Anyone planning on going to the Winter Olympics in 2010?
Jan 20th, 2010, 08:32 AM
#41
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Ooops...I hit send too soon.
I will also use the taxi's for all of my restaurants so that I will not be late or soaked.
I do indeed have events in Whistler and yes, that is where all of my really stylish and warm snow gear comes into play. I have Cypress Mountain events as well... more snow gear and wear.
I can hardly wait...
I will also use the taxi's for all of my restaurants so that I will not be late or soaked.
I do indeed have events in Whistler and yes, that is where all of my really stylish and warm snow gear comes into play. I have Cypress Mountain events as well... more snow gear and wear.
I can hardly wait...
Jan 20th, 2010, 09:26 PM
#42
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<a href="http://www.mapsofworld.com/winter-olympics-2010/">Winter Olympics 2010
</a>Get complete information about winter Olympics 2010 such as opening ceremony, venues, schedule, news, events, medal, maps, torch relay, participating nations, city maps, travel deals and closing ceremony.
</a>Get complete information about winter Olympics 2010 such as opening ceremony, venues, schedule, news, events, medal, maps, torch relay, participating nations, city maps, travel deals and closing ceremony.
Jan 20th, 2010, 09:35 PM
#43
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Oaktown, it sounds like you are really well-prepared. You are way more enthusiastic about the Olympics than anyone I know!
I wouldn't count on the taxis, though. Even if they are available, traffic may be unbearable. Based on where you are staying, there will be lots of great restaurants within walking distance.
Have a great time! I hope for everyone's sake that traffie tie-ups and other inconveniences are really at a minimum.
I wouldn't count on the taxis, though. Even if they are available, traffic may be unbearable. Based on where you are staying, there will be lots of great restaurants within walking distance.
Have a great time! I hope for everyone's sake that traffie tie-ups and other inconveniences are really at a minimum.
Jan 21st, 2010, 01:16 PM
#44
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WillTravel:
Yup, I am excited!
I am locked into the above 30 plus restaurants no matter what. They have my credit card and I have done the vast amount of research to get the list down to what I have. I am really excited to have the above mandatory reservations secured. This is up their with the event tickets, truth be told. No wiggle room...laugh!
Some restaurants are not too far from my condoand my events and some are. I have allowed hours inbetween everything that I plan to do.
The challange with just showing up at a restaurant without a reservation...a good one, during the olympics is that you will probably be disappointed, turned away, subjected to horrific waits...behind those with reservations. You will also have long lines, spend valuable time trying to find a place to seat you and all that going on. I don't like that.
Here, I have gone beyond restaurant websites, email,opentable and picked up the phone and made the connection...chatted up the menu, what I am looking forward to and so on. I am a major foodie and wineknow not a loon...
I rarely travel without my meals researched and reserved and without some contact with the chef or those in charge. I simply expect a lot when I dine and I do my part to ensure that I have the best experience.
I also do not like the stress of rushing and eating and not enjoying the dining experience so basically, I plan to eat an early RSVP 2 hour long lunch(when I do not have events in the morning)...take the time to get to my events...enjoy my events and then eat a nice leisurely dinner and drink lots of wine after my evening events.
The bus will not work 100% for my dining, especially my dinners. My lunches...en route to my events...maybe, but no. No night buses with me dressed to the 9's...laugh!
I have done taxi's during other olympics and major sporting and other events. It works, maybe not perfectly but better than a bus. The bus/skytrain is for the olympic events and some sightseeing but no, not for din-din for Mrs. Oaktown (BAWH!). Taxi's will work and I have eaten at enough world famous restaurants whereby if it is IMPOSSIBLE to get from point A to point B then that is just the way that goes...no worries.
At world sized events like this you just have to bring your great attitude, positive outlook, realize that everybody is trying to get somewhere and just roll with it.
I plan to have a great time no matter what! It is a blessing to be going so I am not the type to complain our cry over spilt milk or a traffic jam. I can make it...yes I can! smile...
