Book Reviews

‘The best moments in reading are when you come across something - a thought, a feeling, a way of looking at things - which you had thought special and particular to you. And now, here it is, set down by someone else, a person you have never met, someone even who is long dead. And it is as if a hand has come out, and taken yours.’ Alan Bennett

“Many a book is like a key to unknown chambers within the castle of one’s own self.” ― Franz Kafka

Sunday 12 August 2012

Our day at the Olympic Park

In the Olympic Basketball Arena

What an amazing experience. I feel incredibly lucky to have spent a day at the London 2012 Olympic Games. It was an atmosphere to savour, and an experience to cherish forever. Such a wonderful day. The Games Makers were so helpful, everyone going out of their way to make the experience a friendly, memorable one. The Javelin train from St Pancras station through to Stratford International, the welcome at the park, the volunteers, the army, everything went smoothly, was impressive, with everyone adding to the great feeling of celebration. 

The Olympic Park itself is mightily impressive. Beautifully planted flower beds surround the paths between such impressive stadia. We had a great time wandering around, exploring the place, and then we made our way to the Basketball Arena, like a giant sprung mattress, to watch the womens teams from Australia play Brazil, and then Great Britain take on Russia. Both matches were exciting from start to finish, non-stop action, such an exciting sport to watch, it really whet my appetite to watch more basketball. Both games were also much closer in scoreline than I had thought they might be.


Team GB

It was something else to be able to support Team GB at home. The roars, cheers of support from the packed stadium were deafening, such spirited support for the women's team from the crowd. Alas, GB lost by a narrow margin, ending the match with a 3 point shot though, a fabulous finish. 

I would do it all again tomorrow! It feels amazing to have been to an Olympic Games, and in our home country, and so proud to see how well done it all has been.

I will miss watching the Olympics on television too, and seeing all the talented sportspeople, following the drama, hearing the stories. It has certainly been inspiring. I'm looking forward to the Paralympics starting soon.

Congratulations to everyone involved with London 2012.

The Olympic rings outide the Basketball Arena

12 comments:

  1. What a lovely heartfelt post Lins. Thanks for sharing your experience x

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    1. Thanks Shaz for commenting. It was one of the best days I've had, I will always remember it. It has really moved me watching the scenes from the Olympics. It has felt like a unifying event for a lot of people. x

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  2. I imagine it would be an amazing atmosphere, you look so happy in your picture - I love it. Thanks for sharing xx

    Lainy http://www.alwaysreading.net

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    1. Thanks Lainy for the lovely comment. I was very happy and it was such a special time. x

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  3. Great photos, Lindsay. I've enjoyed watching the basketball on the TV, some of the matches have been so close.

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    1. Thanks Sam. I've enjoyed it on tv too, and I find it very exciting, I didn't know how much I'd enjoy it but it's so fast and frenetic there's no time to rest!

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  4. What a wonderful experience, and great memories!

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    1. Thanks Karen! I will certainly remember such a special day.

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  5. I absolutely agree with you - on everything! We spent Friday there, very hot but wonderful - so glad we went. Loved your post.

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    1. Thanks for the lovely comment Barbara. I'm so glad you had such a good day too.

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  6. Great pictures - you'll have some happy memories of London 2012.

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