Wordless Wednesday – No words, just pictures. Allow your photo(s) to tell the story.
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No unfortunately … how exciting to visit in person!
It was a fantastic experience.
You were lucky to watch it Hugh.
That’s incredible! Beautiful!
Thanks.
Great photo! Visiting from Wordless Wednesday.
Thank you. Is there anything in particular that you think makes it a great photo? I’d love some feedback.
How amazing it must have been to be there, it is still the best opening ceremony I’ve seen. The writer who wrote the script is local to me and I’ve seen him a few times in the last couple of years. I spent the 2012 Olympics trying to deal with a skin infection, probably caused by an insect bite, that had my body covered in over 70 blisters (the less you know, the better).
But hey, glad you had a good time!
Sorry to hear that, Paul. But how cool that the script writer of London 2012 was local to you. All that were involved did an amazing job, including a work colleague of mine who was part of it all. He spent many hours at the rehearsals.
Oh, what an experience you must have had, Hugh! I’ll bet it was surreal from start to finish (both the opening and closing ceremonies!)
I’ve never been to the Olympics, but if it feels even better in person than watching it on tv, I can’t even imagine it! Cher xoxoxo
Many call attending the Olympics as a once in a life-time event, so we had to go, Cher. Given we were living in London at the time the opportunity was to great to miss, even though John spent many hours on the computer trying to get tickets. But his time was worth it.
Ah, did he, Hugh? I’m sure at the time John was probably tired of trying to get tickets, but yes, as you said, his time was worth it!
Oh yes, no doubt it could be called a one in a life-time event for many! I’m sure the energy was palpable, Hugh!
The next summer Olympics is in Los Angeles; I’ll put it out to the Universe that somehow I’ll get to see it! Cher xoxoxo
I never have but faithfully watch on TV. I have an aversion to huge crowds, so maybe that’s why. We got to see the swimming team work out in the Triangle Aquatics Center before the games, though.
Paris has some gorgeous venues and I liked most of the opening ceremonies. But the news about the accommodations and food at the athletes’ village is less than great.
I guess not everything goes to plan but Paris is an amazing city. I hear they’re also sleeping on cardboard beds? But what an honour it must be to represent your country at the games.
Watching the swimming team train must have been a great experience. I did attend a morning session of the swimming at London 2012 and it was great to watch, although no finals that morning.
Yup, very hard cardboard beds, no A/C unless your committee purchases individual units, 5-10 women to a bathroom, and apparently the food was largely vegan and they had to bring in more meat and dairy. I think the people who planned the village were NOT athletes.
Nevertheless a fabulous experience for the hardworking athletes, just to be able to say they were an Olympian.
Trying to sleep in that heat and humidity Paris has experience must be terrible. We sometimes experience it in the UK, and the majority of homes in the UK are built without air-con. I bet there has been a call for plenty of fans.
PS My husband and I were hit by a car in the street in Paris when we first visited. He ended up in the hospital and had to be flown home. We haven’t been back. The guy driving was speeding around a blind corner.
I’m so sorry to hear about that. What an awful experience.
A lot better than whatever that was in Paris, that’s for sure!
Both were very different and I enjoyed them both.
I should get your autograph as someone I know who attended an opening ceremony!
I had 2 opportunities (geographically) to try to attend the winter games, one in Vancouver, the other in Salt Lake city. But when the games were in Los Angeles in 1984, I took a group of day camp kids to watch the Olympic torch go through eastern San Diego county. In Sacramento I watched my former SIL run the torch through downtown. She had beaten cancer and celebrated by doing a short leg with the torch.
You can tell I love all the Olympic hoopla, like you!
What an amazing friend to have, Terri. I didn’t see the Olympic torch other than when it arrived in the stadium. It was a fun-filled evening with even the late Queen and some of her corgis also getting involved.
With the games back in Los Angeles in 2028, maybe you’ll get another chance to attend?
Amazing shot Hugh. Although I have never been in person to one, and in fact do not watch it, this is a great shot of the Olympic rings.
This week I share with you Fly me to the moon… and invite all to come and share your links at ES #38 #WordlessWednesday
Thank you, Esme.
I LOVE the Olympics, Hugh! How amazing you could witness sports history in London in 2012!
We’re watching the prime time events on regular TV. Super exciting to see the stands full of people compared to the sad 2021 summer games during covid.
The closest I’ve been to an Olympic venue was years ago in Lake Tahoe’s Squaw Valley where the 1968 winter games were held. I helped chaperone 200 inner city kids from our summer camp program in nearby Sacramento. We all rode the gondola to the top. There is a museum there with Olympic memories. It was fun for me to walk where those athletes walked back then.
