Farewell Ode to the Olympics

March 1st, 2010

Well my Olympic stay is over … & what a time it was

Now have to get back down to earth … & bid bye to all the buzz

Volunteer pledge completed … over 80 hours done

But doesn’t mean there wasn’t time … for me to have some fun

Walked every street within my reach … took in all the sights

No matter where I looked … saw lineups in the lights

I zipped across tall buildings … cheered alone & in a crowd

Daily belted out our anthem … sang it loud & sang it proud

Canadian flags waved freely … everywhere the eyes did go

Young, old, newcomers all … wanting their pride to show

Though all countries were represented … seemed only one had fans

Our sea of red & white engulfed the streets … & unified the clans

The athletes you were awesome … thanks to you we were all here

You persevered with courage … passion overtook your fear

Your efforts were inspiring … your disappointment shared

No matter how you did or placed … you have to know we cared

We followed every move you made … in contest or plainclothes

Although we hoped for gold for all … heh that’s the way it goes

Vancouver you were a gracious host … you welcomed all of us

You really were hospitable … with fanfare & the fuss

I enjoyed my stay with you & all … others I have met

It will be a long time in my life … before I do forget

Although body wide exhausted … hungover with a grin

I have lots of treasured thoughts … to remind me where I’ve been

So thank you for the memories … all packed to haul back home

Now it’s a return to my reality … & time to end this poem

On that note I bid goodbye to … a world class celebration

I’m so thankful for all it did … to unify our nation

Three weeks of energy invested well … but there will be a withdrawal

But I’m comforted by the truth that … it will be shared by all

One P.S. to you my readers … I appreciate your time

For following the trip within my blogs … ending with this rhyme.

Carole Bertuzzi Luciani

www.moodivator.ca or www.carolebertuzziluciani.com

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What a d’eh …

March 1st, 2010

Perhaps it’s my fatigue setting in but looking back on today the words are far from the page … maybe I already used up the choice ones earlier not knowing what was to come.

It started early & my post was cushy in the lobby of the Sutton Place Hotel … temporary quarters to celebrities, media, parents of athletes & Olympic officials. Not sure who was most important to protect but judging by the amount of security, cops & undercover you’d think the Pope himself were living in the penthouse. Their hovering made me nervous … but not as much as the hockey fans. They assembled early in the lobby waiting for friends to gather. Most wore a hockey jersey … some shouldn’t have. The men paced like they feared they might be called to play … the women dolled up from the stilettos seemed most concerned their lipstick matched the red. As puffed up as the Canadian fans were they near popped an artery when the US fans strutted by. Just watching this scene made me even more nervous for the game to begin.

The talk was only hockey. No one seemed to notice the musicians hanging around or prominent media types … nope too nervous to care.I was grateful for the puck drop to happen just to clear the view in front of me.

A small crowd gathered in front of a very large screen but since it had no speakers it created an eerie atmosphere as we all watched in silence. Thank goodness the roar from the street provided the background we needed. At the first goal, the city let go a sigh of relief but when the winning goal was scored our collective EXHALE near blew the torch out.

As the cliche goes … the rest is history resulting in a collection of Olympic moments we will never forget. It truly will never get better than this … & aren’t we the lucky ones to have enjoyed it.

A magical closing ceremony capped it all off creating some emotionally charged shivers making it one beautifully glorious d’eh ~!!~

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ALTIUS (HIGHER) CITIUS (SWIFTER) FORTIUS (STRONGER)

February 28th, 2010

Finally I had  the opportunity to enjoy a day at Whistler … requiring an Olympic effort. Car, bus, gondola, long line-ups for security & an uphill trek through mud & slush surrounded by other ticket holders. But it was well worth the trudge.

Once at the Sliding Centre for the four man bobsled event we were able to position ourselves within 10′ of the track. Excited to be so close we hung on the rail to witness the action. Phftt. Gone. Over. The speed as they passed made our heads spin into dizziness. With an exhale of glee & an outcry of “oh my goodness” it took us a moment or two to get over the point-second of excitement.

