Day 14 - The Dark Knight Rises

After spending some time in the USOC Operations office doing my usual check in with Julie and Jen there were a few issues I had to figure out with the UEL staff but I got them ironed out fairly early.  I got to spend a majority of the day making sure the teams were accommodated.  The badminton players arrived and they were so friendly.  It is so cool to sense their genuine excitement and their appreciation for everything you do for them.  The day also led me to run into the men's volleyball team numerous times and I got to lead one player across campus to the dining hall.  Once again they were all very nice.  I hadn't realized the facility was going to be used for athletes that don't train in the gym areas.  Other teams were using the facility for strength and conditioning purposes as well.   That's pretty cool because I should come across sports as well, like volleyball.  For lunch I went to "the Bite", a little cafe/restaurant on campus.  The woman serving food started telling me her story because I noticed she had an accent.  She was originally from Poland.  The experience you gain traveling is phenomenal because you get to meet different kinds of people you otherwise may not meet.  She also told me she was working security at Olympic Stadium during the Opening Ceremony and was stationed near where the speakers would be.  She claims that she has seen what is going on but I was unable to bribe to get info.  I tried.  My impatience to see the "Dark Knight Rises" overcame me and I decided to go see it by myself.  I got to the theater at the 02 and the show sold out so I had to wait another 45 minutes but I knew it was worth it.  The movie was brilliant and spectacular.  I came out of the theater in awe.  Not many movies get me to see them twice but I know I will be seeing this one again.  Batman was always my favorite superhero growing up.  I'm not sure if you can call him one since he doesn't have a super power.  That's probably why I liked him.  He seems more realistic.  The late movie did leave me in a bit of a pickle though.  The trains had stopped for the night and it was a Sunday so it just so happens that the bus to where I needed to go did not operate either.  I should not have assumed but I met a hustler on the street.  He finds people needing taxis and calls his contacts to find the best prices.  I held my ground and he found a very reasonable deal.  It was actually kind of fun because it was an interesting experience and he was fun to shoot the shit with while we waited for the taxi.  I made it to where I needed to safe and sound.  The early meeting in the morning could be rough but the night was well worth it.  Two weeks down!  Good night!

Days Until Olympic Games: 5

Day 13 - Torch Relay & Leinster Square

Torch Relay

Wrestling training area with sauna

I got so busy working on some things in the morning that I almost missed the highlight and a very unique opportunity.  The Torch Relay passed right by the UEL campus so the team gathered on the curb as though a parade was coming by.  It was very short lived but it was very cool to see a part of the Torch Relay for an Olympic Games in the host city.  Once again it reminded us all that the days were becoming very few.  I gathered my minions and adjusted the wrestling mats and got ready for Badminton's arrival.  Getting the wrestling space set up has required some time, energy, and constant communication but I really hope they appreciate what we have done for them because normally that is hard to come by at home.  I used my afternoon up demonstrating my carpentry skills getting the floor put into the sauna and the benches installed.  My brother, Kyle, would be proud.  Yohan, the maintenance man here at UEL, has helped me immensily by providing equipment for me.  I don't know how many times I have asked for something and heard "no problem Chad" from his mouth.  I have to hook this guy up somehow.  The sauna is finally finished!  I'm very happy with how that little shack has turned out.  Of course after spending most of the day inside we finally had the best weather of our whole stay.  It was gorgeous and brightened everyone's mood (even though everyone remains very excited and is enjoying their time here), particularly the security standing watch outside.  Josh, Justin, Rob and I decided to check out Oxford Circus.  It was a very cool area because as you walked down the street it was very lively and there were ropes bearing about 6 flags spaced out throughout.

London Monopoly board from group conquering a pub at each location

Then we came upon the area known as Piccadilly Circus and Leinster Square.  It's basically London's version of Times Square but watered down.  It was so busy but amazing to see at night.  Then we found a club and were curious to see what they were like in London.  Like everything else here it is very similar to America.  My favorite part, like a lot of my London adventures, is people watching.  The crowd in London is so diverse in the sense that there are people from all over.  The club held true in that regard.  London is very different from America and other parts of Europe because it shuts down a lot earlier.  A lot of pubs close up at 11-12 PM and most things are for sure closed by 2 AM.  Heck even in South Dakota and Minnesota you get until at least 2 AM.  As they say "Keep calm and carry on".  Until next time, adios!

