London 2012: a look in 160 pictures

 

 

Next destination: Barcelona Circuit Festival



Back to London: The main event

Me at the Olympic Park

I was lucky enough to get tickets for 2 Olympic events: Men's indoor volleyball, and women's diving. I have to say that all these events were organized flawlessly, or at least that's how it felt to me and to other people, such an amazing job was managed by London to set these events right. The traffic never felt too congested to my NY standards (busy place NY). All the stations, and roads were clearly marked; thousands of volunteers were more than helpful to guide you anywhere you needed to go (to the venues as well as any other landmarks, roads, etc.). The free Oyster pass (transportation ticket) for event ticket holders helped out as well, as it worked for all mediums of transportation. I stayed at an apartment not too far from the Olympic Park (30 minutes away), so I was not too worried about the traffic or directions.             

 

 

 

My first event was the men's indoor volley ball quarter final match by USA vs. BRZ. The venue was at Earl's Court which is West of London. From my apartment it took me about 1.5 hours, and I had to do a few transfers. The security line at the venue was fast and friendly, it just took me 5 minutes to enter to the venue. Since I arrived about an 1.5 hour earlier I did some souvenir shopping and peaked at the previous match ARG vs POL. The polish people were really pumped and I believe they made up about 80% of the audience during that game.

After the game I decided walk around. On my way down from the 4th level to the main level I was pointed out to the exit by an usher (that was a mistake, perhaps he though I was on my way out from the previous game). Before exiting through the doors though, I had ask another person that I was suppose to the at the next game, and this person assured me that I had to go through the main entrance to go in again. I had to make my way from the back exit to the front entrance which took about 30 minutes because of the big crowd exiting the venue at that time. So I got into the security line again, went to the entrance and hoped I would be OK to enter again. Since my ticket was previously scanned it was voided after entrance, and I had to plead and convince the attendant at the front doors that it was not my fault and I was misguided. Eventually she took pity on me and let me in. Thank God.

Even though the US team lost, the game was amazing. To feel every one's excitement about the game was quite a unique experience, specially since it was in such a great scale. The venue was packed and everyone was chanting, and roaring, and doing the wave. After my match I was able to stay for the GBR vs ITL game. I watched 3 games for the price of 1. Not a bad deal.

 

 

My last event in London was the Women's 3 Meter diving finals at the Aquatic Center. In this particular day the tube stations were crowded at the last stop [Stratford Station]. Instead we had to get off at West Ham station and walk 25 minutes to the park. This was the best course, as going into Stratford would have cause various delays. Along the whole 25 minute route were many volunteers encouraging us and welcoming us closer into the park. It felt like we were in a race, and people were cheering for us. "Only 10 more minutes to the park;" "Welcome, and I hope you have a great time;" "Enjoy the games." And Enjoyed we did. I attended with my friend Ryan as I had an extra ticket for this event.

 

  While in the park, Ryan and I were admiring the stadium, the viewing tower, the aquatic center, and the 2 of the biggest McDonald's restaurants London had to offer. Ryan seemed very impressed and fascinated by that fact.  

 

 

 

Before going into the Aquatic Center I decided to get a beer from an official Heineken ambulant vendor. The venue is a very modern looking structure, resembling a wave, or a manta ray swimming through the park. Since our seats were all the way at the top of the center we had to walk up about 8 flights of stairs. Although the view was far from our seats we had a great time and could admire the talents of the finalists. After an hour or so of competition the winners were named. China took home the Gold and Silver Medal, followed by Mexico taking the bronze medal.

I have to admit that when I bought the tickets, I thought these were for the men's diving finals. So when I saw that it was the women's finals on the schedule of events instead I was a bit disappointed (I thought I was going to see guys in speedos). I did have a great time at this women's finals however. Their talent and grace is to be commended.

 

After the event was over Ryan and I went out to grab something to eat. We ended up eating fish and chips as the line to McDonald's was extremely long. We took a seat in the park's food court tables and talked about our week, catching up on what we have been up to since I last saw him 10 years ago. During this time extremely loud roars and cheers came from the Olympic Stadium, a few feet away from us. One of these waves of thundering cheers came when Usein Bolt won the gold medal in the 200M race breaking the previous Olympic record he had set in 2008.

