London, February 2nd - 6th

London bus in front of the Big Ben

Dear friends and family,

As you probably know, I am going to volunteer at the Olympic and Paralympic Games in London later this year. Last year, a role as Dignitary Assistant was offered to me, which I accepted with great pleasure. To be part of the biggest sports event of the world is a unique opportunity. Unfortunately Ralphs application was rejected, but when he talked to the Organization Committee, they said his application should be under review.... we do not know what happens next. We must say, this is a bit of a frustration, as the Organization Committee seems to be quite unreliable when it comes to Ralphs possibilities for a role at the Games. We will see what happens, but we do not give it a big chance anymore and we must most probably separate our ways during the games.

 



Glance at the Tower Bridge



As for me, the situation is quite clear and our task after the offer was to find accommodation in London during the Games. This is not an easy thing to undertake as you may imagine. I had my first training session at the beginning of February and so  we flew over to London. Besides sightseeing, which we have not done for many years, I attended the training and we were looking at six possible accommodations.

And I am very pleased to have found an accommodation at the house of a couple. They  live in the northeast of London, quite near to the Olympic Park. You may ask yourself, how I found this place. This was because of my friend, Monika. She put a request on facebook because she has friends of the steel drum community in London. And it was just great, one of her friends wrote back and gave her the hint. This friend apparently has a friend who has got a son and it is at this son's place I am going to stay during the games. A big hug and thank you, Mönä.

Ralph in the Pub: "Ask him if he likes it!"

When we visited this couple, Vanessa and Miggy, we felt most welcome at their house from the beginning. We met them for the first time and made aquaintance of them by discussing our situation. Just two hours later Ralph and I had the impression, that we had known them already for long. It is such a friendly, amiable and confident couple. And of course, what else could one guess, when everything was settled, we went to the local pub for a drink.

Olympic Parc under construction
(view from the Westfield shopping center)

On Saturday my first training for volunteering took place: the Orientation Training. 10'000 volunteers were waiting in front of the Wembley Arena. They were all curious what was going to happen. It was a great show during which we receivced general information about the Games. It was a highly motivating event where we learnt about the history of the Olympic and Paralympic Games, how London won the bid and what their aims are. The Organization Committee shall use the power of the Games to inspire a generation to choose sport and leaving a lasting legacy for London, the UK and the world.



Oxford Hotel just around the
corner at Earls Court, that's where we
stayed in London for those days



London Eye, built in the year 2000,

a real must to go onto