From roving reporter Meg Comiskey…
Somehow, they know when their teams are arriving. Local communities come to Vancouver International Airport to welcome their athletes and cheer on their upcoming performances at the Games. Armed with flags and signs and frequently in traditional costume, the greeters bring their athletes a little sense of home.
Members of the Korean community waiting to greet their athletes.
While all of the fans cheer on their homeland teams, some are a bit louder than others. We tend to think of the Swiss as a quiet, conservative people. Not so quiet when they welcomed their athletes on February 5 with cow bells. Check out the video.
{ 4 comments… read them below or add one }
That is terrrific! I hope that our guests didn’t make the mistake of hiring your officially licensed sedan service (Aerocar). They have increased their guaranteed posted rates by 100% – an Olympic special it seems.
Service provider may have increased rates in anticipation of longer commute times to Vancouver during the Games. Lots of alternatives to downtown including taxis and Canada Line.
Alisa:
In picking my younger son up at the airport this evening,
coming in from Chicago, while awaiting his arrival in the
international terminal, my attention got distracted by the
artwork of the two weird wooden carved statues, plunked
in the middle of the waiting area: can Management review
the present-day appropriatness of such art?
I consider it outdated, by good art standards! Today there is
so much more matured material to have in such a significant
and very heavily travelled area, exposing Canadian artform
to a travelling international public….
The excellent bronze artwork on the 2nd floor makes these two
ground floor 1986 (Expo leftovers?!) look that much more dismal!
Please pass this on and get it reviewed, if nothing else, and ideally
lead to more eye-soothing change!!!
Change is a given, Growth is an option -the constant Challenge,
– virgil
Hi Virgil,
If I understand which sculptures you’re talking about, I believe it’s the Welcome Figures in the Public Greeting Area of the International Terminal. The figures are by Northwest Coast Native artist Joe David. As with many First Nations’ traditions, and carved in the Clayoquot tradition, these figures would typically be positioned in front of a village with arms raised to welcome guests to special events. The YVR Art Foundation curates all of the art throughout the airport. You can contact the foundation at http://www.yvraf.com.
Not sure if you know this but interestingly, YVR currently houses the largest collection of Northwest Coast Native arit in the world.
Cheers,
alisa