Olympics part deux

So…where were we. The end of the games, culminated in a gold rush of medals for GB and I am proud to say I witnessed Mo Farah win his race and Usain Bolt once again wow the world and silence those who doubted him – literally, placing his fingers to his lips as he crossed the finish line. I am of Jamaican decent and I was elated to see the boys win Gold, Silver and Bronze and I think their charismatic personalities have made them household names, worldwide and it has changed the way we view athletes. As cynical as we all were at the start of the games, Olympic fever captured our hearts and we were all sad to see it coming to an end. I think the Team GB athletes have been amazing, humble, well-mannered, graceful and articulate – so well deserved. It had put us in high spirits, brought us together and given us something to be proud of and Team GB are actually pretty good at sporting events and they thought all we did was eat crumpets and drink tea! There is discussion over who might be awarded ‘Sports Personality of the Year’ and what will happen to the Olympic park and other such venues, with the assurance that affordable homes will be built in Stratford, it is not certain what will happen to the other locations. It’s interesting that we haven’t heard much of the darker side apart from the empty seats & a couple off athletes being sent home or disqualified. I do hear the cabbies are furious with the lack of business and businesses in the West End missed out on trade as many shoppers were told to stay away from the West End. Also food stalls were amongst those that complained about bad business so it will be interesting if that all comes out but most of us remained within the Happy ‘Lympix’ bubble.

I was itching for a show to display the highlights of the events, the highs and lows of the Olympic Journey from the athletes, commentators and pundits (Denise Lewis and Colin Jackson were very entertaining to watch in their undiluted reactions to the races, Michael Johnson – a little too cool for school). I learned that the Clare Balding and James Corden are responsible for the original Mobot pose when Mo Farah featured on Corden’s show, which is interesting. Anywho, I missed the gymnast who was hailed as the first African American to compete as a gymnast and I missed a few other historic moments but The Beeb did manage to do a little montage of the highlights which mainly consisted of Team GB and a side helping of Bolt who I’m sure they’d claim if they could. We all were a little pre-occupied with rumours and apprehension for the closing event, would Daldry measure up to Boyle’s opening? Would the Spice Girls really perform? Would the Queen exit the arena on a helicopter with Bond as she had arrived? Well after waiting with baited breath the occasion was soon upon us, the show was full of original British Pop and Rock acts such as George Michael, Oasis (now Beady Eye) and Queen (with Freddie Mercury via hologram or projection), stars like Jessie J, Tinie Tempah and Taio Cruz. We saw a feature from the cast of Monty Python (and somebody flew out of a canon), a Bollywood sequence, a performance by STOMP, tight rope, fireworks, Britain’s stamp on the fashion industry and Emile Sande sang a lot. Would’ve been nice if Adele performed but she’s busy being pregnant, I respect that. There was an actor playing Winston Churchill, there was a singing Russell Brand, the youth of the World discovered our much loved Prince Harry has been keeping a secret from us, his real name is Henry (and the Twitter jokes about it just being him and Duchess Kate were endless). I thought their recreation of the London skyline at night was quite pretty but of course I just wanted to re-live my youth by dancing to The Spice Girls. They all looked hot, except Melanie Chisolm who looked like she was still stuck in the 90s, although I’m sure she’s lovely. They did their hits Wannabe and Spice Up Your Life and to my surprise (who am I kidding!) I remembered the lyrics and dance moves. Funny moment when they were performing on black taxi’s and Victoria Beckham (the Posh one with all the kids) almost lost her balance. I think she gets a hard time Vix does (excuse the nickname, we go back), I think she has a fun sense of humour and isn’t afraid to poke fun at herself but her public image is serious business. They were miming but they had pre-recorded it, you decide whether that counts as ‘technically live’. Our hearts go out to Gary Barlow who performed beautifully despite grieving a very recently lost little one, much respect to him.

It wasn’t long before the baton was handed over to Rio, Brazil who promised a colourful, carnivalesque diverse presentation to take on the responsibility of the Olympics in 2016. I don’t know about you guys but my flight is already booked! And just like blowing out the candle at the end of a birthday celebration, the Olympic flame was extinguished. Goodbye and thanks for a good time, good memories and good gold! (We’ll be getting it valued just in case).

