London 2012 - Olympic Rowing Regatta!

So I've stumbled upon a problem. It's been over a month since I went to watch the rowing at the Olympic Regatta and so much time has passed I don't know what to write. I guess that's my first lesson of blogging; write about the event soon after so your blog can do it justice! I think it goes without saying the rowing was a huge success for Team GB. I was lucky enough to go two days, Tuesday 31 July (semi finals & reps) and Sat 04 August (finals). All the GB boats reached the A finals, which is a huge achievement and in the end we came away with nine medals; four gold, two silver and three bronzes. This meant Team GB came first in the rowing medal table. It was the most success rowing regatta for GB since 1908. Not bad at all really!

I think most people who went to any Olympic events have all said the same thing but I was so impressed with the hard work and dedication shown by the Games Makers at the rowing. It's crazy to think these people gave up weeks of their own time, sorted out and paid for their own travel and accommodation to make the Games a success. They always had a smile on their face (which I know I wouldn't of had if I'd been getting up at crazy o'clock each morning) and were willing to help everyone. So if you were a Games Maker, feel proud of what you've done, and give yourself a pat on the back!

Now, on to Dorney itself. I've been to the rowing lake quite a lot now and the transformation was stunning. Normally there are a few people walking their dogs, or cycling round the lake. For eight days there were thousands of people lining the banks cheering on all the teams. For me, there was this general feeling of enthusiasm and excitement, that we were all here to watch history; a home Olympics. The cheering and noise from the grandstands was hailed as 'the Dorney Roar', when the boats were being introduced at the start of each race the biggest cheer was reserved for GB. As the boats progressed up the course and got closer to the finish the noise was deafening, it was like a rock concert, or a football match, rowing fans are not normally this vocal - or perhaps they are not usually this numerous! I like to I think I was part of the Dorney Roar as I left the course on Saturday afternoon with a lot less voice than when the rowing had started eight days earlier.

My favourite race of the whole regatta had to have been Katherine Copeland and Sophie Hosking in the Lightweight Women's Double (LW2x) They were are relatively new pairing and had just been looking so smooth and together in the heats. When it came to the final they blew the competition out of the water. I like to think I know a bit about rowing, and in my mind I thought it was possible for them to get a medal, but to win the gold they way they did was outstanding. Kat looked shocked at the end of the race when she realised they'd won but to watch them row those 2000 metres with such confidence and style was an honour. 

The GB LW2x  race ahead

But there were so many great races and excellent GB performances; Alan Campbell in the Men's single (M1x) comes straight to my mind, and Katherine Grainger and Anna Watkins in the Women's Double (W2x) were spectacular too, but as I was there to watch the final I have to give a special mention to the Men's Four (M4-). GB have dominated in this event for years, winning gold at an Olympics since 2000, so there was a lot riding on this race. Australia have been hot on our heels though so I thought it was going to be a close call. In the end though there was nothing to worry about, the GB M4- held the Aussies off to win and if Dorney had a roof it would have been blown to the moon with the sound of the cheers!

The GB M4- holding off the Aussies

The M4- on the podium with the crowds behind

So that was it, with my trip to the Beach Volleyball and Rowing completed my Olympic experience was over. However I still had the Paralympics to look forward to - and I will blog about these soon, while it's still fresh in my memory, I promise! For now I will leave you with a picture of me and Bronze medallist Alan Campbell and his shiny (heavy!) medal - the closest I will get to Olympic glory.

London 2012 - Olympic Beach Volleyball!

So way back, so far back I can't remember when I went into the London 2012 ticketing ballot and requested a shed load of tickets. Weeks passed and I waited anxiously to see what money LOCOG would take from my account. Finally the day came and a measly £40 was taken. If I'm honest I was a little disappointed. The Olympics were coming to London, my home town, and what would I see? Beach Volleyball. In my mind Beach Volleyball was not the most exciting ticket to the Games. Fast forward many months, and after being able to get tickets to test events in the Olympic Park; The World Cup Track Cycling in the Veledrome in Feb 2012 (amazing!) and the BUCS Outdoor Athletics Championships in the Stadium in May 2012 (inspiring!) Olympic fever had really hit me and I was more than excited that I had the chance to watch Beach Volleyball at Horse Guards Parade, in London.

My tickets were for Saturday 28 July, the first official day of the Games, and it was just a stunningly beautiful day. Our tickets were for the afternoon session and Stuart and I, deciding to make the most of the day, jumped on a bus to Central London in the morning to wander around and see London in all it's welcoming Olympic glory. 

London ready to welcome the World!

