Vancouver Air

I swear, some mornings, the air here in Vancouver smells like maple bar donuts. These:

Those are good mornings.

Food Inc.

I've have had at least three different Canadians (including my dentist) talk to me about the documentary Food Inc. People here in Vancouver, particularly, are big into organic, free-range, local foods so naturally. they're into this film. I'm watching it now and it is good. It features Ken Schlosser, author of Fast Food Nation, so the movie looks specifically at the fast food industry and how it drives the food market. Michael Pollan (In Defense of Food and The Omnivore's Dilemma) also shows up. The movie uses a lot of graphic imagery (I think it's allowed to because it's Canadian and doesn't they don't have the same rules as in the U.S.) and lots of computer graphics. It makes good points, yes, and sheds light on a system that ruins small farmers and promotes production of food that is devoid of nutrients. It's all a bad system. There's nothing particular new about the documentary; I've read all this before and yes! even seen it. King Corn came out a year before Food Inc. but I don't suppose it got as far as Canada.

But I also get the feeling that this movie makes Canadians feel better about themselves. They pat themselves on the back for not being American and living in a country where this industrialized system exists. Except Canada and the U.S. aren't so far apart so a great deal of food here is the same as in the U.S. Canadians are part of the system too but they just have a smaller population. I don't disagree with the documentaries or books; I just wish these Canadians didn't seem so smug about food. But I shouldn't generalize, maybe it's just people in Vancouver.

Anyway, I prefer King Corn. More personable, like Iowans.

How I started my week

Yesterday morning. 7:45AM. On my way to the bus stop, I pause at a corner to wait for the cross-light (this is Vancouver, jay-walking doesn't happen, even early in the morning). As I stand quietly, I see a flying bird from the corner of my eye. The bird flies right in front of my face, brushing the tip of my nose with the tip of his wing. The bird hit me.


Haven't been hit by any more birds yet but that incident sums up how this week is progressing.

Fact

Percy Jackson book > Percy Jackson movie.

Harmonica Man

I had my first public transportation musician experience in Vancouver tonight. Some of you may be familiar with riding buses, trams, trains, etc. and being entertained by musicians. Usually they're looking for some spare change. I really got to know them when I was studying in Rome. It always amazed me how they could squeeze into a packed tram with an accordion, cello, and flute but somehow they did and they managed to play. Anyway, this is not something you see in Vancouver. But tonight I hopped on a crowded bus and so did a rather disheveled man. He was speaking some sort of language that was not English; it may have been his own creation. But he whipped out a harmonica and really serenaded us all. He obviously had some skill with the instrument but harmonicas are surprisingly loud and perhaps not what one wants to hear at 9:30 at night or if the musician is not Neil Young. He was still playing when I got off at my stop; I think he just enjoyed it and wasn't looking for any change. But I did feel bad for the kid next to him. He was getting an earful.

