Yes, I’m talking about the Vancouver 2010 Olympic Winter Games, which begin with Opening Ceremonies on Friday, February 12th. I have to admit, the city has been preparing for the Games for nearly 6 years, and even in the beginning I wasn’t particularly excited. The idea of (logistically) trying to host “the world” is overwhelming. The cynic in me thinks that the money could have been better spent elsewhere. Vancouver has been voted the West Coast’s “most liveable city” yet some things (like our transit system) isn’t nearly up to snuff.

I am amazed at how much as been spent on advertising within our own city. It’s certainly something you don’t see during the Olympics on TV: the entire saturation of the city in Olympic promotions. Every single advertising space, billboard, transit shelter, etc. is taken up by VANOC or an official sponsor promoting the Games. Although a lot of things have also been installed to aid tourists. For example, we finally have Information boards posted in major areas. This was something that I was really impressed with in England, I could get into a station and just follow the signs to different sights around the city. [Note: for the cynics still out there, there is The Olympic Resistance]

Cynicism aside, there are a few things I’m looking forward to. I will sit at home, watching the Olympics on TV and be able to point and go “I know where that is!” There is also the Cultural Olympiad. Despite the buckets of money that the BC Government has cut to Arts budgets, part of the Olympic bid for Vancouver was our “unique cultural events”. The Cultural Olympiad and many other events occuring around the city (both paid and free) include music, art, dance, ceremonies, installations, etc. That is the kind of thing I’m looking forward to.

There is far too much going on to have a complete handle, but here are a few links if you’re interested (and for me to keep things straight):

• Cultural Olympiad (official) – full of free and paid multidiciplinary events
• Miss604 – Vancouver’s “it-girl” blogger. Check in daily, she even has an Olympic Blog feed.
• Olympic Torch Relay (ongoing)
• BC Living – sign up for daily emails during the Games about coping with things to do in the city.
• Vancouver Pavillion & Cultural Houses – visit Miss604’s post about all the locations.
• Official Celebration Sites – including LiveCity Vancouver, Whistler Live!, Richmond O Zone, and more.
• Made In Vancouver – I heart VanArt celebrates local art and creativity.
• CanaMADE – a market celebrating art and craft from Canada.
• CityCaucus lists tons of free events occuring in the city (some repeats)
• Vectorial Elevation – a light display from dusk till dawn over English Bay