Argh. Jealousy.

 

6 years ago: I fell in love with the most amazing place in the world.

4 years ago: I moved to the most amazing place in the world. 

6 months ago: I'm here to stay.

1 month ago: The media is going crazy about my amazing place.

5 days ago: Begining of a nightmare. 

 

 

Ooh! Get me away from here I'm dying...

 

This past few weeks, my mind has been twirling with information from all over the place, and all of them have one thing in common: The Olympic Games. Now, I don't oppose it, and reading the platform of those who do, I realize that their issues are policy ones, and not really opposition to the games ( OK, some of them do think it is a capitalism way to impose its way on people and countries). But the opposition websites are not the ones that are making me so upset, after all, we live in a democracy and they have the right to protest, as long as it is peacefully. Canadian style. The news that are making me really upset are the ones from the international media. From jokes such as "Bring your own snow," to some saying it'll be the most controversial games ever, or how annoyed Vancouverites are to welcome everyone for the games. There's an even worst one, on the guardian that said that Vancouver is headed for disaster. Again, the guy is allowed to have his opinion, but let's say that he is "seeing the picture" on the darker side. Of couse, when everything goes well, no newspaper is sold. People usually like trash news, just as they like trashy tabloids.

I don't know why, but it was addictive. The more I read, the more I wanted to read to find out what was being said out there. And it totally wrecked my day. It gave me a headache and it put me in a bad mood all day. I know I should have changed my focus to the right side (if there is one) but at least paid attention to some lighter issues. This whole debate on the most appropriate way to allocate public funds also comes at the time which I'm trying to figure out which way to go with my life, and career. But that's for another post. 

Vancouver is not faultless, although, it has been chosen as the most livable city by The Economist. It rains for a months during the winter, it's so gray that people want to scream sometimes. It has it's problems with homeless, it is most livable but least affordable at the same time. We're waiting for the big one! Its mild weather never lets it get really warm in the summer... Ect, ect. Just for clarification, Vancouver residents (and the greater area) are already aware of our issues. Instead of talking about the games, world peace or anything more interesting, why trash Vancouver? Jokes are funny, for those telling them. 

 

I've stoped believing in the media a long time ago never believed in the media. Another example is the TV with rights to show the Olympics in Brazil. I can recognize their studio, I can recognize the faces I've always seen on TV, but now, as I listen to what they are saying, I can point all the mistakes, generalizations and stupid things they are saying. It would be funny if it weren't tragic. Nowadays, news are not to transmit information. Instead, they sound more like E! or any other show about celebrities. Journalism as a source of news is the last thing I saw. From the tone of their voice, to the barbarities they said, it is just stupid. Then, we (people who answer stupid questions on foruns about living abroad) never know how people come up with the weirdest/ most ilogical stuff. Well, guess where they got it from? What can I do? Laugh, when it's stupid. But sometimes, I just can't. 

So:  Dear journalist, (who saw frowns upon your arrival in Vancouver), Vancouverites are not unhappy or resentful of any tourism in the city. The ones that had this imaginary frown on their faces are probably just annoyed. Annoyed to see so many people dissing Vancouver because they don't know how to write a proper article without appealing to trash journalism. If it can be called journalism. Seriously, I can't tell anymore. But just in case you don't know, tourism is already the 3rd industry for BC. The first has something to do with these beautiful trees you can see all around you. 

 

Finally, we are almost at the end of the road. I couldn't finish without some light at the end of the tunnel. The best article I've seen around is this one "Why I loathe the Olympics, but why I hope they succeed," by Pete McMartin. In the mist of annoyance, someone who can understand what is going on for the locals. I'll end like he did. 

But that love of place, that love of Vancouver, overrides all, and with the Olympics here and upon us -- as much as I wish they weren't -- I am going to do my best to enjoy them. This will entail yakking to strangers, dancing in the streets and, plans are, drunkenness. I will also wish mightily for the Olympics' success, which will not be measured in dollars or medals won, but in those who came here and thought:

            
         "Great town. These people are lucky to live here."