On other visits to Vancouver we did the reservation or two and left most of the dining to "chance". In Vancouver you have lots of great "chances"...when the world is not in town, like during the Winter Olympics...SMILE.
Thanks everybody for every good wish and heartfelt travel concern!
Yup, I am excited!
I am locked into the above 30 plus restaurants no matter what. They have my credit card and I have done the vast amount of research to get the list down to what I have. I am really excited to have the above mandatory reservations secured. This is up their with the event tickets, truth be told. No wiggle room...laugh!
Some restaurants are not too far from my condoand my events and some are. I have allowed hours inbetween everything that I plan to do.
The challange with just showing up at a restaurant without a reservation...a good one, during the olympics is that you will probably be disappointed, turned away, subjected to horrific waits...behind those with reservations. You will also have long lines, spend valuable time trying to find a place to seat you and all that going on. I don't like that.
Here, I have gone beyond restaurant websites, email,opentable and picked up the phone and made the connection...chatted up the menu, what I am looking forward to and so on. I am a major foodie and wineknow not a loon...
I rarely travel without my meals researched and reserved and without some contact with the chef or those in charge. I simply expect a lot when I dine and I do my part to ensure that I have the best experience.
I also do not like the stress of rushing and eating and not enjoying the dining experience so basically, I plan to eat an early RSVP 2 hour long lunch(when I do not have events in the morning)...take the time to get to my events...enjoy my events and then eat a nice leisurely dinner and drink lots of wine after my evening events.
The bus will not work 100% for my dining, especially my dinners. My lunches...en route to my events...maybe, but no. No night buses with me dressed to the 9's...laugh!
I have done taxi's during other olympics and major sporting and other events. It works, maybe not perfectly but better than a bus. The bus/skytrain is for the olympic events and some sightseeing but no, not for din-din for Mrs. Oaktown (BAWH!). Taxi's will work and I have eaten at enough world famous restaurants whereby if it is IMPOSSIBLE to get from point A to point B then that is just the way that goes...no worries.
At world sized events like this you just have to bring your great attitude, positive outlook, realize that everybody is trying to get somewhere and just roll with it.
I plan to have a great time no matter what! It is a blessing to be going so I am not the type to complain our cry over spilt milk or a traffic jam. I can make it...yes I can! smile...
On other visits to Vancouver we did the reservation or two and left most of the dining to "chance". In Vancouver you have lots of great "chances"...when the world is not in town, like during the Winter Olympics...SMILE.
Thanks everybody for every good wish and heartfelt travel concern!
Jan 27th, 2010, 12:13 PM
#45
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We just returned from a short (4-day trip to Whistler/Blackcomb for skiing. I just thought I would report that Whistler Village looks beautiful at night---all lit up with silver and gold LED lights in all the trees.
There is snow at the village level (it snowed during our visit, on Monday) and one can easily ski all the way down.
The employees all seem either psyched up for it or a bit apprehensive, but everyone was cheerful as usual.
They are still working on the Celebration Plaza, toward the end of Village North (neaar the Markeetplace). They are now working day and night, and everyone says it WILL be finished in time.
The road up is . . . interesting. The pavement is good and they have widened it in places, but it is mostly three lanes---one in each direction and one reversible lane. It's all well-marked but you have to pay close attention to the lanes, or you'll end up in a "right turn only" lane. We encountered very little traffic. With the traffic control in place I don't think it will be too bad, traffic-wise.
I think it's going to be a lot of fun for those of you who have tickets.
There is snow at the village level (it snowed during our visit, on Monday) and one can easily ski all the way down.
The employees all seem either psyched up for it or a bit apprehensive, but everyone was cheerful as usual.
They are still working on the Celebration Plaza, toward the end of Village North (neaar the Markeetplace). They are now working day and night, and everyone says it WILL be finished in time.
