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.
23 March 2010
07 March 2010
03 March 2010
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.
02 March 2010
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.
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.
01 March 2010
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.
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.
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