Holy shit, we're in Vancouver!

Holy shit, we're in Vancouver and it's time for the obligatory, what happened when I passed through the airport/what's the word on the street piece, because we're journalists and real journalism ain't afraid to talk about the bums and drugs that the politicians don't want you knowing about.

First of all, the word on the street is that not everyone in Vancouver is as stoked about the Olympics as they would have you believe. I sat next to two Canadians on the Olympic Line streetcar who said their taxes would have to be raised because of all this BS. On the other hand, when someone mentioned a bunch of hippies who were protesting by blocking some bridge, they said that they hoped nobody was hurt and that, as long as the Olympics are here, can't people set their differences aside and enjoy themselves? Awwww. Canadians are so nice, reasonable, and tolerant.

(Can someone please explain the 2010 Olympic Line Streetcar to me? It doesn't really seem to go anywhere very important, and the train car is so narrow you can barely get anyone on there. I mean, it seems nice and everything--idealistic and well intentioned maybe, but basically useless?)

Illegal drugs and homeless people! They're everywhere. BC is practically the Sinaloa of Canada in terms of narcotics. As soon as I stepped off the plane I bought some coke, heroine, speed, meth, and weed. No! But I could have. And walking around the city yesterday I saw plenty of bums sleeping under bridges and pushing shopping carts--even in the hip 4th Ave restaurant district, which is supposed to be yuppie and tourist only. So the Olympics doesn't fix homelessness. Now you know.

OMG I saw Ksenia Makarova! The international arrivals lounge at YVR yesterday was this big scene where the hardcore supporter groups cheered on the athletes, while they passed through customs! That's hardcore. The Russians were out in force. I guess they're super into these winter sports deals, because Russia is cold and has tons of snow (unlike Vancouver). Plus they're actually hosting the next one in Sochi, in 2014. America's still gonna destroy them in the medal count, however.

When Makarova showed up she was mobbed by autograph seeking Russians. I didn't actually know who she was, but she was signing pictures of herself skating, and she's Russian, so that was enough to Googlestalk her on my smart phone.

Also, Canadians need to chill out a bit with the cops and security measures. This place is a total police state! That is all.