London 2012

Monday 6 August 2012
Commuters?
Probably not. These three Japanese ladies were on their way to Wembley to watch their women's football team take on the French (and win). It was a terrific game and as usual, the fans were fantastic. The guy next to them didn't seem to be too interested in the outcome of the match.

We happened to see three of the Japanese football matches; it was great fun being amongst the fans as they really went overboard when it came to decorating themselves to support their teams: rivers of facepaint were used, tons of fabric in costumes and flags. Add to that their good natured enthusiasm whether they were winning or losing and you had a photographer's dream. The fans are what makes the Olympics so much fun.

We also found a few French fans who'd got into the spirit of the occasion. There are lots more fan pics via the link below.

More London 2012 Photos

London 2012

Thursday 2 August 2012

There was no work for us during the Olympics so we went out and enjoyed them, taking in football in Coventry, Newcastle and Wembley, visits to the Olympic Park, a trip to the top of Anish Kapoor's Orbit tower, beach volleyball and just mooching around London.

Today was another great day at the Olympic Park. I saw a gold medal up close, around the neck of the USA cyclist Kristen Armstrong, who won the women's time trial yesterday for the second time. she was appearing on America's "Today" programme, the equivalent of our breakfast televison. It goes out live from the Olympic Park, starting at 7am on the US east coast, which is noon here.
Apart from athletes, Jamie Oliver popped up to do a bit of Olympic cookery for the Americans. I also saw Boris Johnson holding forth by the side of the river - risky for someone with his track record. Excuse the pun...
I took many photos today but this one, which was the first of the day is my favourite.

We also had a chance to mooch around London, just enjoying the the Olympic vibe. We encountered this patriotic family just outside the Excel, where boxing and martial arts were being held.