 

As the night settled in the viewing tower and the stadium itself became alive, by its lights, by its energy. It was a wonderful sight to admire. After eating we made our way home and said goodbye to one another. I went back to the apartment and started packing as the next day I was on my way to Barcelona.

 

 

These games were fantastic, and I had a great time being a part of this historic event (The 30th Olympiads). I will never forget my time in London.

 

 

 

I will return again to see the transformation of the area around the Olympic park, as it will be converted into living areas, parks, museums.
I will come back to visit the old sights, and old friends.

Perhaps I'll be back in another 10 years, but hopefully sooner. Meanwhile I'll do my sharing of travels through Europe. I hear Gran Canaria and Mallorca are lovely in the summer...

 

Back to London: The Arts of London

A play, Musical, and Dance.

Dance: Matthew Bourne's "Play Without Words"

Play: Shakespeare's "The Taming of the Shrew"

Musical: Billy Elliot The Musical

Back to London: Reunion

I got to meet Ryan-Ver on Thursday and Sunday. We had been texting each other throughout the week, so we kept in contact about our plans for the week. I meet him first for lunch before my day at the Excel arena to watch the volleyball match. We caught up on our lives, our past loves, our interests. It felt like we were hanging out all this time, instead of 10 years passing between us. We even both commented on how we both looked the same (or at least quite similar).

Next, he came with me to the diving women's final at the Aquatic Center. We caught all the action and excitement of the Olympics. After the event we got some fish and chips and made our way home.

I escorted him to his train stop to make sure he got on the correct train, and also so spend more time together before we parted. And as we parted I felt a bit of sadness come again, as I dislike goodbyes.

However, we both reassured that we would see each other soon. He may come to New York in the near future, and I'm sure to visit London again. All together, seeing Ryan-Ver again was a nice experience. I can't wait to hang out again :)



Back to London: Memories in landmarks

Today I spent most of my day in the City area (central London). I took the original tour bus around London. Although I have seen most of these landmarks already, it was nice to listen and understand to the history behind them. The only thing that I could have done without was the rain, which came pouring out of nowhere while I was on the top deck of the bus. Oh well.

Finally I took the river Thames tour, which came free with the bus tour ticket.
As I was traveling along these sights, I started to remember about my trip 10 years ago, the paths that I traveled around the river bank, pictures, nice times. It was a comforting feeling.

In between the tours, I stop along to the Tower of London to check out the House of Nations. I watched the Women's Gymnastics team Finals. Spoiler Alert: The US women's team won gold! They really deserve it that gold. On my way out I took a picture holding one of the Olympic torches.

I finished my day with a delicious McDonald's meal. Mmm chicken sandwich. The only thing I don't like much about London is that stores and restaurants tend to close early, at least during the week. Hopefully the weekend will get a bit livelier.

Go mascots!

 

By the way, I finally got my tickets for the events :D

Back to London: The Promised Land

So I'm finally back in London. Getting around to the apartment was not as hard as I thought, thank goodness. I'm found a nice room to rent in the East of London, at Isle of Dogs (I think mostly referred as the Docklands). When I arrived to the apartment I had to take a nap as I was very tired. A delayed flight and an open window will morning light coming in did not help my sleep. Who travels overnight with their window opened?
After I woke, my host Andre took me in a little tour of the Docklands and Canary Wharf.

As the name states this place was mainly used as a place for commercial trading for the British West India Company. Now the area is used for luxury boats and personal use. Some neighborhoods have a private marina where their small boats dock. And being a water oriented community, they have a club where people can learn to para-sail and kayak. I've heard that you can even kayak around the isle for the day.

Canary Wharf is the center of the London financial world. This is where all the banking headquarters are located. It is very common to find workers during happy hour at the bars around the area since the bars and restaurants are at walking distance. One of my new favorite spots is Canada Park, where you can watching Olympic events live in a big screen. Below, is the entrance to the shopping center located below Canary Wharf.

But of course, the main reason why I came back to London was to watch the Summer Olympics. I got a chance to visit the outside park, as only ticket holders can enter the Olympic park. Soon I will be there watching some of the most skilled athletes in the world make history.

