Return To Robson Square

Two weeks ago, Robson Square in downtown Vancouver was the site of the first special event I attended for the lead up to Olympic Games.

Though I've returned to Robson Square a few times the last few days and nights, tonight marked my first evening visit during which a lot of finishing touches were gelling.

Down in the square, which is steps below street level, a skating rehearsal was underway at the new GE Ice Center (disclosure: GE is a client).

A pair of workers were using a torch (eerily similar to an Olympic Torch) to apply some special decals to the concrete staircase, while all around, a mix of locals, tourists and media were watching, not only the skaters, but also the sky as above us there were two new features that will dazzle Olympic attendees: A new "zip line" attraction that crosses the square a few dozen feet overhead, and a new searchlight system that created a pyramid of light beams above the cityscape.

Less than eight days to go -- can hardly wait to see what awesome surprises pop up tomorrow!

Setting Up Shop

These last few days were all about setting up shop at my temporary Olympic home in Vancouver.

For the first 17 days in town, I'm roosting on the 14th floor of a Granville Street hotel room nicknamed "the penthouse" facing the skyline and mountain range to the north.

Within a few blocks, everything one could need for Olympic residence and living is steps away -- feels very much like Manhattan sans grit and grime.

Down the hill to the east is our Edelman Vancouver office and the trendy Yaletown neighborhood. If you're heading to the Olympic City, be sure to stop by the Opus Bar for a drink, and get some sushi or a arugula/beet/candied walnut salad at Earl's.

Along Granville Street, the best dining option explored thus far was Taf's Cafe and Gallery, where they offer a tasty open-face Cajun chicken sandwich, fresh sangria and other delicious appetizers with great dance music (their chocolate mousse and coffee dessert special hit the spot, too).

There are two movie theatres within four blocks, as is The Bay (disclosure: a client), the upscale shops of Pacific Centre, as well as Robson Square, access to the Skytrain and Nesters Market. CTV's Olympic Studio is up and running.

I'm on the hunt for a decent taco shop and margarita, and will appreciate any local suggestions.

From this 14th Floor perch, it's cool to gaze upon the building-size banners going up in every direction, including all four sides of one tower to the north (now covered with a Welcome to Vancouver greeting from the Olympic mascots -- see photos). And the weather report tonight brought some welcome news for VANOC as a few flakes of snow fell on the Vancouver area slopes.

Spotted a truckload of NBC Sports technical team unloading gear from a truck into their apartment tower around the corner.

It is so on!