Other Olympic Stuff

A lot of the Olympic experience for me involved waiting in lines. There were lines for nearly everything which was frustrating at times but to be expected.
One morning a couple of us got in line for the Vancouver Art Gallery. It was free to everyone during the Olympics which was great. They have a Leonardo Da Vinci exhibit there now, The Mechanics of Man. It's a collection of his anatomical drawings. Needless to say, that guy was good. His drawings are just like today's textbook pictures! Although I guess not everything is accurate, he was close. It was fascinating to read some of the notes he wrote on the pages; the museum had blown up versions with translations (you know, because not only did he write in Italian but also in mirror). He makes anatomy comments as you might expect but he also throws in some philosophical/advice bits. I won't go into it now, but if you ever get a chance to see his drawings and notes, look closely.
We went through the rest of the museum as well and on the top floor was the British Columbia Pavilion. It featured a lot of interactive things which is great. They created a B.C. forest and told me all about wood as a building product and Spirit Bears. And they had a 3-D movie about how awesome it is to be in B.C. And there were things about sustainability and eco-friendliness. All very British Columbian. It was entertaining and amusing for children and me.
Another morning, I woke up very early and was in line at 7 AM. Why? To zipline across Robson Square! There were up to 8 hour waits for this free! ride so the best way was to get in line early in the morning so you could be one of the first groups when it opened at 10. Jack and I went together and it was well worth the early morning! We passed the time in line chatting with everyone around and getting free samples of coffee from people marketing things. When it finally opened and we started signing the waivers, I began to get nervous. The towers looked much higher when you're standing right underneath them; they were 3, maybe 4 stories high. After we signed the waivers and got our harnesses on, we had to climb the stairs all the way and mind you, this is a temporary structure, essentially scaffolding. Holding my harness tightly, I trudged up, not looking out the sides or down to the ground. When we got to the top there was an incredible view of Robson Square and as the morning had dawned crisp and clear, it was refreshing up there. Refreshing in a terrifying way. Jack and I got hooked up to the line and both of us were fairly jittery. The scariest part was walking down the little staircase off the platform and balancing on that last step. Then stepping off into nothingness. The zip guides gave us a countdown though and we went for it. Although I was a little too scared to take pictures while I was zipping, the ride itself was fun! It's about a 170 meter stretch so the ride is short but very much worth it. Upon landing on the other side, I found my legs doing that particular shake/turn to jelly thing that comes from 1) being terrified or 2) excessive physical fitness. Obviously mine was suffering from the former. I had to hold the railing tightly on my way down the tower's steps but Jack and I agreed that we'd definitely do it again (if only the line weren't so long).
After that high, we sought out something a little calmer. To the Royal Canadian Mint Pavilion! We had hoped to go see the medals and touch them but that line was about 3 hours long so we settled on just going in to see some of the regular Mint offerings. We lifted a big gold bar (yes it is heavy) and saw tons of commemorative coins. And shiniest of all, a million dollar gold coin. That was the largest piece of change I think I will ever see. After that, we went to Japadog. Good idea, right? Jack had never been so I introduced him to it and he enjoyed it. It was the usual 20 minute line but apparently the fame of Japadog spread over the next couple days and by the end of the Olympics that line too was hours long.
Those are a few more of my adventures. I found my camera cord so you can see all my pictures at gilliangrady.com.

Olympic Houses

Yes, I know the 21st Olympic Winter Games ended last night but I'm just now getting around to writing about the various things I did in Vancouver to celebrate. With two weeks off from school, I spent the first few days in Vancouver but then traveled home to Philly to see John, family, and friends. From there, I went to California for a bit of warmish sun before returning to gray-skyed Vancouver.
So onto the Olympics! A number of countries have "houses" that they open to the public in the host city. These vary from temporary tents in parking lots to rented out restaurants/venues. The Irish had a large tent in the parking lot next to the Penthouse strip club. Classy, Ireland. It was essentially a large pub, serving food and drink with lots of live music. Jack and I went there one day for lunch and a beer. There was always a line but during the day it moved quickly. At night, it filled up a lot more and became more of a bar scene. I felt almost like I was in Ireland.
The Germans had two houses; one giant beer tent by Waterfront Station and a boat house up in Stanley Park (this was the German Saxon house). I didn't go into either; the beer tent had massive lines, some people waited up to 4 hours to go in. Fortunately, the Germans started serving beer to those waiting to keep them settled.
Russia rented out Science World because as hosts of the 2014 Games, they wanted to put on a good show. There was a long line to get in there but I went on a nice day so it wasn't so bad. And it moved fairly quickly. They had some interactive games and complimentary soda. Mostly it was a big thing for their corporate sponsors but I did appreciate sitting in their swanky lounge like place and drinking my soda. They also had a model of Sochi and all the Olympic venues which was cool. I probably didn't learn as much about Russian culture as they wanted me to but I did see lots of Russians.
The Canadian provinces all had their own houses too. I only popped in briefly to Ontario to watch some events there. But I am told they all served beer. Typical. I think the Canadian houses are going to remain open for the Paralympics so I might get a chance to see a few more of those.
The U.S. didn't have a place open to the public. Also typical.
The Swiss rented out Bridges restaurant on Granville Island. I intended to go there but spent so much time waiting in lines for various other things that I didn't get a chance. I would've liked some samples of chocolate and cheese though.
And of course, there was the Molson Canadian Hockey House. It cost $100 for a one day pass which I did not pay. It was essentially a place for hockey fans to drink, watch games, and get a chance to meet the players. The Canadian men's team went straight there after their victory (I think they had a contract and were forced to) last night which is why they were noticeably absent from the Closing Ceremonies.

I would have pictures to show you but in my travels I seem to have misplaced my camera cord. Hopefully it is actually somewhere in my apartment otherwise you'll have to wait a lot longer for the rest of the pictures. I'll write more about other Olympic things over the next week. I have to balance this with schoolwork now. Boo.