Days Until Olympic Games: 6

Day 12 - Dickens and the Double Decker

As my stay here in London gets longer I'm beginning to notice that it is getting increasingly harder to remember everything that went on in previous days.  This means I must keep my blogging as up to date as possible.  The team meetings we are having every third day, I feel, are perfectly planned.  The time between meetings gives the team enough time to recap and enough time in advance before the next meeting.  Kudos to our leaders.  There were a few things that I worked on settling in the morning but up to this point he main parts were settled.  Somehow details of the Call of Duty matchup between him and I was leaked and Jen gave me crap about it when I stepped into the office.  I immediately texted Paul and told him to get the game ready and that it was going down!  We basically found out that we are very even players but I did take the crown for the rematch.  The sauna was finished wiring in the afternoon and we started it up.  It worked beautifully.  Wes, John, and I joined the 24 Hour crew for some full court bball in the evening.  It was great to get some running in and to play some basketball.  Besides, we needed to fully test the court and make sure the NBA'ers could play on it.  We gave up a lead and lost the full court game but came back from down 7-2 and won the 3 on 3 game.  It was great because Wes and Kristen were bragging about how they had never lost in London.  Not anymore!  After Rob and I met up with the 24 Hour peeps to head to central London to check out a pub that is famous for Charles Dickens spending time there and writing. 

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24 Hour Fitness Crew (wave 1). Love these guys!

It was a very unique pub and you could tell it was very old.  We ventured down the narrow and low stairways to the downstairs pub area.  I got to know all of the group more and understand where they came from.  They were a lot of fun.  After spending time with them it will be hard for the next wave of 24 Hour staff to beat them (there are 3 waves throughout the Games).  They were all so excited to be here and so helpful, yet they they barely got to experience all the athletes around and won't be here for the start of the Games.  I thought I was great at getting pictures, although I have slacked compared to the past, but Desiree was flashing that camera like it was her job.  She captured every group shot she could.  I look forward to seeing them.  We ventured to a couple more places to keep the night going longer but none had the same character as the Dicken's place, Ye Olde Cheshire Cheese.  I mean the place was rebuilt in 1667. Wow!  I finally got to ride my first double decker bus in London on the way home. 

Front row seat on double decker bus, second level

I grabbed a seat in the first row on the top.  It was so crazy sitting up there and looking down at the street, especially when these buses are going so fast and turning corners on the narrow streets.  Streets are a lot narrower over here.  From there I ventured to the back seat and sprawled out for a nap since the ride home took a while.  It does seem like I am going out an awful lot.  I am pretty lucky my job has allowed me to experience London to this point.  Who knows what things will be like once the Games start or if I will even dare try to travel through the city with how busy it will be.  We never get crazy when we go out but rather unwind from the busy days and chill a bit.  It's been great!  Today marks one week out from the Games.  "Have a heart that never hardens, and a temper that never tires, and a touch that never hurts." - Charles Dickens

