By HEATHER BOSCH
KIRO Radio

Getting across the border took me three minutes, tops.

The Canadian border guard asked me who I was working for and how long I planned to stay and that was about it. Keep in mind I had my passport and media ID in hand. They have a specific line for people who are credentialed for the Olympics.

Agents I've talked too, both in Washington state and Canada, have told me border wait times could be an hour-and-a-half or more as we get into the Games.

As far as getting around the city, that's a whole 'nother matter.

First of all, apologies to Sound Transit light rail critics, the "sky train" here in Vancouver actually works. The trains run frequently. You hop on and off. It's not a problem and natives tell me its a must because so many roads are blocked off for security during the Games.

That is where it gets complicated. They've basically put chain link fences all around the group of venues in Vancouver. You have to walk around to find the proper entrance for your particular credential or, in a spectator's case, ticket.

On top of that, you have security and Olympic volunteers who are just starting. I received different information from different people. Bottom line: I ended up walking around and around and around and ended up in parts of Vancouver that, well, a nice Seattle girl probably shouldn't be in.

On the up side? Everyone I talked to was friendly and willing to help, including total strangers who helped me get back on the sky train. So we're all learning here. But if I head up to Whistler, I'm taking a Saint Bernard with me.