The road up is . . . interesting. The pavement is good and they have widened it in places, but it is mostly three lanes---one in each direction and one reversible lane. It's all well-marked but you have to pay close attention to the lanes, or you'll end up in a "right turn only" lane. We encountered very little traffic. With the traffic control in place I don't think it will be too bad, traffic-wise.
I think it's going to be a lot of fun for those of you who have tickets.
Jan 27th, 2010, 01:27 PM
#46
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enzian, thx a mint for your update. I was chatting (on-line) with a few others and we were wondering what the snow conditions were like in Whistler. Sounds like she's good to go!
Turns out the party I was mtg at Whistler cancelled their trip so I won't be heading up there. Not too crushed as I've skied there many times and it was usually quite crowded. Not sure how the restaurants are going to handle those crowds...LOL! Happy to hear it looks lovely for those heading north. Hope you had a fab trip too!
Enjoy-la!
Turns out the party I was mtg at Whistler cancelled their trip so I won't be heading up there. Not too crushed as I've skied there many times and it was usually quite crowded. Not sure how the restaurants are going to handle those crowds...LOL! Happy to hear it looks lovely for those heading north. Hope you had a fab trip too!
Enjoy-la!
Jan 27th, 2010, 09:11 PM
#47
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This was actually the least crowded I have seen it in a long time. I swore off going to Whistler in 2003 after a very crowded weekend, but obviously I changed my mind. T This time, here were times on each day that we had whole runs to ourselves. The snow conditions were fine---plenty of it, and not icy except at the end of the day coming down off Whistler on the Olympic run. We did better taking the Peak to Peak at the end of the day and skiing down Blackcomb.
Things may be very different during the Olympics, but right now, it is not crowded and the skiing is a 4 out of 5 (I prefer sunnier weather due to eye problems, but at least this time the snow was good and runs were almost vacant, which is good). The restaurants were not at all crowded, except on Saturday night at Sushi Village. We went elsewhere (Monk's in Blackcomb) and were seated right away.
Things may be very different during the Olympics, but right now, it is not crowded and the skiing is a 4 out of 5 (I prefer sunnier weather due to eye problems, but at least this time the snow was good and runs were almost vacant, which is good). The restaurants were not at all crowded, except on Saturday night at Sushi Village. We went elsewhere (Monk's in Blackcomb) and were seated right away.
Jan 28th, 2010, 07:53 AM
#48
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Oh, you're making me jealous. I'd hoped to take advantage of the fact that everyone's scared away from Whistler this year but we ended up booking ski trips elsewhere. We're going for the Olympics and will have one--maybe 2--ski days, and they're saying the mountain will be EMPTY. Because how many Olympics spectators/media/etc bring their skis to the Olympics? Not many.
I too wonder about restaurants. I notice that there are still some reservations available but some restaurants, like Bearfoot Bistro, are doing special Olympics prix-fixe menus at jacked up prices. I've read that some restaurants have been commendeered by Olympics teams, but I don't know which. We're in a condo so it's fine if we end up cooking the whole time, but I do like the Brewhouse and I wonder what lines will be like!
I too wonder about restaurants. I notice that there are still some reservations available but some restaurants, like Bearfoot Bistro, are doing special Olympics prix-fixe menus at jacked up prices. I've read that some restaurants have been commendeered by Olympics teams, but I don't know which. We're in a condo so it's fine if we end up cooking the whole time, but I do like the Brewhouse and I wonder what lines will be like!
Jan 28th, 2010, 08:10 AM
#49
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The Brewhause is going to be pretty much at the center of the action---it's very near the "celebraton plaza". But if there is a wait, at least you'll have a lot to see and do while waiting.
Maybe Blackcomb Village (Upper Village) will be quieter? It isn't all lit up like Whistler is; just a few discreet Olympic rings for decoration. There was hardly anyone around. We dined at Monk's Grill (no reservation, just walked in and were seated right away) and at a new-ish (to us, anyway) sushi place, Nagomi:
http://www.nagomisushi.com/
It was VERY good.