Days Until Olympic Games: 7

Day 11

It was a pretty slow day around UEL for me.  I dealt with some requests here and there and tried to catch up on some blogging.  I crossed paths with many of the fencers throughout the day and they all looked so excited to be here.  It's so crazy because many of them are younger than me.  I can't imagine what an experience it is to attend your first Olympic Games so young.  I bet it is all coming at them so fast and they are quite able to soak it all in.  This is a first for me but I have been here for a little while already and have done a lot so at this point I can take a step back and reflect a bit.  That could change by the end and it may seem like a blur but that is another reason I really want to do this blog.  As I recap the first 10 days here in London I find myself curious and eager for another adventure after this one.  I feel like my energy level is still as high as when I arrived.  Now I can't wait until the Games actually begin.  From all the people I have met from London and other places, the banners saying "London 2012", and seeing the different venues I can fully sense it all being very real so once the Games kick off I will know I am truly here.  The only thing that seems a bit weird is when I see the athletes and have to remind myself that they are Olympians because in the Springs I see athletes but most of them are not Olympians.  Every athlete here, aside from training partners, is here to represent our country and compete to be the best in the world.  Knowing that is absolutely unbelievable and a blessing to be a part of.  I can't wait until the 27th!!  The dining crew invited us all over for afternoon tea.  I thought it was just a snack time but it was legit tea.  I went for the actual English tea so I could experience an authentic tea made by a Brit.  It was actually not bad.  After a farely chill day four of us headed to Canary Wharf which is amidst all the tall buildings in London.  We did feel a bit out of place because it is a business district.  One of the buildings had a ticker displaying the stocks.  I'm guessing the area is similar to Wall Street in New York.  I had been craving pasta and talked the group into an Italian restaurant.  The penne was delicious but I don't think I will be doing an appatizer including liver pate ever again.  Yuck! After, we decided to get back on the tube and hit up a different stop for a drink and a place where we fit in better.  As we were going through the station there was a man playing his guitar and singing songs by the Beatles.  He was excellent.  I couldn't help but empty my pockets and give him my change because I was hearing the Beatles in England.  I was impressed!  Our next stop was a pub called King's Head was located in a small alley.  Up to this point it is one of my favorite stops because of the interaction with the people there.  This was my first interaction with the bartender.  Me: "Are you from Scotland?"  Bartender: "Yes."  Me: "Yep I've seen Braveheart."  Bartender:  "Braveheart is bullshit."  It was pretty funny.  The movie was historically inaccurate in his eyes.  Him and another bartender from across the alley were great because they gave us so much history of the country.  I truly enjoyed the culture I was experiencing from the two because they had great tradition.  It was funny how they bashed England and still held a bit of a grudge even though it has been hundreds of years.  To Scotland! Haha.  Each night I have been out I have experienced a different spot in London so by the time all is said and done I can say I have thorougly experienced London.  From London, Cheers!

Days Until Olympic Games: 8

Day 10 - The Village

A morning errand run to B & Q  (UK's version of Home Depot) for some tools made me feel like I was back in Colorado Springs.  If only the company vehicle was the same.  The new BMWs just aren't up to par to our late 80's truck.  BMW is a sponsor for the 2012 Olympic Games as well as Team USA.  Scott talked me into signing up to be able to drive so I will be able to take one for a drive and have my first experience driving on the other side of the road...legally.  From there the fun began setting up my favorite sport, wrestling!  Could you sense the sarcasm in that sentence?  I did get to put together a sauna though and that was a new first.  After a solid morning of setups I decided a break in the Athlete Services Center for lunch would be a good idea.  Paul and I got on the sticks (lingo for controllers for gaming) to play some Call of Duty.  It was a good changeup to the day.  The HPTC's first athletes arrived to train. 
It was the fencers.  I heard from multiple people that they were very happy with the area set up for them to train.  They said it was better than the actual Olympic training venue.  It was really cool to hear how grateful they were and a lot of credit goes to the help of Rob, Paul, and the 24 Hour Fitness crew who helped me.  My next mission for the day led me to the Olympic Village.  The trip gave me a strong dose of "Hey I'm really at the Olympic Games." 

Team USA residence

Linda was very nice to take time out of her busy day and show me around a bit.  She is accredited to work in the Village and it is extremely busy for our staff working there.  We strolled around a bit.  The flags lining the paths was really cool along with all the banners and flags hanging from balconies from the countries that had moved in and taken over there assigned space.  Linda showed me the Team USA area.  This included the court yard, rooms, offices, athlete services, medical, etc.  You wouldn't believe how big the dining area was.  I didn't go in because it costs 25 pounds (like $40) for outsiders but it was massive.  I would say 3-4 football fields with areas of food from each continent.  It was a great tour.  Thanks Linda. 

View of Olympic Village and Olympic Stadium from Team USA's building

Wearing a London police officer's hat

Hopefully, once the Games get going there will be a day when I can get a pass again and get in there and see some of the competition venues.  It wasn't long ago we were celebrating being 100 days away from the Games starting and now we are down to single digits until the cauldron is lit! Wow!  It's an early night for me.  Ta ta for now!