Film Star Wenlock at Piccadilly Circus.

As you can see London was all spruced up and looking pretty, just ready and waiting for all the visitors to descend. After a strolling around, stopping to photograph bunting and various mascots we decided to get some lunch. In the mood for Mexican we headed to Chiquito in Lecister Square (ok I know, it's probably not real Mexican, and is supposed to just be for tourists, but I like it and we could sit outside, so don't judge me!) I had a this dish where you made your own tacos and Stuart tried the burritto. It was good, nothing earth shattering but tasty enough for me to go there again (perhaps even spend one evening there to try all the cocktails!) From where we were sitting outside we could watch the world go by and see the TV in the bar showing all the Olympic courage. Feeling satisfied and ready for some Olympic action we headed towards Horse Guards Parade.

Heading into the venue and we are given our first reminder that this is the Olympics.

As we entered the venue flags were lining the walkways, there was a party atmosphere and everyone was smiling. For the past 10 years that I've lived in London I have never seen so many smiles - everyone was in a good mood. We mooched about for a while taking in the atmosphere, checking out the stalls and displays, my personal favourite being the sand sculptures. As well as the sculptures there was a marching band, people dressed in ever more colourful get up supporting their countries and plenty of drink. It was very strange to see St James Park transformed into this amazing party venue. Strange but stunning at the same time.

A beach volleyball Wenlock - made out of sand.

The detail on the sand sculptures was amazing.

Me, outside the arena - Inspire a Generation!

Soon it was time for the main event. As we had ended up with the cheapest tickets we were sat right at the back of the arena. This didn't matter though as the view was superb, both looking across the arena, watching the match, and looking over the side and seeing the London skyline. I love London, I think I always have. As a child it's where I knew I had to go when I grew up. I love the theatres, the culture, the skyline, architecture, hell even the transport system. However in recent months I had felt this love declining a little - it's busy, no one smiles, it's dangerous, people litter (by biggest pet hate!). Sitting in my seat, watching the action below and looking across at all the iconic buildings I felt my admiration of London and my pride of being a Londoner returning. We had done it. The Olympics had started and everyone who had doubted London's ability could go do one as far as I was concerned. I was certain this was going to be the best Olympics ever.

Inside the arena!

We were there for 3 matches; two men's and one women's. All of the matches were great. They were easy to follow, kept us on the edge of our seats and when the athletes took a break we were treated to dancers in their bikinis with beach balls. With the sun continuing to shine down I almost felt like I was at Bondi beach. It really was a perfect day out. The last match we watched was when Team GB men took on Canada. Unfortunately I don't think beach volleyball was (it may be getting a lot of interest now) a big sport for GB as the Canadians whooped our arses. This did not put the crowd off though, we cheered, applauded and  whistled as if we had just won the final! 

Team GB take to the beach

It was great to be able to go out and see the positive side of my city and to have my first Olympic experience. It is cliché but it is one I will never forget. On top of all that it also inspired me to get running again. With my half marathon getting ever closer I am now more determined to finish it - but that's a post for another time. For now I'll leave you with this picture of Stuart enjoying the view over the side of the arena.

Bake Off - Part 2!

Firstly I must apologise for taking so long to come back here.  I have been so busy lately that although I've had stuff to write about I just haven't found the time, but I'm back now so I hope you'll forgive me!

In early July we finally finished the Great British Bake Off at work (read about part one of The Bake Off here).  After 10 weeks of eating cake twice a week we were all still very enthusiastic to see what people would bring in and I have to admit even as the competition approached the final stages people were still putting a lot of effort in to their submissions.  We did not have one recipe that was too similar to something we had already tried and the presentation of some of the submissions were amazing.  The much coveted price for the tastiest entry went to the raspberry and white chocolate muffins which we had early on in the competition but the other winners are shown in the pictures below.

To get your mouths watering here are some photos of the final submissions we had.  All in all I think the competition was a great and perhaps we need to think of doing something similar in the run up to Christmas!

London 2012 Ginger biscuit medals!

Walnut and chocolate cake

A selection of home-made scones

Chocolate Orange Jubilee Regatta cake - Winner in the Most Original category

Lemon Drizzle cake

Rasberry blondies!

Lavander Cupcakes & Rose Macaroons

Strawberry Jubilee Cupcakes

Patriotic Kiwi and meringue cupcakes!

Coconut & Chocolate Cake  - Winner of best presentation!

An absolutely divine chocolate fudge cake!

Baked berry cheesecake.

And that was it.  Bake Off 2012 finished (I came third in the Originality Category!)