Maybe Blackcomb Village (Upper Village) will be quieter? It isn't all lit up like Whistler is; just a few discreet Olympic rings for decoration. There was hardly anyone around. We dined at Monk's Grill (no reservation, just walked in and were seated right away) and at a new-ish (to us, anyway) sushi place, Nagomi:
http://www.nagomisushi.com/
It was VERY good.
Feb 2nd, 2010, 04:33 PM
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I'm going for a week with my Dh and our 7yo twin daughters. This is our first Olympic experience, with our love of travel and the girls' fondness for sports, it might not be our last!
Another reason for visiting is that we have family downtown - sadly neither ladies are in a position to put us up, but we were able to find a *fabulous* B&B right downtown, two blocks from each Grandmother. They didn't change their booking, cancellation or reservation policies -- or their prices!! So we're paying $150/nt per room, which will be roughly equivalent to a 3*, and includes hot breakfast and a lounge w/snacks and a computer. The only downside is that we had to book two doubles, no quads available. Still, it is a *bargain* -- the next cheapest we could find was over $400/nt, and the more suitable places were $600+/nt.
We have tickets to five events - we lucked out and got them on consecutive days. Due to the cost of flight times four, we decided to take a circuitous route -- coach between downtown Toronto and Buffalo airport, then flights BUF-SEA via MDW (Chicago's Midway airport), train up to Vancouver, car back to SEA. Even including the extra cost for the airport transfers and 2 nights of hotels, we've saving almost $2000 over flying between Toronto and Vancouver!
We haven't made any restaurant reservations, partly because we hadn't really thought about it, and partly because travel planning with 7 year olds - and their grandmother - requires an element of flexibility. However, we're going to take a look at the itinerary this week, and see what, if any, reservations we can snag. We're not likely to be dining at Lumiere anyway.
Another reason for visiting is that we have family downtown - sadly neither ladies are in a position to put us up, but we were able to find a *fabulous* B&B right downtown, two blocks from each Grandmother. They didn't change their booking, cancellation or reservation policies -- or their prices!! So we're paying $150/nt per room, which will be roughly equivalent to a 3*, and includes hot breakfast and a lounge w/snacks and a computer. The only downside is that we had to book two doubles, no quads available. Still, it is a *bargain* -- the next cheapest we could find was over $400/nt, and the more suitable places were $600+/nt.
We have tickets to five events - we lucked out and got them on consecutive days. Due to the cost of flight times four, we decided to take a circuitous route -- coach between downtown Toronto and Buffalo airport, then flights BUF-SEA via MDW (Chicago's Midway airport), train up to Vancouver, car back to SEA. Even including the extra cost for the airport transfers and 2 nights of hotels, we've saving almost $2000 over flying between Toronto and Vancouver!
We haven't made any restaurant reservations, partly because we hadn't really thought about it, and partly because travel planning with 7 year olds - and their grandmother - requires an element of flexibility. However, we're going to take a look at the itinerary this week, and see what, if any, reservations we can snag. We're not likely to be dining at Lumiere anyway.
Feb 3rd, 2010, 07:27 AM
#52
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Re accommodation, I haven't read all of this so don't know if these have been addressed here already - last night the news had an item on two hostels in Vancouver - both were not fully booked - you'd have to share rooms and bathrooms - but they were going for $30 in one place on the beachfront and another for $39.50 in the city. So if you're up for hostelling, seems a good deal.
They also noted that lots of homes that were offered for rent have still not been snapped up.
They also noted that lots of homes that were offered for rent have still not been snapped up.
Feb 10th, 2010, 10:21 AM
#53
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Heads up re dining - We've had no problem securing dates/tables throughout our stay. I've used http://www.opentable.com for mine, MIL has been calling restaurants directly for hers (she lives locally).
We're hitting places like Salt Tasting Table, Joe Fortes, Sunday buffet at the Intercontinental (IIRC), etc.