 

And a last note: A huge moment of History when the racer for Saudi Arabia ran as she was the first Saudi woman to compete in that race, the athlete with artificial legs triggered discussions of unfair privelage and we have had some gorgeous athletes this year, Victoria Pendleton’s press shots have been flawless for example. And on that shallow note, I think I’ll call it a day. Thanks Britain…you’ve been Great! 🙂

Olympics 2012

Well it all started with a big bang (where have we heard that before?), the Olympic Opening Ceremony drew audiences from around the world to a standstill to witness the torch being lit and commencing the games. We saw the journey of Great Britain from Industrial ages, to the free NHS to the contemporary age of social networking. Danny Boyle‘s (director of Ceremony and critically acclaimed Slumdog Millionaire) fusion of a historical timeline with theatre, dance and musical performance gave an overview of citizenship over the years however I had my American family over and they didn’t understand a thing. They gasped “Why are the sick children out of their sick beds?” A fair enough question but a commentary throughout would have been beneficial for spectators, there were times when I didn’t even know what was going on. I realise much of it was supposed to be a surprise but I think it’s an exception that could have been made. My sister attended the ceremony and said the atmosphere was amazing, she was buzzing but when she saw the footage we saw on the TV she admitted it looked and felt much better if you were there. I do think it was slow to start but once the fireworks started, the countries came in their crowds of patriotism, the torch was lit and the announcement made I realised just how exciting it all was and urged people to stop comparing it to Beijing. Reports labelled Boyle’s creation as “Quintessentially British“, while some thought he earned the opportunity to be Knighted, some turned their nose up – claiming it was more Rap than Shakespeare – which I think is a ridiculous statement. I am glad they included the Windrush but someone did mention that if they went any further back the country would have to show and explain how they stole from everyone else’s country, fair play. Although it is to  be noted that the multiculturalism and diversity of the event was refreshing and perhaps a reflection of the main cities – specifically London and this may have been a shock to some and a comfort to others. All in all, I’m glad Boyle took the opportunity on as it could have been an altogether very different experience that only appealed to the right.

We’re coming towards the end of the Olympic events now and only when attending the games did I realise just how amazing it is to have this in our back garden. I do believe the Olympic home territory spirit is encouraging athletes and I do believe it is bringing people together (although we are only being shown the glory and the people who have lost homes/jobs/etc. are being kept in darkness at present). Before the games started, I witnessed a huge uproar about the Olympic Lanes and people seemed to believe the games were more of a pestilence than a privelage however watching the skill and mastery required from these competitors and the humility and grace most of them have exhibited, many of us couldn’t be more proud. I for one have learned the rules to games I already knew of such as Taekwondo and learned of new sports altogether such as Handball. The demonstrative explantory videos before the sports are a great insightful touch. Due to my creative nature, naturally, I enjoy the sychronised swimming, diving, gymnastics, rhythmic gymnastics. I did think the dressage was a little boring but I mean having the games in London has encouraged me to challenge my own ignorance about sports and I really hope it has encouraged many youngsters to get involved and their parents/guardians to support them. An AOL page linking to the Huggington Post proves that some of the stories of these athletes are just as epic as their achievements eg. Victoria Pendleton (fell in love with her coach resulting in falling out with her team), Tom Daley (bullied on Twitter), Bradley Wiggins (fell out with his now late father and also gave Piers Morgan a good telling off), Gemma Gibbons (orphaned at 17 😦 now 25) and Mary King (broke her neck riding a horse and was misdiagnosed with whiplash!). I think at present, Team GB have won the most Gold Medals bar China. We’ll save the statistics until afterwards. I hope the Paralympics are just as successful.
So I’m sure you heard about the empty seats scandal. Well they found a way to fill those seats, they called me. *Enter Chariots of Fire theme music* Ok but seriously, I was very chuffed to be handed a ticket to support Team GB at the Velodrome to witness Laura Trott, Victoria Pendleton and Jason Kenny speed past me on the track. First off, my sister and I took the Central Line to the Olympic Park, not as busy as I thought it would be on the train but there are crowds when you get to Stratford Station. Luckily if you have a paper travelcard you can walk straight through then you have to find your way to the Olympic Park entrance, there was a little drizzle but the Olympic Volunteers kept us in high spirits, they were funny, excitable and felt very important with their megaphones. You get your ticket scanned and the rest of your bag and body just like at the Airport! Except by soldiers, they were nice and polite though. So into the Olympic Park and it’s the longest walk ever to the furthest arena that is the Velodrome but I took it all in. I was surprised at how many kids and pregnant women I saw but it was clear it was suitable as a family event and it had a kind’ve festival feel, the sun popped out occasionally and I could see people doubling up on their bottles of Heineken behind their shades. I grab a vitamin water and it costs £3, not sure why I was shocked. Anywho there’s are food stalls galore (your usual beers/sandwiches/fish n chips/hot dogs) then further down is a food market with sushi, mexican and a variety of foods. Before then is a band stand in the middle of the canal with live music. By the Velodrome is the BMX stadium which is really cool. We get to the event an hour and a half after it has started. Awkward much?

