London 2012

Well it is the olympic year and isn't the UK alive with excitement. In case you aren't up to scratch with the world around you the Olympics are being held in London this year bringing millions of people into the UK, supposedly providing an economic boom, sending accommodation prices through the roof as well as the price of transport, food and drinks. The underground becomes packed with anticipation and people filled with the olympic spirit. Road lanes are closed for 'the olympic family' to arrive 2 minutes before an event starts rather than the suggested 2 hours due to the international flight like security. No aerosols, liquids more than 100ml and the typical firearms, grenades or knives. And don't even think about bringing a mastercard, bottle of pepsi or burger king product as they'll all be rejected at the gate or at time of purchase due to Visa, Coca Cola and McDonalds major sponsorship. Most people choose to steer clear of this event but we (being Aaron and I) braved the cues and ventured on a day trip up to Stratford to experience this once in a lifetime event.

It all started with a 6am train from Exeter to be up in London by 9 and meet Aaron at 10 outside the gates before heading into Olympic park for the morning. Being able to walk around the park was fantastic, buying some olympic paraphernalia and taking advantage of the freebies from the sponsors as well as see where the arenas for different sports are located. We were also able to hold the Olympic Torch for a picture in front of the Olympic Stadium; a great feeling. 

After this we headed off to the Excel Centre where we witnessed 3 hours of non-stop boxing. I still don't know how it's scored, let alone how some men maintain a weight between 47 and 49kg, but this was still an amazing event. A couple of aussie aussie aussies later to help an Australian get pumped we were off to dinner and to Earl's Court for an evening of Volleyball. 

Aaron and I were particularly looking forward to this event with our involvement in volleyball in Adelaide both through PE at school and for the infamous Coil's Dodos Volleyball Club. Not only were we blessed with a night of high quality volleyball but we were also able to see the Aussies beat the Brits followed by the top two teams in the world, Brazil and Russia, go head to head. This was a particularly special night as I felt momentarily normal surrounded by tall people, both supporters and players. I even felt a little sorry for a 7 ft 2 participant from Russia, a full 17cm taller than me. He must live with a permanently sore head if I struggle not to hit my head repeatedly around the UK.

A midnight train trip back and we were back in Bovey. The next couple of days I was able to show Aaron around Bovey and the surrounding areas. Considering it was in the first week of June that I saw Aaron last it was great to spend a couple of days with him again before he headed home. It was also good for him to experience what my life has been like for the last 4 and a half months.

I now have less than a month left in Bovey before heading on my last month of travel with Aaron. One of these weeks will be spent with Aaron in Brighton and Eastbourne and one in Edinburgh so no doubt this team will absolutely fly.

Until next time,

Watch this space,

Dillon