They've gone. That glorious legion of 2012 Olympic and Paralympic athletes. For a month they transformed London and transfixed the world. On Monday, one day after the Paralympic flame was extinguished, Londoners filled the streets to cheer teams in a victory parade and bid farewell. There was a final flypast, the incorrigible Boris waved his … [Read more...]
London’s Trafalgar Square is a No Fly Zone
Trafalgar Square is a no fly zone for pigeons. They are gone. That cooing, feathered flock of scroungers who delighted generations of children and tourists have been evicted. There was a time when pigeons were considered heroes "Feed the birds, tuppence a bag!" they were immortalized by Mary Poppins and as much of a London fixture as her … [Read more...]
2012 Olympics Men’s Marathon: They’ve Come a Long Way
Champagne, brandy, beef bullion Oxo cubes, sips of strychnine and gargling with wine. This was how athletes prepared for the 1908 London Men's Marathon, now an Olympic legend. Only 6 runners completed the course, perhaps due to a humid 78 degrees and dehydration. Water was not considered helpful though champagne, brandy and beef broth were … [Read more...]
2012 Olympic Countdown, Winning the Spectator Game
The Kazak Wrestling team are bringing their own horsemeat sausages and caviar to London for the 2012 Olympics. They want to be on top form. So do the spectators. I just got back from London where I checked out Olympic sites. Here are some tips and ideas from a Brit on how to win the 2012 Olympic Spectator Games. Some Background on … [Read more...]
2012 Olympic Countdown: Where and What is Stratford, London?
In a couple of weeks thousands will head to Stratford, London, the epicenter of the 2012 Olympic Games. The borough is in overdrive. The day I was there this was especially noticeable, maybe because Prince Charles was visiting, also checking things out. Much of the Stratford area has undergone a complete transformation. However it has an … [Read more...]
