I Just Feel Like Dancing...

There was a theme for today (Monday, February 15th) and that was dancing. Sandra Klaric and I started the day at the Vancouver Art Gallery and ended up getting the ol' boot. Turns out the gallery lets you get in for free UNTIL 3PM. Boo-urns!!!! FYI: it's still worth checking out. I mean, having the chance to see the Leonardo Davinci Exhibit for free? You can't afford NOT TO!!!!

Next, it was a stop over at the BC Hydro Pavilion (over at Dunsmuir and Hamilton). The Pavilion itself was...meh. Nothing to get overly pumped about. The highlight of the pavilion though, was the BC Hydro dance floor!!!! Now that, my amigos & amigas, was fun. Check out the video to see Sandra and I in an intense dance off.

Our final stop was at LiveCity Vancouver (Downtown on Cambie and Georgia). Don't be fooled by the super long line up. It moves a lot quicker than you think. The Manitoba Pavilion was kinda...hmmm... how shall I put this... lame. There's not much to see and do (at least not while I was there) but the dance show's they put on are definitely a treat. They're actually kind of infections. See the video I've posted to understand...

The Canada Pavilion - be prepared for a pretty long lineup, but while you're there waiting, I say you take the time to chat with whomever is standing next to you in line. The comradery in this city is at an all time high, so I say you take advantage of it and possibly make a new friend. If you're more of an anti-social person, there's a giant screen showing the games so that'll help you avoid eye contact with anyone ;)
Inside the Canada Pavilion, there's a bunch of cool, interactive stuff you can try out, including sending a special message to all the Canadian athletes (see picture). Sandra and I also had a chance to meet Chris Daw. He's the only Canadian to represent Canada in 5 paralympics for 5 different sports. Very cool dude. (See Video).


We also met a new Vancouverite (from Germany) named Rabea who's a big fan of 100.5 The Peak, so a special hello to her (see pic!).


Soooo.....get out there and see everything you can. Seriously. You never know who you're gonna meet!


Besos,

Carmen

And So It Begins....

Day one of the Olympics. As I'm sure you've already noticed, the city is PACKED with people. I spent the first day wandering around the downtown area. It was a sea of red and white, Olympic mittens, toques and jackets on every second person that walked by. AND, lets not forget the odd person walking shirtless (yes, shirtless) wearing the Canadian flag as a cape. If you're claustrophobic...sorry.

I checked out LiveCity Yaletown. With a lineup that was at least 3 blocks long, I decided to pass on the idea of trying to get in. Not today anyways.

Walking through Yaletown kinda made me feel like I was walking through an outdoor flea market. Seriously. Tents are set up with people selling items like 'Canada' earmuffs, t-shirts, key chains, and other items that will most likely end of on the shelves of your favourite local thrift shop in a few months. I understand the need for commerce, but it kinda made me feel...icky. Ah well...
The highlight of Yaletown itself will definitely be the patios. There are tons of them set up, blaring live music, so evenings there should definitely be interesting.
FYI: Most restaurants and bars in the city have raised their prices for the Olympics. Even the price of street meat (hot dogs) has gone up! Booooooooo!!!

Walking around downtown, you can literally feel the excitement. I know it's cliche to say, but it's true. Robson Square is the heart of the madness. If you're a 'people watcher' this is definitely the place to be.

I checked out the official Olympic clock, expecting to see all zero's, but I was wrong. It's started another count (not too sure what exactly).

I also ran into an Olympic Torch bearer (her name is Shelly) and she was SWARMED by people. I managed to snag a quick pic with her, but due to all the pushing and bumping (yes, it got that bad) the picture turned out blurry.

In the evening, the opening ceremonies was broadcast on screens and walls downtown (check out the video).

Here are a few of my recommendations:
~Head to Granville and Robson. The exhibits there are cool to see.
~Bring a pair of rubber boots. Wet feet are not fun.
~Wear anything that says 'Canada' on it. I know it sounds silly, but trust me on this one.
~Don't be afraid to chat to strangers. I ended up meeting a backpacker from the Czech Republic who was trying to find his way to 'Vhistler', and a SUPER nice group of chefs from the UK who are here through Vancouver Community College (see picture).
~Try the Rickshaw ride on Robson. They're free and they guys that run them are hilarious!

If you see me wandering around, come up and say 'Hola!'

Besos,


Carmen.

The Day Before The Big Day....

It's February 11th. Just one measly little day until all of Vancouver EXPLODES with Olympic mayhem. Am I excited about it? Honestly? I wasn't until today. Walking downtown, it's hard NOT to catch Olympic fever. The city is buzzing with excitement. There are foreigners everywhere, looking confused and asking for directions in grunts and broken English. Art sculptures have appeared in the most random of places. People seem friendlier. You know what? I like this...

Yes, the Olympics are expensive. Yes, it's not always accessible for the 'Average Joe'... but you know what? I'm determined to search out and uncover all the free and fun stuff this city has to offer. I've made it my mission to turn February into 'Free, Fun February!!!!' Thanks to my gig over at 100.5 The PEAK, I get to share all of my adventures with you :D.

Ok, ok.... so having a media pass of some sort might make things easier for me. Then again, it might not. You see, it's all about credentials, and amigos/amigas, just like most of you, I don't have em'.

So here's day one. Robson Square. There's so much to see and do here. And don't forget to wander into any and all stores along the street, because you never know what they have going on right now. Also, The Ziptrek Zipline is an absolute MUST!!! And more importantly it's free :D.

Enjoy!!

Besos,

Carmen Cruz
100.5 The PEAK
www.thepeak.fm