Canada's Dreams Come True

For months I've been seeing "I believe" commercials here in Canada. I may have mentioned them before but in brief, they feature Canadians saying, "I believe." Meaning, they believe that this will finally be the Olympics when Canada wins a gold on their home soil. They didn't do it in Calgary and they didn't do it in Montreal. But they did it in Vancouver. Yesterday, Quebec native Alexandre Bilodeau won gold in the men's freestyle moguls on Cypress Mountain (Bryon Wilson, an American, won bronze). The medal ceremony was tonight in Vancouver and I just watched it. Naturally, all of Canada was going crazy. And I am happy they can finally win at something. They only thin that marred all of this was CTV's terrible commentators. It makes me cringe to listen to them. Amateurs. As much as I get sick of NBC and Bob Costas, at least they know what they're doing. But CTV tries hard, I suppose.
I've been working hard to make my few days here at the 2010 Olympics full of fun. They've mostly been full of waiting in lines but I do have lots of pictures and stories to tell. I won't get into them all now because that's just too daunting for me at this point. But I will post pictures and stories later. They involve Irish, Russian, many Canadian provinces, and Da Vinci. Intrigued? Yes, I know. Wait for it.

Opening Ceremonies

Did you watch them? I never managed to watch the whole thing but this seemed like the year to do it. After class all morning and then a Latin mid-term, I managed to get downtown by about 4:30. Then a bunch of us went out to walk around a bit and check out the atmosphere. A lot of people were out; nearly everyone seemed to have the red Canada mittens (I lust after these but the stores seem to be sold out) or some kind of Canada gear. Or at the very least, they were wearing red. The always patriotic look of tying a flag around your neck like a cape was popular.
Naturally, it started raining and so we stopped in at a cafe to stay dry and grab some beers. We were near Robson Square and the countdown clock so about 5 minutes before 6, when the ceremonies started, we went to watch the clock. There was a New Year's atmosphere; a crowd gathered round the clock and counted down. My friends started singing "Oh Canada" after it hit zero and I tried to make up the words as I went along. It got a little awkward for me when a TV camera started filming us. I mean, it's not my national anthem and I clearly didn't know the words. But we were on CTV news later in the evening. I haven't seen it but I'm sure it's a gem of a clip.
Then we all went back to a friend's apartment to watch the ceremonies. It was a lot of fun being with a group of Canadians because they could answer most of my cultural questions throughout the ceremony. I learned some Canadian history and things like the east coast of Canada has a fiddling tradition. Who knew? Also, Canadians call a knit cap a 'tuque', rhymes with duke. Weird, right? And so many famous people are Canadian! I thought k.d. lang's and Sarah Mclachlan's performances were the best. And here comes the sentimentality again, but I felt a kind of pride as I watched the ceremonies. I'm not from Vancouver or even Canada but I was proud of all it. And happy. So there was a slight mishap with the torch lighting but that's ok. And naturally Gretzky got to light the external torch. He is Canada.
After the ceremonies ended, we headed out on to the streets to yell and cheer. In Robson Square they had some fireworks and laser light shows and giant fireballs which was unexpected but cool. Betsy, my fellow American, had a small flag to wave around and some people scoffed at us. But the vast majority of people were just happy to have so many people celebrating together. And we just reminded the more negative folks that the U.S. and Canada are friendly neighbors. That seemed to make everything ok. We walked all the way down to the waterfront to see the lit torch but you can't get close to it at all and there's a great deal of chain-link fencing keeping people back. But I've seen it in real life now! Finally, we ended up at Steamworks where we finished our night with beers and dancing with Olympic volunteers. A very successful night.
I have a lot more I could say about what I've done today but that'll have to wait until tomorrow!

Reminder: You can see pictures at gilliangrady.com.

