Gearing Up

03.08.10

I began the day early on an 111 mile bus ride to Whistler. Along the way I saw the most stunning scenery I've ever seen in my life. Massive jagged mountains in grey and white hues, denim blue water that looks like sheets of glass and giant cotton ball clouds that loom over the mountain tops. The white mountain peaks appear to be sprinkled with powdered sugar and contrast beautifully with the vast green hues at the base consisting of pine trees erect like soldiers and crawling moss. 360 degree magical views that take your breath away.

The bus ride seemed to go by fast. I arrived at the Whistler Games Service Centre in less than two hours to begin my Uniform and Accreditation process. The workers were very efficient.

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The process was five easy steps:
Step 1: Sign in
Step 2: Get my photo taken (we were told we couldn't show our teeth) ... bizarro
Step 3: Pick up finished badge -- under the transportation division, my credentials include access to all events and venues!!!
Step 4: Try on uniform sample sizes
Step 5: Pick up all pieces of my uniform
*Buy approved official backpack for my personal items

We were warned that jackets were being stolen, so to be alert and never leave our gear unattended. I was also told that people try to buy gear from volunteers for beaucoup bucks, which is a huge no no.

FACTOID: The six-piece uniforms include a jacket, vest, two long-sleeve shirts, a hat and pants. Volunteers like me stationed at Whistler received insulated "mountain pants" since we'll be working at an outdoor venue. Volunteers get to keep the uniforms, which are worth between $700 and $800 each. It cost more than $20 million for 34,000 uniforms sized from extra small to extra large.