This year we're not going anywhere during the seasonal holidays. More about cost-saving for us.

Well, I'm sure you have found ways to avoid the maddening crowds there over the years.

Vancouver B.C. will be socked in the head next Feb. 2010: city of Vancouver is anticipating 100,000 visitors DAILY into the downtown area for 2 wks. during Winter Olympics. The city officials want people to aim hard not to drive their cars downtown since there will be a serious lack of parking. Several roads near our building will be closed off..to allow hordes of pedestrians to walk. Instead use public transit, walk or bike.

There are several major public gathering areas and indoor spectator viewing facilities: we live within a 1 km. radius of several of them. We can't escape. And going on vacation somewhere else costs us money too. Renting home is in my opinion pointless because it costs money to store belongings, deal with possible suite damage, etc. (Not worth headache for so little $$$ in the end.) Just to give an example the stadium for opening and closing ceremonies accommodates 50,000 people for each event.

Noise bylaws have been relaxed to allow um..music, crowd noise, etc. Noise up to 11:00 pm every night during that time. Store owners and businesses can only have delivery trucks come in and out of downtown between midnight and 5:00 am. Yep.

So right now, it's all peace and I appreciate it before the hubbub starts. At this time every day, temporary tents, shelters for gathering spots are being built.