London 2012

Spectacular timing on our part...to be in London for the 2012 Summer Olympics!  It's been the talk of the town since our arrival here in January, so to finally find ourselves surrounded by the excitement of the Olympics has been nothing short of amazing.  We managed to attend a few events as well, which enhanced the whole experience that much more.

Leading up to the Olympics, I was able to catch a few legs of the Olympic Torch Relay...

Torch passing through our neighborhood

Torch on board of the Queen's Flotilla

Kelly and I visited the USA House in Kensington.  Upon arrival, you had to show proof that you were a US citizen, have your bags searched, and go through airport style security...it was fun to get inside though!

We started off with day 1 of the Olympics - joining the thousands of people lined up along the men's road race course to cheer on the cyclists!  We set up shop outside of our friends' flat in Putney, making a day out of it.  We caught them on their way out at the start of the race; it pretty much looked like a blur passing by, as they were still all grouped together.  We then saw them on their way back in, minutes from the finish line...it was soooo exciting!  It's amazing how fast they just whip by you!

Grant and me in our USA gear waiting for the cyclists

Here they come!

Later that day, Grant attended beach volleyball with some co-workers at the Horse Guards Parade.  This would probably have to be our favorite venue of the Olympics.  Obviously, there are no beaches in London, so this makeshift beach was placed right behind the historic Whitehall Street.  So, to look up from the court, and see the amazing view of Whitehall leading into Trafalgar Square was spectacular.

Walking down The Mall to the Horse Guards Parade

Look at that backdrop!

The next day, Grant joined some co-workers again at the Great Britain versus UAE football game!

The following Monday, we made the short, 2-minute walk down our street to attend the indoor volleyball at Earl's Court.  It was nice to be able to sleep in, avoid all the crowds, and just stroll into the venue that is basically in our backyard - our kind of Olympic event :)

On Wednesday, we then attended the badminton semi-final.  A sport that is dominated by Asian countries, this was probably one of our favorite atmospheres.  A few rivalries were at play, with China versus Korea and China versus Malaysia...the chanting was constant, and of course, we had to join in!  Everyone was so into it, it was a blast!

Outside Wembley Stadium on our way to badminton

Wembley Arena for the badminton

And then Friday night, we got to see the USA women take on China in water polo...inside Olympic Park!  It was awesome to finally get to cheer on team USA in person.  And the Park is beautiful, especially at night, with everything all lit up...it was truly a sight to see!  I'm so glad we got the opportunity to stroll around Olympic Park, and soak in all that was happening around us.  Definitely a once in a lifetime experience!

On our way into Olympic Park

Water Polo Arena

Inside the Water Polo Arena

Olympic Stadium

Aquatic Center

BBC Studios

G in front of the Velodrome...such a cool structure!

Basketball Arena

Bolt!

Grant with some volunteers...he definitely does the best Bolt out of the group

Sadly, our Olympics came to an end, as Grant attended Table Tennis on Monday.  We can already feel the effects of POD (Post Olympic Depression) coming on.  We hope you all enjoy the closing ceremony tomorrow!