A village of atheletes

The 2010 Olympics are getting much, much closer. So close, I keep forgetting that they haven't already started, if that makes any sense. It's just over two weeks to the opening ceremonies, when everybody will be watching Vancouver.

This would be the place where I say something like: "The excitement is palpable; the air is tingling with anticipation!" but I can't. Those things could be happening... somewhere, but I haven't seen it. Admittedly, no one would really accuse me of having my fingers on the pulse of the city, so I could be missing something.

There is evidence that the Olympics are near though - don't get me wrong. There are lots of temporary structures, road closures, extra transit lines and routes all pointing to 'an event of significant proportions' which is poised to descend on Vancouver.

The clearest and most notable evidence - from my perspective - is the activity around the Olympic Village. My office happens to be a stone's throw from the swanky new development located at the end of False Creek, south of the downtown core. (By the way, it truly is - or will be a village - once the Olympics are over and done with. There are at least seven or so brand new condo buildings and enough living space for some couple thousand people. The future development plans for the immediate vicinity include: a community recreation centre, complete with outdoor fields; a new primary or elementary school; small shopping centres; banking; etc. There will be more amenities and people living there than can be found in the village I grew up in.)

Up to three or four weeks ago, it was still possible to walk along the scenic pedestrian pathway that travels all the way around False Creek and past the Olympic Village. However, with the road closures came tall fences, checkpoints, and a dearth of security guards, all surrounding the Olympic Village. What that means - I expect - is it'll basically be off limits until the athletes have won or lost and have returned to their homes.

I can see why they need to do it. No one would want anyone slightly off their rocker mingling with the athletes. And the athletes themselves will need their privacy during the events - although I suspect that the Village will house a near constant party as the medals start pouring in. I still feel a little disappointed though. It wasn't really until yesterday that I realized the whole Village would be cordoned off - I was looking forward to walking past on my way to and from work, just to see how much the place would be buzzing with the excitement and anticipation of the world's most talented (mostly) amateur athletes. I guess it's not to be, though.