Devin's Diary: Day One

As we stuffed the final items of red and white clothing into our bags on the evening prior to our 6:00 am flight from Saskatoon to Vancouver, the Olympia Ice Resurfacer (the poor Canadian-made cousin to the prestigious California-built Zamboni) at the Richmond Olympic Oval had broken for the second time in two days and the media was already reporting that a Zamboni was on its way from the Calgary Oval to finish the job. In light of the warm weather, snow and security setbacks, it was one more public-relations setback Vancouver didn’t need. If we believed the majority of the media reports respecting the dysfunction or the facilities and the cranky demeanor of the locals who, by most accounts, carried a distaste for the game, we might never have stepped onto our flight. But following our first full day in Vancouver, we can only say there is more positive energy coursing through these coastal streets than we ever expected.

From the moment we stepped off the plane, an unceasing chain of VANOC volunteers were on hand to direct us seamlessly to the new Canada Line which whisked us downtown with shocking efficiency. The train wasn’t terribly crowded, the weather was sunny and, frankly, the locals couldn’t be much friendlier. If you showed a mere hint of uncertainty or hesitated even slightly on your path, there was always a friendly local stranger to offer advice. Everyone is willing to take a picture of you with your camera, normally offering before you actually ask, while one gentlemen simple asked if he could take our photo with his camera… a little odd, perhaps, but surely harmless.

The day’s pleasant surprises included a chance encounter with the filming of The Colbert Report, spontaneous eruptions of Oh Canada, and the most congenial crowd imaginable for a Norway-USA men’s hockey game. While there are crowds to navigate, people are surprisingly congenial and compliant with whatever logistical hurdles have been erected by VANOC. The most curious site was the line of people in front of the Saskatchewan pavilion at 10:45 am, 15 minutes prior to opening: what could possibly be so intriguing beyond it’s walls? This was especially curious considering the SK pavilion is flanked by the Quebec pavilion and the Moslon-sponsored Hockey House. While we didn’t make it to the pavilion today, it’s at the top of our agenda following a rousing curling preliminary round tomorrow afternoon… and when, or if, we manage to finally spot a cranky local, I’ll be sure to let you know.

Guest post from U of S Alumnus Devin Dubois