Day 4 of the Olympics and it's time for the fourth event of the Games - artistic gymnastics. Rati and I were off to the Women's Gymnastics Team finals, the flag ship event of the gymnastics programme.
True to previous form London's transport holds firm and its a doddle to get to the stadium in East London, the North Greenwich Arena. Whilst East London is buzzing with the activity of the Olympics, it's famous neighbour, London's West End (Central London) is suffering from a lack of visitors to its shops, bars, cinemas, restaurants and hotels. People have been warned to keep off Central London, others simply want to avoid the crowds of the Games and some others are busy working from home. Whatever the reason commerce in the West End is feeling the pinch. Hotel rates are being lowered making it attractive for anyone who might want a London holiday for less than what it should be.
The crowds at the gynastics were there alright. How well they were managed through security and the ticket gates is an object lesson in project management.
The stadium itself is the best indoor arena I've been to. The seats are like those in an expensive cinema, the views terrific, the sound system superb and ambiance fantastic. USA sweeps the day and China stuns all of us by not winning a medal. The women (most of them are girls) stunned with their artistry and skills. A day of sport not to be forgotten in a hurry.
True to previous form London's transport holds firm and its a doddle to get to the stadium in East London, the North Greenwich Arena. Whilst East London is buzzing with the activity of the Olympics, it's famous neighbour, London's West End (Central London) is suffering from a lack of visitors to its shops, bars, cinemas, restaurants and hotels. People have been warned to keep off Central London, others simply want to avoid the crowds of the Games and some others are busy working from home. Whatever the reason commerce in the West End is feeling the pinch. Hotel rates are being lowered making it attractive for anyone who might want a London holiday for less than what it should be.
The crowds at the gynastics were there alright. How well they were managed through security and the ticket gates is an object lesson in project management.
 |
| The crowds thronged at the gymnastics. Again, the logistics and crowd management were tops. |
The stadium itself is the best indoor arena I've been to. The seats are like those in an expensive cinema, the views terrific, the sound system superb and ambiance fantastic. USA sweeps the day and China stuns all of us by not winning a medal. The women (most of them are girls) stunned with their artistry and skills. A day of sport not to be forgotten in a hurry.
 |
| The fabulous North Greenwich arena. Little wonder the gymnasts performed so marvelously. |