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