IMO, this post qualifies for Sunday Stills Afloat. The rings appear to be floating in space!
When we heard that London had won the bid for the 2012 Olympic games, we knew we had to go, Terri. I won’t tell you how long my partner spent trying to get tickets for the opening ceremony, but he came away with two tickets and we celebrated getting them. I still remember the ride to the stadium on the London underground. The carriages were full of happiness, music, dancing and everyone having a great time. I’m certainly glad we attended.
Of course, we’re watching the current olympic games and cheering on team Great Britain. The time-difference works in our favour this time. It won’t in 2028 when they’re held in Los-Angeles (but perfect for you then) And, as you said, what a difference to the Tokyo Games in 2021 when Covid struck. So sad to see all those empty venues back then.
I’m glad you have visited an Olympic venue. I’ve visited a few, including Barcelona, Berlin and Helsinki. None of the winter venues, though. I’d love to attend the winter Olympics one day, but there is no chance of Great Britain ever hosting them.
I did think about linking to this week’s Sunday Still’s theme, but decided the photo wasn’t really with the theme because those rings were being held up rather than floating. Although I agree they do look like they are floating. Can you imagine being one of the guys having to ensure they did not fall. Phew! What a job!
I went to the London Olympics and the athletics. So special. The opening ceremony must have been amazing!
That’s wonderful that you attended some of the events, Esther. I remember the mad scramble for tickets when they were released. I was very lucky to get a ticket for the opening ceremony. Lady luck was certainly with me when I got a ticket.
Lovely almost like a giant ring-shaped chandelier above,
It was amazing watching them being created and then bought together to form the five olympic rings.
What a great photo, Hugh. I was going to ask if posting this photo meant you attended the opening ceremony in London, but then I read in the comments that you did. What a wonderful and special experience that must have been! Mark and I need to find the Paris opening ceremony on YouTube as I’d like to see what all the fuss and buzz is about!
It was a. brilliant opening for the 2024 games, Liesbet. Not even the heavy rain spoilt it. It was so different; unlike any other opening ceremony of the Olympics. I was amazed at how they kept much of it as a secret. If you do watch it, I hope you both enjoy it.
Lovely!
Are they lighting arrangement or laser effect?
Mostly by lighting arrangements, but there were lasers as well.
Thank you, Hugh, for this information.
Great photo Hugh!
we went to the Para Olympics it was amazing 💜💜💜
I never got to go to any of the events of the paralympics, Willow. But I heard they were just as good.
They were amazing 💜💜
I haven’t, but loved the opening pieces of this year’s games, what a mix!
So different, wasn’t it? Not even the heavy rain spoilt it. I wonder what the closing ceremony will be like?
right –
I have never been to the Olympics personally. My sister has, back in 1980 for the winter games in Lake Placid, NY. That’s where I grew up, but unfortunately was away when the Olympics were being held! I missed the opening ceremony of the Paris Olympics. I will have to try and find some snippets on the internet.
The Paris 2024 games have got off to a great start. My partner and I are hooked on watching it. The opening ceremony was out of this world, not even the heavy rain spoilt it.
I’ve never attended a winter Olympics, but would like to someday. However, the chances of Great Britain hosting a winter Olympics is tiny.
Thanks for the memories Hugh. We weren’t at the Olympics in London, but did have to cross from St Pancras to King’s Cross (or Euston) as Alison and I were returning to Scotland from France after an amazing 22 days. It was the most difficult because of the crowds, but also the easiest to find directions and not get lost.
I take it you were at the Opening Ceremony?
Yes, I was very lucky to have attended the opening and closing ceremonies of the London 2012 Olympics, Brenda. I didn’t want to miss the chance to attend. I was living in London at the time and the atmosphere was wonderful during that month. Yes, very busy, but a delight to be amongst it all.
I lived in Calgary when the 1988 winter Olympics were held there and attended a number of events. It was very exciting. Then I lived in Vancouver when the 2010 Winter Olympics were held there. I loved the vibe and the camaraderie. I consider myself very lucky to have lived in two Olympic cities.
I’d love to attend the winter Olympic games, but sadly they’ll never be held in the UK, so I’ll have to travel overseas to see them. I’m so pleased that you attended some of the events in Calgary. When the summer Olympics of 2012 were held in London, I was living in the city. It was a wonderful month to be there and take in the Olympic atmosphere.