Torch Relay

I have seen the Olympic flame! I was watching a live-feed of the relay on my computer, timing my exit onto the street. When it was some ten blocks away, I walked on out to 4th to find the street lined already. Perhaps 2-3 people deep, it wasn't hard to get close. Everyone had their Canada mittens on, flags waving, cameras flashing. And very politely allowing the children and older folks into the front row so they could see. As with any parade, there is a lot of waiting around and then 3-4 minutes of action as the actual things pass, and that's it. And though I'm not generally a fan of parades, I couldn't help but smile a lot.
The requisite sponsor trucks (Coca-cola and Royal Bank of Canada) went by, lots of bike cops (I mean lots, I think this is the Vancouver Police Dept.'s favorite mode of transportation because it's eco-friendly), and then Vancouver 2010 vehicles appeared. There were a couple of mini-buses for the torch bearers, a camera truck, and finally, the torch-bearer himself arrived. I don't know who he was but I'm sure he's a great guy and probably in some way famous. Apparently, Sarah McLachlan ran it just before this guy. I didn't know she was Canadian. Anyway, my torch-bearerjogged by with his Olympic entourage while people clapped and cheered and someone waved an enormous Canadian flag. And call me sentimental, but I smiled even bigger and followed the torch for about 6 blocks.
Was it the Olympic spirit that spurred me on? Why, yes, I think it was. Everyone was so happy and enthusiastic to see this event and it was accessible to everyone. I even thought how great it would be to run the whole way downtown along with the torch and I hate running. Fortunately, the pace is slow enough that I'm fairly certain I could manage for most of the time. I had been concerned about the entourage that runs along with the torch but now I realize that they're just fine. Anyway, the torch just reached Yaletown where the Vancouver cauldron was lit; I can hear fireworks now but I didn't wait around outside to see them. I have an exam tomorrow and I'm sure there will be more tomorrow. I'll be downtown for the Opening Ceremonies; a bunch of us are watching them at a friend's house and then hitting the streets to cheer enthusiastically with other folks.

For pictures visit:

Vancouver 2010

The other day I went downtown to check out the Olympic Countdown Clock (by Swiss company Omega). So I took a picture, along with everyone else. I think some sort of press conference was going to be happening later that day because there was a podium and lots of tv cameras. But I didn't stick around for it because I had school things to attend to. But it was a beautiful day so I was glad I went down there. The city is much busier, more crowded. I haven't spotted any athletes yet (or maybe I have and just didn't know)but I saw some trainers/coaches wearing their country jackets. Opening ceremonies are tomorrow! And the torch relay is passing by my house today so I will be sure to take lots of pictures. Despite the fact that it is raining and projected to continue for a long time. That's what you get when you're in a moderate oceanic climate region. Come on, Olympics, you should have known that snow could have been a real issue. They're desperate for snow and are trucking it in and doing all sorts of things to make up for the warmer weather. Oh well, they'll muddle through. CHeck back later for a Torch Relay update!

Vectorial Elevation

A few nights ago, Vancouver debuted one of the many art pieces in the 2010 Cultural Olympiad. Called Vectorial Elevation, it's an interactive light show over the downtown area. There are 20 huge spotlights positioned around English Bay that can be directed by anyone around the world via the website. So the lights are going every night and basically any time you look up, they're moving according to someone's design.
I had seen them a bit when I was walking to various places over the last couple nights but I decided to walk down to English Bay and see the lights in a proper fashion. Going down to Kits Beach wasn't the best viewing place so I walked east along the water until I was in Vanier Park. I haven't been down in this area much but it was perfect for looking over the water onto downtown. I could see exactly where all the lights are positioned so the beams' movements were all clear. I think this is probably the best place in Vancouver to see the show.
I don't have the requisite skills to take pictures of spotlights at night so I can't show you my vantage point. But trust me, it looks good.

Duthie Books

Just up the street from me is an independent bookstore called Duthie Books. Or there was. After 50+ years in Vancouver, they're closing down. I had been in there a couple of times just to browse around and it was a nice place. But they can't compete with chain stores and the likes of Amazon so they're getting out now before they run into financial trouble. It's sad to see that happen but I guess I haven't really done my part to support independent bookstores. I have no idea what is going to go into that storefront; I hope another independent business. They add a lot to the neighborhood feel.
Anyway, the thing I'll miss most about Duthie Books is their window display. They have two long windows on the street, with three tiers. Every week, or so it seemed, they'd swap out these long rows of books. And the books were always color coordinated. And thematically coordinated. It was so neat to see books and books, lined up with their covers showing, and they'd all be shades of red. And the next week, shades of blue or green or even gray. I always liked walking by on my way to the but because it looked good and they displayed good books. I mean, how can I not feel better about my day when it's 7:30AM, dark and raining, and as I trudge to my bus I see Ferdinand the Bull sitting on a shelf? Or rows and rows of bright yellow books? That was my main experience with Duthie Books. But I'll miss it.

Sunday BakeDay

I've found that nearly every weekend I bake something. Mostly it's on Sundays when I'm avoiding Latin translations or the like. And usually it's biscuits because they're so easy to make and that means I can have a delicious breakfast. Last semester I baked more cookies but then i realized I shouldn't be eating so many cookies myself. And you can be sure that I would eat most of them before I even had a chance to give them to other people. So biscuits it is. Just a small batch. It's fairly awesome. This weekend I almost made scones but I didn't have any cream and I was not going to change out of my pajamas to get any.

