Bonjourno,
Andrée and I finally managed to figured out the transit ZONE thing, or so we thought. We don't know if it's a changing zone, depending on your entry point onto transit, or if the zones are defined and we just pay entry...
Ok enough about transit, yesterday I was a little worried about the Olympic atmosphere, but today Vancouver surprised me. Andrée and I decided to visit the Olympic Village (HBC on Grandville and its surroudings). Let me tell you Ottawa, Vancouver is ready for this major event, olympic clothing, olympic banners, lots of people make for 'potential' succesful Games. Ok, let me rephrase this, maybe not succesful Games, depending on how you judge it, but for sure welcoming Games.
In order to make the weight restriction on yesterday's flight, I neglected to bring soap, towel, and a pillow. So today,I went to Walmart. Ah Walmart, as much as I hate the concept, I was happy to see it today. I got everything and a little more for just under 40$.
So, a little about the HBC HQ in Vancouver- it's awesome. Basically the first floor is dedicated to Olympic Gear, not just what you see at your local HBC store, but way more stuff. Oh, and Pins. I'm not a pin kinda of person, but man it seems to interest a lot of people. Can anyone explain to me the excitement around those pins?
Finally, the rest of the store is a pretty normal looking The Bay store, except for the 6th floor, where the Canadian House is situated (I'll explains details of this in a later blog).
Anyways, Vancouver is mild, about 10 degrees and sunny today, but still no snow...
Let the Green Games begin...ahah
Cheers
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Quelle frustration aujourd'hui!
Nous avons rencontrer des gens dans plusieurs magasins du Centreville. Faits décevant est que les canadiens de l'Ouest du pays ne semble pas savoir que la ville d'Ottawa est bilingue, ou même que certaine personne parle le français. Nous nous faisons souvent approché par des gens pour savoir d'où nous provenons, et lorsque l'on leur mentionne, Ottawa, il se demande pourquoi nous parlons français...
Malgré cela, les gens sont très gentil. Ils sont toujours prêt à nous aider pour trouver notre chemin, durant les quelques aventures que nous avons eu, les gens ont pris le temps de bien nous diriger, sans pour autant nous ennuyer. Le 'feeling' que j'ai c'est que la plupart de gens qui habite à Vancouver, provienne d'ailleurs. Les gens proviennent de l'Ontario, de l'asie et de l'inde (pakistant) majoritairement.
J'ai tellement hate que les jeux débutent, l'atmosphère est super awesome!
A+
Here are some demographics that I thought you might enjoy. By 2011, 49% of the population in Vancouver will be of Asian descent. Only 6.58% are French, 2.82% are Aboriginal descent, 1.08% African descent. There is currently 43% Asian followed by 35.90% from the British Isle. The true Canadian are a minority in Vancouver.
ReplyDeleteDo your own little informal survey and you will find that most westerners have never been past the Rockies or Calgary!! According to the red necks here, Canada ends in Calgary!!! LOL It's no wonder they don't know about Ottawa or that you speak french there.
I have lived in BC for over 30 years and I can assure you that having French as my second language has not been a benefit. In fact for over 15 years, no one knew I spoke French. They are not interested. If you want a second language in BC know Pujabi or Mandarin. It is the unofficial second language on the west coast.
Now I have a question for you. What are your thoughts of having the big Arnold S. from California carrying the torch into Stanley park?
Hi Aunt Diane,
ReplyDeleteFunny you mention Arnold, we were talking about him earlier today, he was in the Newspaper. I think two things, first he's not Canadian, but that doesn't seem like a requirement to be a torch bearer. And second, what has Arnold done? He's a movie star, a Republican, and he's Governor of a State who handed out I OWE U a few months back... So I think I should take to his spot!