Days Until Olympic Games: 9

Day 9 - Off to See the Queen

It's amazing how fast time is going.  Official training begins tomorrow when some fencers come in.  The wrestling mats left many of us puzzled because we had never seen those styles before.  We decided not to touch them until we found the right contact to tell us how to assemble them.  It turned out to be a pretty chill day because it allowed me to get my laundry done.  Paul and I decided since we were essentially free for the day that we would hop on the train and head to the 02 for lunch.  We rode the tram across the river.  It gave a great view of the city and many Olympic sites.  The 02 is massive.  It is typically a venue that holds a lot of concerts.  I know the basketball final there.  That would be spectacular to see.  From there it was time to see some royalty.  By that I mean Buckingham Palace. 

Buckingham Palace

It's great having Paul as a sidekick that is a local and can guide you around the city.  The Queen is in the house!  The flag above the palace is displayed when she is in the building.  It's an extravagant area around the Palace.  The fences display lions and the statues feature lions as well.  I'm a big fan.  Lions are one of my favorites.  I was able to conquer another one of my missions and that was to see the guys with red coats and the big black fluffy hats.

Paul

 Loads of people were in the area but there may have been more pigeons. We walked through the park and enjoyed the nice weather before making it to Westminster (home of Big Ben) to catch the train back.  Not bad for 3 hours of the day.  I got to see some cool stuff.  We worked on getting some loose ends tied up once we returned to UEL.  After finding out there were no extension cables available we set out on another adventure to a B & Q which is England's equivalent of Home Depot.  An adventure is excactly what it became as we walked for a while to find it and then a while to get back.  Future stops will definitely involve a car.  Fred decided it would be good to treat Bill to dinner at a place in the 02 since he was headed back tomorrow.  So I actually got to ride the tram twice today.  The view may have been even better this time since it was the evening. 

Tram ride with O2 and London skyline

We ate at Nando's.  It's a common chain restaurant here.  Chicken is a common thing there.  I would say it was a common ending to Bill's stay even though he will be coming back to help tear down.  We really appreciated all his help with everything because he was only asked to come set up the volleyball floor.  I'm very excited for tomorrow because I get to venture into the Village.  The Village is where all the athletes from all the countries participating come.  It is a highly secure place but I was able to get on the day pass list to check it out.  Duces! (word for peace since the symbol for peace is two fingers in case you were wondering)

Days Until Olympic Games: 10

Day 8 - Delivery, delivery, delivery

View from the Tower Bridge - Tower of London (right)

Tallest building in Europe along with London Bridge

I spent the majority of the day dealing with deliveries.  I had to make sure some pallets were ready to get shipped to Birmingham where Track & Field was having their pre-Olympic camp.  It's a few hours from here.  Fred and I coordinated a few deliveries between Score and UEL since he was up there.  I'm starting to get a grasp on my phone now.  It's been about 5 or 6 years since I have used a phone with this capability.  It's basically for calling and text messages and thats it.  There is no camera and you have to delete the messages manually as they get full.  Kick'in it old school! It's funny that I'm calling it old school even though we used those kind of phones within the last decade.  However, the shortcuts and intricacies of the phone are coming back to me now, like T9 texting.  It does have one cool feature where you can hold a button and call yourself.  I guess that is good if you want to take a "fake" call.  I would never use that, or would I?  One of the volunteers, Paul, came in to help me with what I had going on.  Pretty cool dude.  He followed me around for the day and we talked about a variety of things.  Others started calling him my assistant.  It was enjoyable to hear the British terms for certain things.  Many are not quite fitting for this blog.  He did point out a cute girl and said that she had nice "pins", meaning she has nice legs.  I also noticed how common it is for people to say cheers which means thank you.  He told me I had to get accustomed to it myself because females are the ones who occasionally say "thank you."  I'm trying, at least when I'm talking to other British people.  It's difficult though because I often find myself wanting to say it like them and try adding an accent which probably makes me look dumb.  We tested the basketball courts out and shot some hoops during the day until the wrestling mats delivery came.  Finally it arrived at 6.  
AJ and I arranged for a few of us from UEL to meet up with a few of his crew from USA House at the Tower Bridge.  The bridge actually looked a bit more spectacular tonight since there was no rain.  The old battleship docked alongside the river was also lit.  We found a new place along that bridge road that actually had some nice deals.  It's always fun to break away from our village at UEL and see some other peeps, especially since UEL is on the east side and there is not much near.  Once again, thank you London tube system.  That is all.  Good night. Zzzzzzzz

Days Until Olympic Games: 11