Next week there is a bake sale for the graduate student conference though which means cookies! Or something better like cupcakes! What do you think? Valentine's Day theme? Olympic theme? Both? Oh the possibilities.

This Semester's Class Schedule

I really should be more diligent about this. Alas, I am not. However, I will tell you now about the classes I'm taking this semester.

Latin: Vergil's Aeneid. I'm reading Books 2 and 6 in their entirety. I've read portions of them before but the Aeneid is just one of those things that you should read, and if you're a classicist, read it multiple times. I am strangely looking forward to the translation project. We are all writing our own translations of a passage and annotating it and explaining the reasons behind our translation choices. It's a kind of creative writing thing and I've already thought about starting it even though it's not due for awhile yet. This is bizarre behavior for me so I must be excited.

Greek Love: It's a class about love/romance/relationships in Greek literature. We're reading in its entirety Longus' Daphnis and Chloe as well as many other selections. We've discussed the Iliad and the Odyssey, the poems of Sappho, and this week we're focusing on Euripedes' Medea. I really do like this class because it's like being a literature class again, reading things and analyzing and discussing. I didn't know I missed that but I suppose I did. Even though I have the class on Friday mornings, I don't resent having to get up and the 3 hours pass very quickly. I suppose I like it even more because I'm reading everything in translation and don't have to muddle through the Greek myself. However, the professor is great about looking at the Greeka nd explaining the subtleties and connotations of particular words.

Topography and Monuments of Rome: This is more of an archaeology class but it's a great way for me to recall my days in Rome. I miss being there too and have decided I didn't take advantage of my time there like I should have. Meaning I should go back. Anyway, lots of pictures of ruins and monuments and learning various types of marble. It can be a little dry when I'm not particularly interested in a certain structure or site. But I don't mind looking at pictures of Rome for three hours a week. It has brought back my secret desire to be an architect, or at least the desire to actually know how they can build these things. Designing and building any large structure is completely baffling to me. Therefore, I will merely look at pictures and think to myself, "Gosh, that's cool."

And German for Academic Purposes. Or something like that. I don't know what it's official title is but I learn basic German grammar and how to decipher German texts aided by my dictionary. It is essentially just me fulfilling a requirement.

So that's what's keeping me busy. I like the classes but don't expect me to say that too often. Especially now that my first papers are due in the upcoming weeks. Now you have a better idea of what I'm actually studying. Pretty cool, huh? Expect some Olympic-related posts soon. Only two weeks until they start!

Battlestar Galactica

It's come to my attention that Battlestar Galactica is a real favorite among Classicists. Recently at the APA, I went to a session that featured two papers that prominently featured Battlestar Galactica. And today in my Vergil class, the professor made reference to the show. Therefore, I think I might have to watch it so these allusions are not lost on me. There has been some scholarly work on Battlestar Galactica and its connection with Classics so I think this is a valid pursuit for me. Plus I'd really rather not translate another section of the Aeneid just yet.

The sun!

After raining continuously for more than a week, the sun finally reappeared yesterday afternoon. And it's still out today! Its presence is short-lived; the forecast calls for more rain starting tomorrow. But I needed this break. I can wear something other than rainboots for a day. Even people who have lived in Vancouver were getting pretty tired of it.
And what will I do with this day? Go to school and do some work. At least the reading room has really big windows.

2010

Must use list form to catch up on everything that's happened in the past couple weeks.
-Finished my first semester successfully! I didn't look at my grades until a couple days before I was returning to school but I shouldn't have worried so much. I was just fine.
-Had a lovely Christmas with family. Everyone was home for a substantial amount of time so that was great. Didn't get to hang out with everyone as much as I would've liked to but I guess that means I'll have to learn how to balance my time better.
-Went to APA/AIA conference in Anaheim. I didn't realized I missed the warm sun so much. Got a lot of Vitamin D, listened to some interesting papers, chatted with other folks, and had some fun with other UBC students.
-Started new semester (I missed the first week of classes to go to the conference). I felt very overwhelmed at first because I didn't even have my class schedule straightened out and I was already behind. But things are better now. Still behind but I'm perpetually trying to catch up in my classes. I have yet to attend one of my classes (that's tomorrow morning) but I'm excited about all of them (well, maybe not German).

No New Year's resolutions. I know I won't stick by them so I'll just generally try to be a better person and student. Also, drink more water.