The Olympic flame is burning strong in Jack Poole Plaza overlooking Coal Harbour with a beautiful North Shore backdrop. Unfortunately, no one in Vancouver can get close enough to it to experience its warming glow as its captured behind an unfriendly chain link fence.
The reasoning is that it’s to protect the structure from vandals although while I’m sure many are just as concerned about security, I’m sensing most just want to get up close for a loving look.
Lucky for us, a few have been able to poke their lenses through the grid far enough to capture some amazing and much more appealing views of the cauldron.
Until the flame’s majesty is freed for better public viewing, I’ll be looking through the fence and past the barriers thanks to these photos. Should you have any images to share, please feel free to add them to the Miss604 Flickr Group.
Update February 17, 2010 I had the chance to check out the cauldron today with my mom, dad, niece and nephew.
It looks like they cut a space in the fencing so that photos can be less obstructed and it seems the barrier’s been pushed a little closer to the cauldron.
Update February 20, 2010 Hosea from the 24 Hours reports (via twitpic) that the bottom half of the fence is now plexiglass window materiel while the top half is still metal.
Update February 24, 2010 I snapped the following shots from the Can Fund Athlete House in the Shaw Tower.
You can see the queue for the elevated viewing area in the some of these shots.
Continuing my daily series featuring my personal experiences at the Vancouver 2010 Olympics I have to say that yesterday was indeed a fantastic day. Despite not getting to bed until 2:30 this morning because I was still up working, John and I had a once in a lifetime experience over at the Pacific Coliseum.
Day Four, February 15, 2010
First thing in the morning I sat in on a press conference with Alexandre Bilodeau, the first Canadian to win gold in Canada.
Following the media event I wrote several posts, featuring the Vancouver 2010 iPhone application, and hung out at the Media Centre where the wifi is abundant and the coffee is complimentary.
John and I then headed over to the Pacific Coliseum for the pairs figure skating final. If you’re heading out there you can take a #135 or #10 Hastings bus and follow the instructions from the blue jacket volunteers. Bring as little as possible with you so that you can get through security with ease.
Once again I can’t post photos from inside Olympic venues on my site but you can view my Flickr stream for a sneak peek. John also has an amazing set of all the on-ice action.
It was awesome to watch the Chinese win gold and silver – the crowd absolutely loved them and they performed flawlessly. We stuck around as they handed out the medals in a special ceremony and it was neat to get text messages from our family in Iowa and Illinois that spotted us in the stands during the live broadcast.
I promise I’ll have more daily photos tomorrow as I won’t be heading into any venues but I will be heading to a broadcast centre and a brewery (in that order).
Medal Count for Canada – February 15, 2010
Gold: 1
Silver: 2
Bronze: 1
Coming up for Day Five at the Vancouver 2010 Olympics, it’s Nova Scotia Day with celebrations all round. Canada is featuring a province each day so you can learn more and get some goodies from the Canada Pavilion (at LiveCity Downtown) if you stop by. There will of course be celebrations at the Atlantic Canada House tonight as well.
During the Vancouver 2010 Opening Ceremony slam poet Shane Koyczan took to centre stage to recite, “We Are More”. Born in Yellowknife and raised in Penticton BC, his poem (that was first featured in Ottawa on Canada Day in 2007) rippled through the hearts of Canadians everywhere as all cheered for his inspiring words.
You can follow him on Twitter @Koyczan on Twitter and read up on more of his work on his main website.
Update February 24, 2010 I met Shane this morning and John Biehler took a photo of us.
After winning the first Canadian gold medal on home turf freestyle moguls skier Alex Bilodeau had a press conference this morning which I sat in on at the BC International Media Centre. Press asked him about his career, his defining moment, and just how much partying he has done already.
The very humble Bilodeau replied in both French and English, offering much praise to the Own the Podium program, his family (in particular his brother), and his fellow athletes. “This extraordinary effort does not come in isolation,” said Peter Judge, CEO of the Canadian Freestyle Ski Association. “First and foremost we are thanking Canada.”
Bilodeau said that in regards to the opening and closing ceremonies, “we all came in as a team and we’ll leave as a team.” Among those he credited with his success he gave a shout out to a man they affectionately refer to as “Databoy”. His real name being Alan, he was in charge of collecting data to help them train better, faster and strong.
Running on 3 hours of sleep after many media meetings, appearances and television spots in the last 18 hours, Bilodeau did a great job of even addresses tough questions from press about judging at sporting events like his. “The only thing I can control is my performance,” he noted.
Bilodeau’s been a fan of freestyle skiing most of his life. He said (in French) that at 7 years old when watching Jean-Luc Brassard he would jump up and down with excitement. No one can deny his passion for the sport which has made him an instant household name in Canada.
When asked what his coach’s last words of wisdom were before he went down his medal-winning run he simply replied, “I said to him, ‘thank you’.”
With many more press conferences, interviews, and photo ops on his horizon Bilodeau is ultimately looking forward to seeing his family tonight. He added, “for me it’s just the beginning of a great party & all of Canada is invited.”
About a week ago the Vancouver 2010 iPhone application was launched on iTunes. I hear they had 15,000 downloads even before making any kind of official announcement and I can see why.
After downloading the app, I can see why. It’s a fully comprehensive directory for sporting events, cultural events, Games schedules, venues, and maps all rolled into one.
The application is free and available in the iTunes store. If you download it be sure to give it a shake (yes, shake your iPhone) to find a neat surprise that the kids will love.
