I arrived at Ness’ and Miggy’s home around midnight. This is the place in northeast of London which will become my home during the Olympic and Paralympic Games this summer. I was quite excited to meet them again. They welcomed me in a very warm and open manner. We were drinking a (one…?) glass of wine and talking until three o’clock in the morning. Ness and Miggy decorated my room, put flowers in it, I already felt comfortable with them after a few hours.
During my stay in London I had to pick up my uniform and attend my role training. I now know what is expected of me during the Games as a Dignitary Assistant. I now have to get familiar with London, the venues and sports. I have to read and understand a lot. “How will it feel to be part of the biggest sporting event on the planet? Am I able to accomplish my important role in these Games?” Many questions arise. London 2012 is unimaginably big: There are 30 days of competition, 15’000 athletes competing in 46 sports. 200’000 people are working for these Games thereof 70’000 people involved as volunteers. Do you want to learn more about the Games? Look at http://www.london2012.com/.
In the past week I spent a great time with Ness and Miggy. They took me to places, introduced me to friends and family. One night we went out for dinner to John’s curry-place (Ness’ brother). Another night we went to see the musical theatre “Flora The Red Menace” at “Ye Olde Rose and Crown Theatre” in Walthamstow. I met Randy, a close friend of Ness and Miggy who directed the play. It was a remarkable good musical. I appreciated the time very much. Downstairs was the local Pub, a must before and after the show (how practical!).
On Saturday I decided to discover the city of London more closely. I took the Underground to Westminster and strolled along the river Thames. A wonderful walk passing famous buildings such as the Palace of Westminster, Big Ben, Shakespeare’s Globe Theatre, Tate Modern, the Golden Hinde (replica of Sir Francis Drake’s famous galleon) and many places of interest more. There was a permanent big stream of people walking along the river. I admired London’s skyline. When I reached the historical Tower Bridge I hopped into the Tube to Canary Wharf, Stratford Station and back home towards Walthamstow Central.
I must not forget to tell you about the weekend: The Queens Diamond Jubilee, 60 years of reign. Many events were taking place like a river pageant on the Thames, a concert at Buckingham Palace, Jubilee beacons and a service of thanksgiving at St. Pauls Cathedral. We all watched this on television, there we had the best seats. And like many other English we organized a barbecue on Monday afternoon. Ness and Miggy invited friends and family. We decorated the garden (banners, flags, balloons) and guess what: Ness and I dressed up in red, blue and white. When we did the shopping for the barbecue we got so excited, we even bought earrings with the Union Jack.Are you interested in learning who my hosts are? Vanessa and Miggy Barradas.
Miggy is a professional musician and plays drums. The band is called “Soul Funk Secret”. This is an ultimate pure soul-funk, jazz and 70’s disco party band. They play for weddings, private and corporate parties. You could actually hire them. Have a look on http://www.soulfunksecret.com/.
Here you can listen to their professional musical skills: http://youtu.be/ijErpeXNIh8
More fotos:
Joey, Mathilda and Clive are part of the family
Market at Walthamstow: Europe's longest Market Street
London Eye
Big Ben
Along river Thames
Prepared for the Queen's Diamond Jubilee
Tower Bridge
Olympic Parc
Westfield Shopping Center in Stratford
I spent a marvellous week in London. I am getting more curious and excited the closer it comes to the Games. Thank you Vanessa and Miggy for being such lovely hosts and friends. I am looking forward to my next trip to London. See you soon.
Monika