Sooo the seats were fantastic, then a steward came over and moved us but it was just in front so the seats were equally fantastic. At first I was a little uncomfortable as I was surrounded by cycling enthusiasts and the gentleman next to me kept staring at me he must have smelled by level of Amateur spectatorship. After a few minutes, (despite not having my glasses and resorting to squinting) the rules became clear and I really started to get into it, it was called an Omnium so there was more than one type of game. There was an elimination where the slowest loser is eliminated every two laps, that is VERY exciting and feels very cruel but in a good kind of Big Brother kind of way. Then there is also the game where it might be the two leading cyclists competing for the Gold medal. Initially they follow each other in that first, lowest blue lane, watching each other intently through their helmets then…it’s on. They start to accelerate around the bend, crossing through the slanted lanes to overtake one another and it is the first to cross the white line. These were expensive tickets and after a while I looked like anyone else that was there, clapping, cheering and waving my Union Jack flag for our Gold Medalists. The next day I went to watch the Beach Volleyball at the Horse Guards Parade in Central London. A similar experience but a calmer feel at the HGP, a smaller area although still big. We were by The House of Commons, Downing Street, St. James‘ and Nelson’s Column. There were three sand sculptures beside the river and huge statues of beach volleyball heroes. I had a rubbish meal that cost a lot but never mind. The rain was on and off as I took photos with my boyfriend outside of the bleachers. As we approach our seats we start to realise that maybe we will not be watching Italy versus South Korea as we thought but U.S.A versus Brazil and we were right. We learn that each team can only touch the ball three times before passing and individuals cannot touch the ball more than once….or was it twice. Oops. Anywho there are different ways to pass, block, serve oh and it was hilarious to see everyones disappointment at the Brazilian team wearing leggings rather than bikinis.

It was a great game, both sides played well. The dancers that came outin between were not amazing but I commend them for their effort and dedication, doing routines on the sand in the rain. There were clearly more U.S supporters than Brazilian supporters, for some reason I wanted the Brazilians to take it but I was happy either way. U.SA won by about 3 points and hey the sport did originate in Cali/Hawaii sooo fair enough. Before the team serves they like to a slow clap that speeds up. They also encouraged us at both events to do a fast and a slow Mexican wave, to clap, stamp our feet and really get involved. They announced the rakers as if they were athletes which was funny and constantly saluted the pink ponchos in the audience then Rizzle Kicks came out and performed ‘Trumpets‘ with actual Horse Guards or maybe they were just trumpet players who had kidnapped actual Horse Guards and took their uniforms. Anyway there was a ridiculously heavy downpour throughout the match, I was soaked head to toe and already felt the oncomings of a cold so it was off home after the first game. I hear Kenya are putting a bid in to take it next year, I’m not sure Beach Volleyball would play out in quite the same way there.
I’ll add photos and more ramblings when the Olympics have well and truly come to a close. Until then keep watching, supporting and more importantly keep writing funny tweets and keeping me entertained 🙂

