to treat average citizens like terrorists.

I needed to pickup Olympic tickets at the Westin Grand on Friday and pulled into their circular driveway. Once into the driveway the “Lot Full” sandwich board was obvious so I began reversing out. Too late, two armed guards chased my Volvo Wagon down and were demanding to know where I was going. Well, I need to reverse out of your driveway you dopes. And, yes, that’s a real toddler in the carseat not a dummy packed with C-4 explosives.

A friend of mine was called in for emergency duty restocking Olympic swag at the Hudsons Bay Olympic Superstore. He told me (as we all know) it’s a total gong-show there with long lineups to get into the locked-down Olympic area. He said that parents with children who have to go to the bathroom are told to leave the Olympic area (since there are no washrooms in that part of the store) and lineup again to get back in. Real nice.

I had a similar experience at a major retailer on Robson on Saturday. My 3-year old daughter was crying she had to go to the bathroom so badly. The store refused. Luckily we were less than a block from the Sutton Place Hotel. The Sutton bellman graciously pointed us to the lobby level bathrooms without the subjecting us to terrorist profiling.

I realize Police, security and store staff are just trying to do their jobs. But I call for a big dose of reason.  The daytime crowds are here, and 99.5% of us are just average families trying to have some fun. Don’t treat 100% of us like terrorists in our own town.

Rich Patterson, has a twenty years experience in Public Relations, Marketing & Sales. Rich owns a successful Licensing, Apparel & Promotional Product company and is part owner of a social media consultancy based in Vancouver. Contact Rich at rich[at]pattersonbrands.com or follow twitter @pattersonbrands

- by Rich Patterson (@pattersonbrands)

Even before the Olympics began I think most riders agreed the Canada Line was an unqualified success.  One Vancouverite decided that the new transit line deserved its own Pocket Guide to describe the rich experiences available on and around the Canada Line.  I sat down recently to ask author Noam Dolgin about his new book.

RP: Thanks for talking to me about your new transit pocket guide, Canada Line Adventures.  Tell me, why a pocket transit guide?

ND: The Canada Line Project has proven to be one of Vancouver’s most controversial Olympic related projects, yet it is immensely popular moving more than 100,000 residents and tourists daily.  This guide will provide people the resources to more fully access the many offerings of Vancouver and Richmond in an eco-friendly manner.  No matter where one fell in the debate, the line is now complete and provides immense opportunity for personal use and recreation.  Why not take advantage of all it has to offer?

RP: Explain to me how the guide works?

ND: For each station, readers will discover unique neighbourhood highlights, and a self-guided off-the-beaten-track adventure.  At each station, readers will find a restaurant, cafe, bar, entertainment venue, special point of interest, children’s activity, walking tour, heritage buildings, and a suggested picnic spot.  A beautifully designed map of each neighbourhood, directs users through the walking tour and neighbourhood offerings.

RP: Where is the guide available?

ND: The guide can be purchased at 3 Vets at 2200 Yukon Stand various convenience stores and cafes across the line.

RP: What was the highlight of researching this book?  What new things did you discover?

ND: Minoru Park blew my mind, the Chapel, waterfall, bunnies, and so much more in the centre of Richmond, I had no idea.  In my own neighbourhood, I discovered schoolhouse #472, an originally one room school now serving as someone’s backyard shed.  The guide is full of hidden treasures.

RP: What station is a must visit?

ND: Everyone should take the opportunity to explore the airport now that it’s so cheap and easy to get there.  Take in the art, the parks, the observation area, and the general hustle and bustle.  It’s wonderful being there when you don’t have a flight to run off to.

RP: Why you? Why now?

ND: Growing up along Cambie Street, near what is now King Edward Station, I spent a considerable part of my childhood walking, cycling and riding the bus through the neighbourhoods now served by Canada Line.

Author Noam Dolgin onboard Canada Line

My first haircut was on Cambie Street, as well as my first sleepover and first job.

As an environmental educator and advocate, the opening of the Canada Line provided a great opportunity to encourage eco-friendly travel and I was delighted to help promote everything my neighbourhood and the city had to offer.

Rich Patterson, has a twenty years experience in Public Relations, Marketing & Sales. Rich owns a successful Licensing, Apparel & Promotional Product company and is part owner of a social media consultancy based in Vancouver. Contact Rich at rich[at]pattersonbrands.com or follow twitter @pattersonbrands

Back on the Granville pedestrian mall, seeing more new art installations, I chatted with a Games volunteer. This man has an interesting job ahead of him, as he will be working to ensure all the official cars, buses and drivers get their athletes and officials to places on time. That will be no small feat - kind of like being an Air Traffic controller, but with a loaded air space and only radio contact. NO radar for him!

He is really excited and engaged in the games, has been training since early January, and loves all the new people he is meeting - which is cool, because his primary career is as a business analyst (running the numbers, not shaking hands).

My Canada Line ride was a hoot: the front half of the front car was filled by 17 moppets 5 years old, and their 4 lovely lady wranglers. Truly, this could be akin to herding cats, and yet all was calm and the kids were terrific. There was a traffic strategy in place here, too: the front window kept them all looking ahead - 3 little bodies in every pair of seats - so they were busy watching and talking. All very peaceful, all good fun.

It occurs to me that my friendly volunteer had a lot in common with these kids: he, too, is seeing something new from a 'front window'.

That's the same seat we all have, living in Vancouver in February 2010: we're in the front row, with lots of free events and lots of chances to share a smile. Let's see what this looks like...through the eyes of a child.