@WillTravel - thanks for the congrats. I'm known for getting deals and hate paying full price for anything., particularly travel. I use Priceline religiously, and got excellent deals for Seattle that way. (Wasn't Obviously I couldn't get discounts on the event tickets but just getting our hands on those was lucky!
We're hitting places like Salt Tasting Table, Joe Fortes, Sunday buffet at the Intercontinental (IIRC), etc.
@WillTravel - thanks for the congrats. I'm known for getting deals and hate paying full price for anything., particularly travel. I use Priceline religiously, and got excellent deals for Seattle that way. (Wasn't Obviously I couldn't get discounts on the event tickets but just getting our hands on those was lucky!
Feb 10th, 2010, 10:33 AM
#54
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Fodorites who are interested in a family perspective on the games, you may want to follow this blog:
CJEWradio.blogspot.com
Two seven year olds from Ontario are writing it with help from their parents. So far they've posted about their preparations, school projects on the Games, internet security and trivia questions....
CJEWradio.blogspot.com
Two seven year olds from Ontario are writing it with help from their parents. So far they've posted about their preparations, school projects on the Games, internet security and trivia questions....
Feb 26th, 2010, 08:26 AM
#55
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I am just back from our 5 days at the Olympics. It was a thrill of a lifetime and I am so proud to be a Canadian. Everyone I spoke to was positive, excited and happy to be there. We were supposed to be on the cancelled cruise ship but found a modest motel in North Vancouver. The transportation by bus or Skytrain was easy to figure out and free with an event ticket. There were volunteers everywhere, welcoming you and offering help if you weren't sure where to go. We had no problem finding restaurants, sometimes stopping by and getting in, or making a reservation earlier in the day. The city is very family friendly. Be sure to buy the red maple leaf mittens.
Mar 9th, 2010, 05:15 AM
#56
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I got my red maple leaf mittens! Also just back - I was gone for 24 days and the time just flew by with figure skating events, volunteering and the many free venues and activities.
The queues have been long for many of the free venues but I think my commando planning held me in good stead. The Canada Mint's queue was usually about 5-6 hours long but I *only* waited 1.5 hours cuz I went during the CAD vs. Russia hockey game. The security guard kept us updated with the score ;-)
Queues didn't seem that long cuz I/we spent our time chatting with those in front/behind, and time went quickly - even for my longest wait by far - the 4 hours I spent waiting for a chance to see the Women's figure skating long program. What starts out as a shy queue quickly becomes friendly - we chatted with the 3 solo Japanese visitors in front of us, and when someone asked my gf to do a survey and gave us both a Tourism Vancouver pen as thanks, the fella behind us, "oooh'd" at it...so I turned around and gave it to him. He was so happy. This kinda thing was happening all over.
When we finally got tix - released by the venue at face value ($468), I was literally jumping up and down, and that was before I knew it was even in row 13. Maybe I was a bit too exuberant as when I headed to security they commented that they saw my jumping. Of course the Women's final skate was incredible and just magical with the top skaters pretty well having clean skates. When Joannie Rochette finished, the cheering went on and on as we clapped, cheered and rang our cow bells for her outstanding courage and strength.
We left the coliseum, and the solo Japanese visitors raised their palms to high 5 us. It was fun to see the dynamic of this event as the Korean and Japanese had tv crews at the venue hours before the start interviewing the spectators and having fans show off their banners. Many were dressed head to toe, cheering for Yu Na Kim (Korea) or Mao Asada (Japan). Some were there 3 hours before the event and were waving banners and flags but didn't even have a ticket for the event! Inside, the tours had seats in particular sections so there were lots of Japanese flags in a couple of areas, and a big pods of Korean contingents...and Canadians all over - so fun!
The Olympics has been an absolutely amazing experience...I can't oversell it...it totally exceeded my already high expectations. Anyone who has a chance to go to one should definitely do it. For me, this is probably a once in a lifetime kinda thing and its atmosphere is hard to describe.
