Volleyball

Even though Team GB were not playing at Earls Court the night that we had Olympic tickets, it was great to watch Poland and Russia followed by Bulgaria and Germany battle it out for a place in the semi-finals.  Two totally different games but both equally entertaining.

Pre match entertainment

An arena packed full of Russians, Polish and us

Lots of blocks......

......sets....

.......smashes..... 

and more blocking.......

Well done to Russia and well done to Bulgaria - my money is on Bulgaria to get through to the final - good luck to you both in the next round. 

A day out in London

Lord Nelson sporting a new hat in Trafalgar Square

Troops on duty on The Mall

It seems that the 2012 Olympics has drained some of the tourists out of London, so Anita and I were able to have a day out in the 'smoke' without being crushed before heading off to watch the volleyball at Earl's Court.  

There was plenty of signs of the Games all over the city and everyone that we met and saw along the way seemed to be in a positive and cheerful mood.

The fourth plinth in Trafalgar Square

Olympic Clock now counting up!!? 

Good to see so many people just chillin'

Counting down to the Paralymics. 

Pigeons enjoying some junk food

The flags were out at Covent Garden

Great times!

Games on!

Another great Olympic experience, this time at the Olympic Park itself - what an amazing place it is!  

As it was the weekend it was very, very busy there, but every thing ran smoothly and we had plenty of time to get a good look around the park before watching Team GB and Australia play hockey at the Riverside Stadium, followed by Argentina v Spain.

The Velodrome

Both matches were very different from each other, but Team GB deserved their hard-fought draw and the final score in the second game was well earned by Spain (they won 1-3), especially all their goals were scored in the last 10 minutes.

The "Smurf-turf" Hockey Pitch 

Half time in the later match fell at the right time and we saw Bolt win the 100m live on the big screen allowing us to join in with the massive roar from the crowd in the main Olympic Stadium.

Darkness Falls

On one of the radio stations today they were discussing the question "Will all this good will and friendliness being experienced in London at the moment continue after the games?"

Somehow I doubt it, but I would love to be proven wrong. 

The big screens in the Olympic Gardens

The Main Olympic Stadium

The Orbit

The final score

 

The Main Stadium at night

Once again, well done to all the athletes and a big "thank you" to the Games Makers - what a brilliant job you are all doing.

Hot, hot, hot, Corfu.....

With the apparent absence of a British summer this year it was great to escape to somewhere a little warmer........ well actually a lot warmer.  Corfu is a beautiful island with much to see and do, although it does seem to be suffering from a lack of investment and a slump in tourism at the moment.  Hopefully my photos give you a feel of the place....

Algiers in the distance

Somewhere to moor up with Brown Eyes in the future

It was just too hot for some of the locals

Hot, hot, hot.......

Cold and delicious!

At night it was a casino....I wonder if Phil knows?

Reflective Ipswich

It was a very still morning down at the Ipswich waterfront.......

Worth Weighting For !

It seemed like that they would never arrive, but now the Olympics are here they seem to be rushing past in a flash!

Luckily I had a chance to be part of London 2012 and attend one of the weightlifting sessions at Excel.

It was a fantastic day out and I was impressed by the slick organisation by everyone involved; from those giving out the information at every underground station, the volunteer helpers inside and outside the event, the soldiers fulfilling the security requirement (did any G4S turn-up?) and the officials ensuring the competition ran on time and to the rules.

Of course the competitors put on a great show and I am now a little wiser about the sport of weightlifting.  It was great to see a Brit in each event and the support provided by the crowd outdid anything you get to experience just watching these things on the TV.

Team GB - Jack Oliver

More on the Olympics to follow........