Dan didn't want to miss out on the experience of going to an Olympic event either so we got tickets for the three of us to go to men's indoor volleyball. We went that first Sunday of the games and saw two matches, Great Britain vs. Bulgaria (unfortunately, Team GB lost, but it was fun to be at an event supported by the home crowd) and then Russia vs. Germany. The event was held at the Earl's Court arena.
We had a great time at the volleyball and really thought the city did a great job with crowd control and organization everywhere we went. After a great first event, Dan and I decided we had to see if we could get last minute tickets to anything else. Turns out, there were still tickets to the women's soccer gold medal match, which the US was very likely to be in, so we splurged and bought tickets.
Monday, my mom and I visited the National Portrait Gallery for the 'Road to 2012' photography exhibit featuring photographs of athletes and people involved in the Olympics throughout the years leading up to the games. Then we went over to Tower Bridge because mom wanted to see the Olympic rings hanging from the bridge and because neither of us had every actually done the tour to the top, which was neat.
Here is one of many Wenlock (the Olympic mascot) statues scattered throughout the city:
Tower Bridge:
They had a big screen set up right next to the bridge with some food stalls called "Potters Fields" so we plopped down and watched some men's gymnastics before heading home.
Tuesday, mom and I headed over to the North Greenwich (O2) arena for the women's gymnastics. We arrived early, bought some paraphernalia, and took our seats in time for a great pre-show. The event was awesome; it was so exciting to be there to see the US take gold.
pre-show:
Team GB on beam:
Gaby Douglas on floor:
U.S. getting their gold medals:
After the gymnastics, we met Dan at the Olympic park. Because neither the volleyball or the gymnastics were held in arenas actually in the Olympic park, we had to buy separate tickets just to get into the park and walk around, but it was totally worth it. The atmosphere was great; we walked around, got some beers and food, and then watched some swimming on the big screens in the 'Park Live' area.
The Orbit:
"The Pringle" (cycling track):
Coca-cola Beat Box:
Later that week, mom and I visited Buckingham palace; where the state rooms were open for touring, which doesn't happen very often. It was really beautiful and also included a special exhibit on the Queen's diamonds, which was fun.
strolling in the gardens:
On the weekend, we visited the BT London Live event at Hyde Park. It was open every day and had 5 giant screens and lots of food stalls for enjoying Olympic events with other fans on nice days. Although we got rained on a couple times while we were there; it was a fun day. We watched Jessica Ennis (from GB, who went on to win the gold) in a few of her heptathlon events, some trampoline, and some diving.
we also watched the end of the women's triathlon on our way into the park:
The next week, Dan and I went to Wembley stadium to watch the women's soccer gold medal match. There were tons of USA fans there and the atmosphere was awesome. It was a good game and so fun to be at another event where USA won gold!
It was sad to see the games end but so great to be a part of this moment in history and we will never forget it!
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