![[113/365] Going Out With A Bang](http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2683/4408396446_3754083501.jpg)
It’s Monday, March 1st and the city is silent – a sobering quiet I don’t want any part of. The Vancouver 2010 Olympic Winter Games are over, and I’m scared to come back down.
These past two weeks, Vancouver, a quiet city at it’s loudest, came to life. Our home became a rallying point for the world, but more importantly, a place for Canadians to wear their colours proud. Parties and spectacle aside, it’s the unshakable sense of community – one that Vancouver has never seen – that I will remember most about the Olympics.
We have shown the nations we are a world-class people. Vancouver may never have the 8-lane highways or the sprawling skyline, but the world will remember us for our kindness, our vigor, and our hospitality.
I’m not petitioning for the Olympic party to continue; we’re all ready for some rest. What I am saying, is that we have a good thing here. We’ve spent a lot of time and money on the games – and so will our generations to follow. Let’s take this momentum, and build our community. Our arts, our culture, our people – it’s abundantly clear we have a lot to celebrate.
So Vancourites – let down your walls, smile and strike up a conversation. We’ve all proven we’re human. Let’s stay that way.
Tags: Vancouver 2010 Olympics
World-class people? What the heck does that even mean?
The only reason the city came to life was because normal order was suspended. Because suddenly Vancouver had two enormous pedestrian boulevards that gave a sense of public space. Because suddenly there were exciting party venues full of vigor all over downtown rather than just the bland top-40 Granville bars. Because you could walk around town and see something interesting out on the street, rather than just drunken idiots making pavement pizza. Of course, those were out in full force too, but apparently it’s less of a problem when the obnoxious loudmouths are draped in Canadian colours.
Screw all this faux-patriotism. Vancouver was just desperate for an excuse to party to excess, and it got what it wanted. The maple leaf was just an excuse.
World-class people? Kind, alive, hospitable. At least, in the right moments. I pray it wasn’t just the moment. The sudden drop in car flags tells a lot.
As for the reasons Vancouver came to life, you’re definitely right. Vancouver’s quiet by nature, but what I’m advocating is that we’re capable of more and we want it bad. We have an opportunity for our community to push forward. I don’t want Vancouver to go into a coma like Salt Lake City.
For some, maybe national pride really was just an excuse to party, but some of are proud of where we are. Lots of Vancouverites complain about the rain when it rains, and then quickly turn to complain about the sun because it’s too hot; rain or shine, I love my home.
Just more when it’s sunny.