With round one over we headed upwards to the finish for the final heat. There, we no longer felt the speed but were able to be closer to the thrill of the finish (not to mention the Italians). Wow … athleticism up close. Fashion tip: white lycra in any season … not a good idea.

Bronze for Canada. More outbursts of ‘Oh Canada’ & a long walk back down to the village as we were herded like cattle once again.

The village at Whistler provided more lasting memories … a great concert with Barney Bentall, an upclose look at Ashleigh McGivor gold medal & a lighthearted debate with an inebriated Aussie over ‘how Canada is different from the USA’. I finally squelched his feelings that we didn’t deserve to compete because he thought we were just a small part of America. With a final statement of ‘we are the icing on their cake’ he agreed to give me the red laces out of his boots. Too bad I wasn’t there to see his face when he came to & saw he was missing them.

Another great day has passed as I now prepare for the final day ahead with one last shift to work. Let’s hope it’s a great finish.

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“Ah, please don’t go yet”

February 26th, 2010

This open house has been fabulous … & it shows in the emblem at their front door …the Ilanaaq (an Inuktitut word for ‘friend’) which is the symbol of the games to welcome the people of the world with open arms.

The hosts really have exceeded expectations with their warm & hospitable  nature. But like any great event, we are at the point in the party when after way too many samplings of h’orderves (however you spell it), sips of beverage, non stop jabbering with other guests & standing for hours on end, suddenly a wave of fatigue falls over us. Your body aches, feet hurt, jaw’s strained & mind becomes mush. Someone please take me home.

When you look around you can spot the ones who, like you showed up early. Their body language screams it with slower movement, drooped shoulders & a disheveled look. And then there are the latecomers who have just showed up neatly pressed, bright eyed with a bounce in their step … enthused with the vigor to linger & the passion to party. You want to pull them aside & tip them off … “go easy.”

And so it is here in Vancouver. The hosts are begging us to stick around a little longer. Dessert, coffee & the real party is on its’ way … urging us to stay because the fun’s not done yet.

So I have pulled away for a brief respite far from the swelling crowd of the streets … a quick nap on the couch in the basement to recharge so to speak. But within a few hours I’ll be back upstairs with renewed energy, to once again be mauled by the mood of the room … because I’d hate to miss out on what’s left to come. I’ll worry about my recovery later.

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Games wear … it’s all uniform

February 26th, 2010

Not just the Olympic athletes have uniforms … everywhere you look you see someone who can be slotted with a particular group based on what they are wearing … whether it be jackets, lanyards or badges.

Laminated badges all have a photo with a neutral expression (not far off passport expressions), a bar code for security scanning & each is coded with acronyms forming a new language spelling out a hierarchy of status. Letters like IOC (international Olympic Committee) OBC (Olympic Broadcasting Service) MMC (Main Media Centre) & the list goes on right up to AA (access to everything).

And with every colored grouping of jackets there are matching lanyards that are equally as coveted. By this point those lagging behind in pin trading have now opted to collect these ribbons.

CTV crew wear red & are the most visible media here. Vancouver Tourism wear green & can be found at every Skytrain, Bus or Sea Bus station willingly handing out maps & offering directions. Cops in navy from all over Canada patrol the streets in a flexed position ready to pounce at a hint of wrongdoing. And those on guard at every door entry & exit are the black clad force of security personnel … they’re everywhere. And when the extra reinforcements are needed the secret service men parade the sidewalks trying hard to blend in while sticking out with their topcoats & suits … not to mention the corded earpiece worn as an accessory. Even the street chaplains have identifiable uniforms.

The Russians are visible as the hosts of the next winter Olympics. They sport gaudy jackets with swirly brocade work on the shoulder … & all wear the same look of weariness on their face (& that was even before losing to Canada). The street cleaners of which there are many are recognizable by their florescent green vests … all part of the Coast Mental Health Foundation program. Armed with a pail & a picker-upper, they have been kept the streets spotless.

