London Voiding!

[allezfred]

Had a wonderful afternoon/evening in the Olympic Park. Not usually a fan of being among large crowds of people, but there was such a festival atmosphere. Security checks were a breeze and really there was no wait to get inside.

There is actually a massive shopping centre right next to the park and we had an hour or two there. Had lunch in a Japanese place and the store manager recognised Mr. allezfred from his blog. They had actually e-mailed each other, but Mr. allezfred had no idea where the person worked and the person had no idea Mr. allezfred would be in London. It was ever so random when the person approached us to talk.

Loads of athletes, coaches, families and hangers-on around the centre and there was a real buzz about the place. At one point we passed the volunteer on her high chair that has been doing the rounds on Youtube. She was blasting out the Jackson Five on her boombox.

We had really nice seats just above the 100m start line. There was what appeared to be a big group of corporate hotshots whose sole purpose in attending the event tonight seemed to be to drink beer and watch Jessica Ennis. Literally, the second she finished her events they were off and never to be seen again.

I was sitting next to lovely woman from Zimbabwe who works in Dubai. Apparently she thought I knew something about athletics. Unlike other athletics championships everything is quite spaced out so there is plenty of time to enjoy the different events. Highlight of the night was David Storl, silver medallist in the shot put, nearly mowing down two of the backmarkers in the 10000m final on his way to celebrate his medal.

The journey home was a bit epic. We avoided the route we came as it looked as if an ocean of people were heading that direction. We hiked to a different station and got home about an hour and a half after we left the stadium. I suppose given the circumstances it wasn't too bad.

The Olympic experience is fantastic. Had it once in Torino and while that was very special I have to say I'm enjoying this more. Cheesy and all as it sounds it really is where the whole world comes together to party!

[SHARPIE]

. Had lunch in a Japanese place and the store manager recognised Mr. allezfred from his blog. They had actually e-mailed each other, but Mr. allezfred had no idea where the person worked and the person had no idea Mr. allezfred would be in London. It was ever so random when the person approached us to talk.

So MEGA RANDOM!!! Awesome !!!!


Your whole day sounds and but I love shit like that! So Wheeee!

[allezfred]

Popped into the Olympic shop in Hyde Park this afternoon and off to the race walking in a few hours. Let's hope the weather holds!

[morqet]

http://www.flickr.com/photos/ach-nei...7630897638660/

I've uploaded my photos from London so far; it's been a wonderful week! The highlight was definitely the athletics yesterday with 80,000 people crammed into the stadium just for the morning session, but I've also been lucky enough to see tennis, swimming and gymnastics.
It's very strange but being in the Olympic Park doesn't actually feel like being in London. All the other venues I've been to have, but the park and the stadium itself is just another world. Hope everyone who has tickets for the rest of the games enjoys themselves as much as I have!

[os168]

Popped into the Olympic shop in Hyde Park this afternoon and off to the race walking in a few hours. Let's hope the weather holds!

You have to try to make a trip to PINK BERRY upstairs at Westfield shopping mall, best Frozen yoghurt in UK, try Natural mixed with something else. (Original brand from the states west coast that is much better and authentic than Moo)

Btw how do people recognize you, are you famous or something? Is Japan center you went to? (The one opposite waitrose) I think I know that store manager lol!!!

I am off tomorrow for Men's 100 m finals, Marathon in the morning around Pall mall area then track and field in the evening. Can't wait!!

[Wyliefan]

I'm heading to Portsmouth next week for a conference. Will give a little wave in the general direction of all FSUers in London as I pass through!

It's funny how excited people are -- I mentioned the trip to a doctor in my chiropractors' office, and she about passed out. "Maybe you'll see Michael Phelps!" "Um, no, I'm going straight to Portsmouth from the airport." "But maybe you will anyway!" It was cute.

[Celine82]

morqet, thanks for sharing your pictures!

so the Olympic cauldron is inside the stadium? can people see it at all from outside?

[morqet]

morqet, thanks for sharing your pictures!

so the Olympic cauldron is inside the stadium? can people see it at all from outside?