People from all walks of life, every color, shape, size, age all in revelry together. I have never seen so much red and white and maple leafs - quite stunning actually. Nor have I heard a national anthem so many times in so few days.
Lots of free stuff to do: I caught concerts by the Canadian Tenors, Molly Johnson (2009 Juno award winner jazz singer), and Blue Rodeo - all who played sets of about 1.75 hours. Deadmouse - reputedly a popular DJ - played one nite and young folk lined up for 8 hours to get in!
Massive screens at the venues have great coverage of the event and not of just Cdn athletes. The stories of the athletes and their families has been inspirational, heartbreaking and in some cases, just can't help crack a big smile or make you tear up.
Enjoy-la!
The queues have been long for many of the free venues but I think my commando planning held me in good stead. The Canada Mint's queue was usually about 5-6 hours long but I *only* waited 1.5 hours cuz I went during the CAD vs. Russia hockey game. The security guard kept us updated with the score ;-)
Queues didn't seem that long cuz I/we spent our time chatting with those in front/behind, and time went quickly - even for my longest wait by far - the 4 hours I spent waiting for a chance to see the Women's figure skating long program. What starts out as a shy queue quickly becomes friendly - we chatted with the 3 solo Japanese visitors in front of us, and when someone asked my gf to do a survey and gave us both a Tourism Vancouver pen as thanks, the fella behind us, "oooh'd" at it...so I turned around and gave it to him. He was so happy. This kinda thing was happening all over.
When we finally got tix - released by the venue at face value ($468), I was literally jumping up and down, and that was before I knew it was even in row 13. Maybe I was a bit too exuberant as when I headed to security they commented that they saw my jumping. Of course the Women's final skate was incredible and just magical with the top skaters pretty well having clean skates. When Joannie Rochette finished, the cheering went on and on as we clapped, cheered and rang our cow bells for her outstanding courage and strength.
We left the coliseum, and the solo Japanese visitors raised their palms to high 5 us. It was fun to see the dynamic of this event as the Korean and Japanese had tv crews at the venue hours before the start interviewing the spectators and having fans show off their banners. Many were dressed head to toe, cheering for Yu Na Kim (Korea) or Mao Asada (Japan). Some were there 3 hours before the event and were waving banners and flags but didn't even have a ticket for the event! Inside, the tours had seats in particular sections so there were lots of Japanese flags in a couple of areas, and a big pods of Korean contingents...and Canadians all over - so fun!
The Olympics has been an absolutely amazing experience...I can't oversell it...it totally exceeded my already high expectations. Anyone who has a chance to go to one should definitely do it. For me, this is probably a once in a lifetime kinda thing and its atmosphere is hard to describe.
People from all walks of life, every color, shape, size, age all in revelry together. I have never seen so much red and white and maple leafs - quite stunning actually. Nor have I heard a national anthem so many times in so few days.
Lots of free stuff to do: I caught concerts by the Canadian Tenors, Molly Johnson (2009 Juno award winner jazz singer), and Blue Rodeo - all who played sets of about 1.75 hours. Deadmouse - reputedly a popular DJ - played one nite and young folk lined up for 8 hours to get in!
Massive screens at the venues have great coverage of the event and not of just Cdn athletes. The stories of the athletes and their families has been inspirational, heartbreaking and in some cases, just can't help crack a big smile or make you tear up.
Enjoy-la!
Mar 9th, 2010, 05:37 AM
#57
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Klam,
Just reading your enthusiastic report made me re-live the excitement and patriotism that I felt for the entire 2 weeks of the Olympics. Thanks for a great report, and glad that you had such a fantastic time.
Thats Canada for you ! ....eh?
Just reading your enthusiastic report made me re-live the excitement and patriotism that I felt for the entire 2 weeks of the Olympics. Thanks for a great report, and glad that you had such a fantastic time.
Thats Canada for you ! ....eh?
