It is day 6 of the games. So far it has been fun. I have chosen to avoid the long lines. I have learned to never complain about the 5$ cup of beer (7.50 now) and I’ve learned that Vancouver can be a fun place to walk around on weekends.
I was disappointed in Canada House (someone smooth made 9.5 million off that boondoggle), but I got to hold an Olympic torch and see a real Rocket Richard jersey. Other than that I thought it was a national disgrace. I wonder how long the Chicago firm thought about that one before slapping that tent together in January.
The weekend crowds were colourful and happy, despite periods of rain. I sat in a crappy little restaurant and got charged $20 for two beers and a plate of french fries. When I was going to pay the owner rushed over and told us we didn’t need to leave a tip as they had already added 20 per cent to the bill. Say what??? It seems that a lot of restaurants did this for the Olympics – jacked their prices. Apparently foreigners don’t tip well so they just add 20 per cent to the bill to cover it Well, as a local I won’t be going there again. There are several restaurants doing this it seems. Megabite pizza has raised their prices by 300%. The .99 cent slice of pizza is now $2.49. Earl’s has added 20% to the bill and the $4 breakfast by my office is now $6.50 all day. Just add those restaurants to my list of “I’ll never go there again” spots. I can’t believe the greed and avarice of these opportunistic bastards. I think they need to remember that the games are on for 2 weeks, and after they are done there will be a whole lot of people still here. I know that my list of businesses that I will visit gets shorter by the day. Don’t huff and tell me to get over it. I think its ridiculous the way these places are trying to screw everyone. They claim its because they have to hire more staff and buy more stuff…why…because you are BUSY all day now??? Isn’t that what businesses want??? I didn’t forget Mr Tube Steak and the hot dog that was $2 more either!
Today Vanoc had the fence moved around the flame. You can actually see it now. They managed to make yet another line for you to stand in. If you want a great photo op, its worth waiting to get on the viewing platform.
The womens downhill was running while I was on my lunch hour. Skiier after skiier crashed, but some made it down. No doubt people will blame vanoc for the track. It was spectacular to watch.
