So here I sit, in downtown Vancouver on a dreary Monday morning following the closing of the biggest event in Vancouver history. Today reality sets in and we all try to adjust back to a post-Olympic existence, and start dealing with the hang-over the 17 day party has left.

It seems some people expected all the roads to be back to normal already so they all decided to drive to work today. It took almost 30 minutes for the bus I was on to get through Chinatown and East-Van. It would sure be terrific if traffic remained reduced from pre-Olympic levels and at least some people discovered public transit was, for them, a cheaper and viable option. It was certainly enjoyable walking around downtown and not gagging on exhaust fumes!

Otherwise, today I mainly see a lot of folks walking along pulling luggage behind them. The line-ups which have been a fixture for 17 days are gone from the Bay, and the now-closed Royal Canadian Mint House. One person I know walked right in and bought a jacket at the Bay on the way to work today. Myself, I just walked over to the cauldron and discovered I could stroll right up to the much talked about, and much maligned, chain link fencing.

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On Saturday February 13, 2010 1500+ took part in the “Dancing in the Streets” Flash mob on Robson St in Vancouver, BC.

Check out this simply amazingly beautiful 5 minute video of Vancouver (watch in HD) from the InnerLifeProject!

Our city has never looked so good! Welcome World to the 2010 Winter Olympics!

1. Stanley Park
Located just off the main downtown core, this 1000 acre park is one of the finest in the world. Encompassing a variety of gardens, animals, activities and spectacular ocean views, Stanley Park has something for everyone. Visitors can enjoy a leisurely few hours playing pitch and putt, spend a few hours at Vancouver’s Aquarium, observe wildlife such as raccoons, beavers, ducks swans and turtles in Lost Lagoon, inhale fragrant blooms at the Ted ad Mary Grieg Rhododendron Garden and the Stanley Park Rose Pavilion or travel the 9km seawall by bike or foot taking in beautiful ocean vistas or unearthing tiny crabs and looking at Starfish.

2. University of British Columbia Campus
This stunning Vancouver campus is located on Point Grey, separated from the suburbs by the massive Pacific Spirit Regional Park. The UBC Campus offers a variety of educational and beautiful pursuits – visit the world renowned Museum of Anthropology to learn about local native art or venture into the outdoors and enjoy the UBC Botanical Gardens and the Nitobe Gardens – one of the finest Japanese Style Gardens in North America. Other hidden gems can be located around the entire campus!

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White Rock together with South Surrey, the southern part of the City of Surrey, is located on the Semiahmoo Peninsula overlooking Semiahmoo Bay and surrounds the quaint seaside City on three sides.

White Rock offers a destination for all to enjoy. Just south of Vancouver and only five minutes north of the US – Canada border, it is distinguished for its quaint B&Bs, galleries, boutiques and fine waterfront dining with spectacular sunsets over the Georgia Strait.

The City of Vancouver is a 30 to 60 minute freeway drive north. The Canada – US Border is 5 minutes away to the south, with 2 crossings to choose from Pacific, at BC Hwy 15 and Douglas at BC hwy 99. Both crossings are located in Blaine, WA and are accessible from US I-5. Blaine is approximately 1.5 hours north of the Greater Seattle area. The Vancouver International Airport is only 20 minutes away.

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