London Olympics 2012 iii

Lots of stuff to update on following my last Olympics update...

First of all more torch sightings. On Friday the torch made its final journey to the Olympic park along the Thames from Hampton Court. As my office is right next to the Thames the I left for work a bit early and watched the torch go past along the river along with thousands of other early birds.

That night we went to a friends house for bbq and to watch the opening ceremony. None of us were particularly impressed with the ceremony although I did like the humorous touches, particularly Mr Bean, I laughed so hard I woke Theo up. We did also appreciate that London were doing something quintessentially British rather than some big and brash generic display.

Saturday and Sunday we gave our new tv a real work out. The cycling road race being of particular interest although I did also get my fill of archery, fencing, taekwondo, gymnastics, swimming, hockey, handball, beach volleyball, basketball, dressage and probably some others too.

Below is more evidence of the the Olympics existing on my way to work and where I work...

Signs directing people to Wimbledon for the tennis

View from my office, Olympic banner "Inspire a generation"

Olympic bunting next to the river at work

Barriers up ready for the time trial cycling, practice on Tuesday and the main event on Wednesday, it goes right past my office but unfortunately I've got a meeting on the Wednesday so will only see an hour or so of the cycling. 

There is a great buzz around town. Everywhere you go there are Olympic volunteers in their purple outfits heading towards their venue to do their work.

Our tickets aren't until the last weekend but we're hoping to head in to town to soak up some of the atmosphere.

Hope you're enjoying the games where ever you are

London Olympics 2012 ii

So after yesterdays torch extravaganza, this morning I had the opportunity to see the torch again as it went past our main campus at work, just after 9, so everyone got in to work on time and we all headed over the road to get our positions to watch the torch go by.

It wasn't long before there was a big crowd of people lining the streets. We didn't have to wait long before police starting coming along the route followed by sponsors trucks and buses, everyone was hyped up. Then unfortunately there was a couple of minute wait before the torch came along. There was much cheering, not long to go now.

London Olympics 2012 i

First post on the Olympics.

We had tickets to see the Olympic torch arrive at the end of its journey for the day. There were people lining the streets about 5 people deep and thousands in the enclosure to see the cauldron be lit by Tim Henman.

We were at the back so didn't see a huge amount but there was a great buzz and it's certainly got us in the spirit.

Note the beautiful weather, the good weather is due to stop the day the Games start.

The Olympic torch goes past my work tomorrow so I might get a closer view.

WE ARE PUMPED!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Jackie's Birthday

It was Jackie's birthday on Thursday. I took Thursday and Friday off work but we didn't have anything planned, we weren't going anywhere. 

Every other year we've been over here we've gone away for Jackie's birthday. We've been to Nice, Alicante, Rye, Paris and Bournemouth for Jackie's birthday over the past five years. This year we did London.

On Thursday morning Jackie had breakfast in bed and presents.

Theo had his morning snooze and then Jackie went to Balham for a pedicure. Theo and I met her for lunch at the French Cafe, which is right next to where she was having her pedicure. We both had three courses, it was all yum. After lunch Jackie went back next door for a massage. After that was a bit of shopping and a coffee on the way home. On Thursday night we went to a friend's house, it was also his birthday, and he did us and a few other friends a bbq which was great. It was nice to sit outside for a bbq and enjoy some half decent weather. 

Friday we had planned to go out for brunch and then venture in to the big smoke. We had brunch in Balham at a place called Milk. It was yum, pictures below pretty much give the low down.

After brunch we caught the train in to town, we walked past Buckingham Palace and through Green Park, there are lots of Olympic tourists already in town and the city is getting geared up for the big event starting in less than a week. 

From here we made our way to the Royal Society of Arts where the Summer Exhibition was being held. We've always wanted to go but somehow have never made it. The exhibition is open to entry for anyone. Most of the artwork is by Royal Academicians but anyone can enter, Jackie is inspired to enter next year. It's tough to get work in, very competitive but still worth a try. All the work is for sale with prices ranging from £15 for a print, to at least £60,000 for pieces by some of the more well known artists. We bought a postcard at the gift shop. It was a spectacular exhibition, helped by inspiring surroundings.  

Following the exhibition we walked via Picadilly Sq to Trafalgar Sq for a coffee.

Picadilly Sq, the big smoke. 

Then on to the Southbank for a drink by the river. It was sunny when we decided to have a drink, before long it was pouring with rain and blowing a gale. We were outside but under shelter so it was a bit like camping, we really enjoyed it. 

It was then home via a food market, picking up tickets for an Olympic Torch event on Monday and a long bus ride. It was a very long day by our standards but was a great reminder of why we love living in London. Theo was very well behaved throughout which was an extra special treat for Jackie.