Mad Ham Two Swords

So recently I had American family come to visit. It’s not everyday that I get International guests coming to visit for the first time and naturally they wanted to do the Touristy things. They started to name places they wanted to visit like Kensington Gardens and for the first time I realised I’ve lived in London my whole life and don’t really know London. So I met them, actually the two kids (girl,21 and boy,15) were on my bus a few seats ahead of my sister and I. We heard the accents but didn’t want to put two and two together and end up with seven. Anyway, we were introduced and hugged like old friends and we joined the lengthy queue outside of Madame Tussauds. A strange mixture of rain and sunshine, my cousin had made friends with the guide outside and took a photo with him much to the embarrassment of her children. Surprisingly, the queue moved at an ok pace, that and we were busy catching up on well a lifetime of not knowing each other. I had purchased the tickets in advance, online the day before, on arrival I thought I should get my camera out early. I soon regretted bringing a jacket and bag as they just seemed to keep getting in the way, unless your lucky enough to have a servant on hand to hold such belongings. So on entry you meet Shirley Bassey there in all her glitz and feather glory, the lifts weren’t working – maybe just decoration? So we climbed down the steps and started to spot celebrities such as Justin Timberlake, Julia Roberts and Tom Cruise. It is sooo intense trying to get your photograph, you have to be very forthcoming but patient if there are people there before you, be prepared that you may have others in your Hollywood shot. I did consider going there next time in a gown and heels so I actually look like I’m at a Premiere but I thought that would be too much. Even for me. There was a Hollywood section with a Bollywood corner but it was wayyy too busy.

Sooo then we got to this next section where there was a family re-creating Andy Warhol style prints. We thought it would be fun to have this memorabilia so us four cousins sat on the perch and held odd objects like umbrellas and square shapes that framed our faces but the end result was pretty cool. I think it was like 3 for £10, 3 or 4, don’t quote me on that! Then it was off to the Sports section, where the greats like Muhammed Ali mixed with the rising stars of today like Jessica Ennis. I’m absolutely gutted that Usain Bolt’s wax work was put in there the week after. But hey! There was some weird game and another one where you could play a shoot out and kick a football into a goal. The odd stall popped up selling candy. Then it was on to Royalty, the current Royals – I must say their wax works were made to precision then you add Royalty of yesteryear, such as Henry Vlll. My cousin had already expressed her love for Princess Diana and I think it was a goal for her to get her photo with her, I didn’t realise she was so tall (I actually sound like I’m buying into the illusion here but they obviously model it on their real bodies). Then it was on to “Pop Royalty” with the likes of Michael Jackson and The Beatles, which then led you on to Pop princesses Kylie, Beyonce, Britney, Christina, Rihanna, Leona and Amy Winehouse. I admit I used to be a big Christina fan when I was little so I took my pic with her, I was a little excited taking my pic with Beyonce and respect the legend that is Amy, however I didn’t think Rihanna’s wax work was all that. Leona’s looks a bit funny too, but hey, judge for yourself.

 

The next section was dedicated to world greats such as Nelson Mandela, Martin Luther King and Gandhi oh and a Bob Marley inbetween who I suppose is part musical Genius part humanitarian so that works out well. Then it was into the room of Politics, Hitler stood but he was hardly surrounded by images or evidence of the devastation he caused but maybe that’s too much to ask. Then there was the Boris Johnsons and Nick Clegg’s and David Cameron’s by the 10 Downing Street display and a separate section to take a photograph with Barack Obama at his desk in the White house. So then after that you go into this dark section where they tell you to put your cameras away as you will be surrounded by darkness and people will come into your personal space but will not touch you. Oh how we screamed, I think we were just excited and we were all holding on to each other and it was great because I was at the back and they always jumped out and scared the first person! My sis said it reminded her of Fright Night but I think they’re a little less forgiving there. Anyway my boy cousin ended up on the floor laughing and screaming. Then you go through a calm section where you see how the wax works are actually made then it was off to the Marvel 4D cinema. I was so impressed I didn’t realise they did all of this! We donned our 3D glasses and had to wait a little too long before entering the cinema but it was a great Marvel feature, I was sprayed with water, with cold air, prodded in the back and all sorts. Absolutely brilliant idea. And that was that, you have to pass through the shop as you exit and I was incredibly tempted to buy myself the Oscar award I may never attain through my own efforts but I resisted the temptation. There’s so many people that should be immortalised there and are not, maybe we should send in our suggestions

Go do it. Go and discover London, even if you’re a Londoner. Visit the exhibitions, museums, parks and attractions. Some of them are free, no excuse!!