at the games

This last week in London has been an absolute dream. Supporters from all over the world were here with us to celebrate in the athletes' victories, share in their sorrows, and shorten the gap between nations with a pint or two. We have loved every moment.

Our favorite place to go for the games was Hyde Park. This lovely area at the edge of Kensington Gardens was transformed for the Games into a poor sports fan's mecca. Entry was free, and after an average wait of 20 minutes to get through security and into the park, we were surrounded by everything olympics. There were five big screens showing different events, multiple stages for live music, and stands for beer and food from many countries as far as my hungry eyes could see.

We enjoyed many happy moments here, most of them dressed as Captain and Mistress America (the latter is a nickname I was given by a random passerby and have eagerly adopted). We were hesitant about drawing attention to ourselves as Americans in large crowds, and we were definitely targeted, but only for cheers, smiles, and photo ops. We must've taken 50 photos with different fans. My favorite moments came after Team USA beat Japan for Gold in Women's football. Several Japanese fans asked us to take pictures with us, and congratulated us on a game well played. I sincerely hope we would have been as kind and enthusiastic to our oppostion had we lost. They were remarkable.

 The crowds at Hyde Park were enormous and full  of noisy national pride, which made for an infectious enthusiastic atmosphere. Another highlight was during the Men's 5,000m Final. All screens were turned to this race to support local athlete, Mohammed Farah. Everyone in Hyde Park at that moment was on Team GB, and we all screamed ourselves hoarse until he crossed the finish line and secured the Gold. The park exploded with cheers for a man most of us had never heard of. We shared hugs and high fives with other fans sporting many different nations flags as we all stood together for this new local hero. It. Was. Awesome.

We are able to go see one event live: The Men's Volleyball Bronze Medal Final, Italy v. Bulgaria. Unfortunately the US was knocked out before the medal round, but it was still incredible to cheer on the best in the world. As a superior volleyball athlete myself (BAA city champs, 2005), I was able to appreciate their skills, and explain everything to Chris, who does not share my physical abilities. Their serves were the most impressive, some reaching 130km/hour! More than once players were knocked over attempting to return a serve. Spoiler Alert: Italy won the medal 3 sets to 1, and it was exhilerating joining in their cheers, but heart breaking to watch the Bulgarians slumped on the side of the court, knowing they were going home empty handed. Our days here have defintely been full of emotion!

On the last night of the Games we headed to a delightful bar called the House of Nations for their Closing Ceremonies celebration. We were lucky enough to rendevous once more with a charming group of spirited Canadians we'd met in Hyde Park due to our shared interest in eccentric costumes and national pride. The ceremonies were incredibly inspirational, and our sense of community was heightened as we shared bucket after bucket of beers and cheers. To top it off, we befriended a torch bearer who joined our little group and allowed us to share in a bit of her glory. When the announcers spoke of "bringing together the youth of the world", we truly felt a part of it. And then we danced. Bearing our flags with pride, and some decorations from our neighbors as well, we danced into the morning.

We did not get to see much of non-Olympic London, so of course we plan to return one day. We also intend to add "go to every Olympic Games" on our list of life to do's.