No, you can only see it from in the stadium. I love the design, but it would be nice if everyone in the park could see it, not just those with tickets for events in the stadium.

[Celine82]

Oh, what a pity! I went by the cauldron in Vancouver almost every day, it was such a special feeling... too bad it's not possible this time.

[Lorac]

No, you can only see it from in the stadium. I love the design, but it would be nice if everyone in the park could see it, not just those with tickets for events in the stadium.

I think this was a bad/wrong decision - it would have been lovely if everyone in the Olympic Park could see the flame. It really seems to be sitting low in the stadium as well!!

[ross_hy]

Just a small update as I am currently on a layover on my way home. Went to the Today show yesterday and saw all kinds of sporting royalty. Apologies for a long runon sentence but it was Gabby Aly Nastia Carly Mary Lou Shawn Lochte and Clary's. So awesome. I feel sorry for people coming the second week because the merchandise shops will be wiped out unless they get more in. Overall it was an amazing experience and I can't wait to go back! Olympics or London.

[Lara]

I think this was a bad/wrong decision - it would have been lovely if everyone in the Olympic Park could see the flame. It really seems to be sitting low in the stadium as well!!

Agree with that. It's beautiful, but far too short and it's a shame not to get the nice shots with the flame in the background.

[allezfred]

Keep repeating myself, but the atmosphere in the city is just amazing! Went to the race walking today in front of Buckingham Palace and saw Guatemala take their first Olympic medal ever! What a moment and you could just see how much one single medal can mean to a nation.

Went out to dinner with my sister and her/our friend so only caught a bit here and there of the events. The mood is just so festive.

Leaving London tomorrow to go to Brighton for a night. Can't believe our time here is almost over, but it has been so special. I love the Olympics!

[Marge_Simpson]

Can you post some photos, allezfred?

[Lanie]

Glad you're having fun! I am so jealous!

[allezfred]

Can you post some photos, allezfred?

I'll see what I can do.

Went out for some breakfast and it was a lovely summer day. Now back in the room getting ready to check out and it has gone all dark and started to rain. Hope it stops as we are way too close to the station to get a taxi.

[allezfred]

In Brighton tonight. Biggest void of the evening was drunk guy lying on the pavement clutching a can of Dutch Gold with his arse hanging out.

Full today tomorrow here and back home on the last flight of the evening!

[os168]

I am so incredibly happy to be able to strike off one more thing from my bucket list. See the world fastest man flew by right infront of my very eyes and break his own stunning Olympic record. What an amazing day, sight, and amazing spectacular atmosphere in the stadium I will never forget and will treasure forever! London did a great job controlling the crowd, manage their experience, really lovely happy policeman, military arms men and great job by the volunteers. Not a grumpy bored face in sight.

It started off from what I can only describe as a 'wet wet wet' morning seeing the women's Marathon off from Parliament Square while getting completely drenched. I had been worried about how the rain (& weather forecast for showers) might affect Usain's race in the evening, only to thank the lucky stars the rain passed by the stadium completely and makes it perfect 100m. Someone in the heaven loves the Jamaicans!!

The stadium atmosphere was absolutely the highest I have ever experienced in my life. I have been to some amazing live events and sport competitions around the world, but truly, there's nothing quite like the Olympics at your own home city. Usain Bolt! ~ Usain Bolt! ~ chimed to the rhythm of USA USA. Yohon getting personal best was pretty awesome too. I don't care about political correctness, but I am glad Gatlin ex doper didn't spoil the magic evening for the Jamaicans. Surprised US of all nations continue to let ex-dopers representing them.

So many great successes for Team GB today I still need to catch up. The news Murray over powered Roger F in 3 sets (!!?) set the crowd buzzing outside McDondalds camp where we were chilling out. Gutted he missed out the double whammy from one measly points for the double. I can't wait to see the replay.

[Diane Mars]

Thanks a lot for the voids ! And I had to read this topic to learn that Guatemala earned his first oly medal ever

[os168]

Usainity from my seat

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TweaNn1JOnQ