I don't remember exactly what I've told you before, but I'd always planned to spend the whole summer in Italy during my Year Abroad. I dreamed of three whole months in the sun... presumably with some sort of clearly defined plan. However, exceptional circumstances call for a little flexibility and openness to the remarkable opportunities which present themselves. I did my best, I changed my plans and I got a job with the catering on the Olympic Park. All signed up for 17 days of excited atmosphere, being part of history in the making and yes, apologising to the world for not being one of those excellent volunteers, but a mere soulless wage-slave.
Let me start at the very beginning, because Julie Andrews once sang something about that being 'a very good place to start'. Please do not expect an over detailed account of the whole affair, because I will get bored at some point and just want to show you pictures, of which I have sadly few.
Right, I'm waffling. I'll head back to that beginning I mentioned a million years ago now.
I admit that I was deeply disheartened by the general lack of enthusiasm and faith in the Great British ability to host and perform. I'm so glad the cynics were silenced as Danny Boyle put on a spectacular show to stop the world in its tracks. I didn't mean to sit through the whole thing, as I had work in the morning, but before I knew it the athletes had been parading for an hour and forty-five minutes and I was still sat, mesmerised, side by side with one of oldest friends. Of course I watched the entire thing, loved every minute of it and went to bed all hyped up for the next couple of weeks.
Following the outstanding show that was our Opening Ceremony I was super excited to return to return to work the next morning and my mood was further lifted by the signs and the prospect of spectators starting to arrive to really get things swinging.
Work was great, not only because of where I was and what I was taking part in. I had missed working and really enjoyed my return to the real world. I had some really interesting and fun colleagues too. Here's a picture of some of them, conveniently located within Olympic rings... in case you wondered where we worked.
I spent most of the games in the Aquatics Centre. This was a very lucky placement for me, as the swimming is one of the few sports I've ever been able to pay attention to and get into during previous games. Excitement! Perfect placement, Sodexo. Job very well done.
The job was great, I spent the first week primarily in the Olympic Family Lounge, serving posh nosh to the likes of IOC members and foreign dignitaries. Exciting stuff! I then started supervising in various retail units, moving to basically wherever I was needed and that was fun too. I was actually amazed at how many people had travelled from all over the world to support the games, not to mention the home crowd all decked out in red, white and blue. I was so happy to see how pleased everyone looked with the welcome London was offering, even though we were obviously ripping them off. Stadium concessions are, of course, overpriced! Eventually I ended up running the mobile carts, you know Coca-Cola, Cadbury's treats, etc. Lots of running around helped keep you in the Olympic spirit. I got to hold an Olympic torch and the view from the west side showed off the park in all its glory.
I was absolutely knackered after seventeen straight days of work, but still running high on the Olympic buzz. On the last day the team even went down by the poolside. Check out Rachael and I on the swimmers' starting block... things.
I told you I would get less detailed and interesting as this post went along. At least you know I'm honest! It was a fantastic two weeks and even with the foot ache and wind ups (how else would a team get through the Olympics without being institutionalised?) and I'm really looking forward to getting back on site for the Paralympics. I love that people here are getting so excited for the Paralympics, celebrating their tickets and gearing up to welcome the world all over again.
Anyway, that'll do for now. Tales of adventures to come soon!
xxx