Olympic update: Men's volleyball

The first Olympic event I will be attending during my trip in London will be the Men's volleyball preliminary game between the US and Brazil: Two power houses of the game!

Today I was watching the game between the US and Serbia. The US team came pretty strong and they won 3 straight sets. I can only imagine what this match will look like. I can't wait.

Men's Volleyball preliminary game B

US Vs. Brazil.

8:00 GMT

Earls Court

In only 3 days...

I am getting very excited about this moment. Every time I see an Olympic moment highlight I get so overwhelm by emotion (I don't know why). I can not wait to see the Opening ceremony. After the amazing Beijing spectacle I can not imagine what can possibly be done to outdo the Chinese ceremony.
I'll be attending an event at the Aquatic Center which is next to the Olympic Stadium. To see the Olympic cauldron lite will definitely be a sight to remember.
All the energy surrounding the city will be amazing; joining thousands of people to share a moment in time. That is truly history.

This is definitely going to be one of the highlights of my travel experiences. Well, perhaps attending the actual Opening ceremony would have been nicer, but I will have more chances to attend.
For more information about the Olympics please visit the Official London 2012 site: http://www.london2012.com/

Enjoy the games mates!

"With one week to go until the Opening Ceremony of the London 2012 Olympic Games millions of people across the UK are preparing to join in a day of celebrations on Friday 27 July."

Millions get set to join London 2012 opening celebrations [www.london2012.com]

2002: The London Chapter

My first trip to London, and first outside the U.S., was on 2002. I had taken a job at 7-Eleven during that summer to cover my my trip expenses. After 2 months of hard work I had gather enough money to cover for my flight, expenses and visa.

Since I was still a Peruvian citizen I had to go to the British consulate to apply for a visa. Being young and an inexperienced traveler I had bought my ticket before getting the visa. I remember praying to get the visa the same day I went to apply for it, and fortunately I did; by paying to do the paperwork on the express lane and explaining the emergency of my circunstances( I believe I went to the consulate a week before my trip), by getting helped by a great consulate employee that understood my odd situation, and by luck.

Finally on August 12th, 2002 I took a flight from JFK to LHR (London Heathrow Airport) on an American Airlines flight and started the beginning of my travels.

I've learned much since then and experience lots too, in travel matters, as well as in love matters.

Travel Timeline (rough draft)

(1997) Moved from Peru to NY

(1998) Family trips
Miami, FL
Orlando, FL

(2002) 1st European Trip
London, UK - Visit to Ryan

(2004) School trips
Boston, MA
Okemo, VT

(2006) Travels with Vitaliy around the US
Fort Lauderdale, FL
Salt Lake City International Airport, Salk Lake City, UT (transfer point)
Hawai'i, HI
Maui, HI
Washington, DC
Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky Airport, Hebron, Kentucky (lay over)
Atlanta, GA

(2007)
Boston, MA
Allentown, PA

(2008) First time back to Peru in over 10 years
Lima, Peru
Cuzco, Peru
Machu Picchu, Cuzco, Peru

2nd European trip - The start of a love affair with Europe, haha.
Berlin, Germany - First visit to Sören

(2009) 3rd European trip
Charles De Gaulle Aiprot, Paris, France (transfer point)
Berlin, Germany
Potsdam, Germany
Warnemünde, Germany
Palma de Mallorca, Spain
Madrid Barajas Airport, Madrid, Spain (transfer point)

(2010) All over the place in 2 months
Boston, MA
Barcelona, Spain, 4th European trip
Amsterdam Airport Schiphol, Amsterdam, Netherlands (tranfer point)
Montreal, Canada

(2011) All about Germany, 5th European Trip
Munich, Germany
Berlin, Germany

(2012) 6th European trip coming up...
London, UK
Barcelona, Spain
(Valencia, Spain?)

Future plans/wish list:
-Italy
-Palma de Mallorca, Spain (Summer time)
-Amsterdam, Netherlands
-Grand Canaria, Canary Islands
-Greece
-Malta
-Huacachina, Ica, Peru (updated 5/19/12)