But the most dominant workforce seen at every venue & street corner are the ‘blue smurfs’ … the bluejackets … the volunteers. Wearing bright turquoise are 25,000 people from around the world. You can’t go anywhere without seeing them driving the GM vehicles, working at venues or positioned on sidewalks monitoring buses.

This is one time in my life that I proudly wear my uniform & accept that I look like everyone else. Perhaps it’s knowing that it will be over soon & I can return to my own way of dress. Although I have been offered money for it I am not yet prepared to give it up. All I hope is that once I get back home there will not be another blue jacket within miles … otherwise it will most definitely be relegated to the cedar chest.

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How can I help you?

February 24th, 2010

I was finally posted on the busiest cross-streets in downtown Vancouver. I was still doing the same job of monitoring the comings & goings of media buses but just being positioned there added a new dimension to my job description … information guide. I always thought I’d make a decent tour guide so this was my chance. The blue jacket on its own is a blatant ‘ask me’ signal for tourists. Add to that I hold a clipboard, I look so officious they think I’m the Mayor … & they don’t know I’m from ‘away’. But it’s amazing how quickly I can gather the necessary info to help others. Ask me & I’ll tell you with pleasure … actually I’ll tell you even if you don’t ask me.

Segueway:  Seven years ago I visited Ireland & my favorite & most memorable interaction came after I stopped & asked an older man directions to a place of interest. He looked at me, grimaced & shook his head. His answer initially caused great frustration & anguish because his response was … “ah, ya can’t get there from here.” But the repartee that followed was so much fun it made it worth the misdirection.

Now back to my post … they approached me from all directions representing every language … all wanting to see the same item of interest. The questions for locating the cauldron came in very interesting variations …  ”where coldrum?”, “we’re looking for the waldron”, “please direct me to the torch”, “Orympic frame?” … but my favourite was “where’s the fire?” You know by now the answer I would have liked to offered “I don’t know but we better call someone.”

As the sun shone upon us I got friendlier & took more liberties with my answers. Depending on my initial impression of the person seeking direction I varied my answers from the ‘take the first right, a quick left & it’s down a few blocks’ to ’sorry they’ve moved it to Ontario’ or ‘unfortunately someone blew it out last night.’ And if I had a really good read on them & trusted my instincts that they would be fun to chat with I drew on my favorite line from Ireland ‘ah, ya can’t get there from here.’ And sure enough, as planned it always lead to some fun. What a great way to pass a 10 hour shift on the street.

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We’ve been bitten by the mittens …

February 23rd, 2010

When those red knit mittens with the crested maple leak on the palm were first released earlier in the fall, most just thought ‘oh, aren’t they cute’.Then before Christmas their popularity seemed to soar as they were a perfect stocking treat @ $10. Even then they were becoming hard to locate … at least in the right size. The projected sales were at 1 million, with both HBC & CTV both confident the profits could greatly help the Olympic athlete program.

But something happened as the countdown to the Olympics drew nearer. Was it the ongoing promotion on TV, the onslaught of colder weather increasing the demand or seeing the torch bearers sport them high in the air as they moved with the flame? Who knows but suddenly they are everywhere. Regardless of the recent heatwave all ages could be seen waving, wearing & wiping with their own. Some moms have even provided ‘idiot strings’. Every store window has someone or something with the mittens. Oprah sent the world into a frenzy over them as she covered every hand in her audience with them putting them on the ‘gotta have’ list. Ads can be seen on both ebay & kijiji from eager shoppers wanting to buy a pair. Latest report is over 3 million have been sold.

One of the Olympic pin designs appearing on the streets here are of the red mittens. The search for them is futile based on what the pin police have to say … “good luck, sold out, you won’t be finding any more of that one.” I’m so happy I did my trading for them last week.

And if those three little kittens who lost their mittens are still looking, I know where at least two of the pair are … on the concrete lions sitting at the foot of the Lion’s Gate Bridge … making them paw-pular in all sizes.

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Olympic Rings … under my eyes

February 22nd, 2010

Perhaps you already know that the five Olympic rings debuted in 1920.

