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build and build they did. Every venue, roads, hotels for the media, VIP’s and athletes all had to start from the ground up. To say this project is a huge undertaking is an under- statement. I am sure many of you have heard the stories of the cor- ruption of this project. I won't go over old news but will relay the opinions of the Russian people I have spoken to regarding the hosting of the Olympics. The majority of locals are tired of the noise, the dirt, the disruptions of power blackouts and the complete change of their resort town. Others who have arrived to work or volunteer for the Games are extremely proud of the project and want to show the rest of the world how wonderful their country really is. Avery hard working people, modern Russia has all the pains of our society, haves and have nots and like our world, the distance between the two is ever widening. I ask people if they like the democratic Russia versus the old Soviet society and you receive mixed responses. There are older folks who like the Soviet umbrella as it made sure everybody had a job and was fed. They may not have had the advantages in consumer goods like big screen TVs and acar in every garage but they had a roof over their head and could take care of their families. The primary love of the new Russia is the freedom of travel. Before the fall of the wall, travel was very restricted. Today, most Russians who can afford to travel do so fre- quently to Europe and other parts of the world. Ihave made many trips to this country covering world sporting events and have found the people somewhat shy and guarded. Shy at first, but they have a special light in their eyes when they relax around you. This became appar- ent during our first couple of weeks. Because of the size of the build complex, many facilities were, let’s say, “behind schedule”. Most of the athletic ven- ues were completed but the other infrastructures within the venue itself were not. Because of the excellent tight security, in and out of the venue, it was easier to eat at the IBC on some days than to venture outside of the wire for lunch. At this time we would learn new Russian phrases, at times I would think is this French or Russian? We would kid each other and invent Russian sentences and try them out with the cashier Please turn to page 31 * Residential/Commercial Grounds Maintenance * Natural and Flag Stone Steps and Walls * Septic System Installation and Repairs (1) \ #80-42048 + Tree Trimming & Pruning + Tree & Stump Removal + Arbor Consultation TREErif fic JAMES PAPIA Tree Service Certitied Arborist PANDORA’ OAC RLE OORT wee cane the wtheeg ree #) meeocking Stone Work Home Renovations * Excavation and Bobcat Services iy ‘ f mW PROPER SERVICES Ped For FREE Home Estimates call 905-261-7840 FOCUS - MARCH 2014 11