The colours red, yellow, green, blue & black represent 5 continents: AFRICA, ASIA, AMERICAS, EUROPE & OCEANIA (Australia) & every national flag includes at least one of the colours.

Well the other thing these colors represent is my body as we approach this final week.

Red … the color of the bloodshot appearing in my eyes from late nights & early mornings that even the full strength Visine cannot control.

Yellow & green … the residual bruising around my feet from walking the city sidewalks for miles each day … have yet to discover the best sock-shoe combination.

Blue … the pronounced color of the veins in my legs from standing in one place for waaaay too many hours at a time … a hazard of both enduring the line-ups & performing my volunteer job.

Black … the most dominant color is most noticeable under my eyes … the circles are big, they’re dark & they scream out “I’m enjoying the Olympic experience.”

I’m sure my body will heal by spring.

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No tickets, no money … no problem

February 21st, 2010

From my inexperienced view of these Olympics I have to think they would be one of the most successful based on sheer numbers. The streets, the sidewalks & the transit are over flowing with people of all ages. My guess is that a low percentage of the crowds I see actually are spectators of any games. And aside from all of the free entertainment you may have seen advertised, there are numerous others as well.

But that’s not a problem. There are freebies everywhere. For refreshment, small cups of coffee or hot chocolate are generously dispensed at key corners. Some restaurants, in an attempt to lure you in pass out entrees on the sidewalk.

If it’s spiritual guidance you need religious groups are on hand with both literature masked as tourist info or other message based pamphlets. Some have fancy Olympic looking pins available for a few who are willing to chat for a moment. There are prayer groups huddled on busy streets. Some have the post requiring stamina as they stand hoisting their message on a sign or magazine. One such zealot had a cynical approach. As people passed he said “so, after 2 weeks of celebrating, then what do you do?” Passing him I turned & said “keep celebrating” … he sneered & hoisted his familiar Magazine even higher.

If it’s physical contact other than jostling through crowds or rubbing shoulders with strangers one affectionate young man offer ‘free hugs’. Depending on which street you land numerous ‘peep shows’ are also available to passing peepers.

There are photo ops everywhere from podium poses to bobsled pics. One generous partier offered his own photo op … “free pose with Canadian guy” … with lots of eager takers.

And if none of that suits you there’s always the people watching … & it doesn’t cost a thing. Lots to look at & lots to comment on. Sometimes it leads to conversation. I saw two Buddhist monks dressed in bright orange robes draped from their shoulders to their shins with matching sandals. I had to say something … “are you Dutch fans?”  They shared one of their divine steps to happiness with me … they laughed. It didn’t cost a thing.

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Another day … another line-up

February 20th, 2010

It doesn’t matter where you go or what you want to do … you’ll be lining up. As I may have previously mentioned, you dare not stand still for fear you start a new one. Only advantage to that being … you’ll finally be at the front.

So my goal for today (being my day off) was to attempt to go into The BAY (not the English Bay) … that’s right ‘The Bay’. That store we take for granted. The store representing Canadiana. The store I have only ever once lined up to get into & that was because I was so anxious to fight a return, I showed up early to press my nose against the glass.

I entered the line @ 8:15 & 75 minutes later was admitted entry. The goal … to buy my firstborn a t-shirt he couldn’t find at home. Entering the store familiar feelings came over me … do you remember the frenzy over the cabbage patch doll in the early 80’s, the Tickle Me Elmo mania … or securing the coveted Nintendo system a few years back? Picture a store area 10,000 sq. feet filled with frantic shoppers grabbing anything they could from the racks. Boxing Day X 10. And these shoppers weren’t just Canadian. Their was a feeding frenzy over anything red, white or black … & that didn’t account for the logo Olympic wear.

If your plan was to buy a nice piece of Canadiana to wear on your next trip abroad identifying yourself as a Canuck … expect some company. The world has embraced our oldest retailer & their goods as their own … long live the HBC.

PS although I did not earn any HBC points on my purchase today … I definitely earned MOM bonus points

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