Olympic Adventure underway

Today we set off to London for our olympic adventure. We have early sessions to go to over the next couple of days and so have headed up a day early and are lucky enough to be staying in a friends flat in a great location. Olympic fever seems to be having a positive effect on everyone. This was first shown by the ticket inspector who took his ticket machine apart to make some special train tickets for the little ones. Then nearer London a commuter sat next to us and chatted away. He had six children, the nutter.

Once in the big city we dumped our bags and headed out to see the Queen's house. Girl is very into the Queen at the moment so we had to go and see it. On the way we walked and chatted with a happy Spaniard about the world economy and jobs. Once there she watched the guards for a bit before telling us that she did not want us to take any pictures of her. Boy then decided that travelling Ted was for cuddling and not for picture taking. I have decided to not bring any big camera equipment on our Olympic travels. This is due to a combination baggage restraints and childcare needs as well as wanting to enjoy watching the games through my eyes and not a lens.

We then took to Green Park next to the Palace to have a charge about. There are games volunteers everywhere and they are so happy to help people and it is infectious. There is a different feel to London, a happy feel where strangers are chatting and not simple keeping their heads down while they make their ways about town. At first I thought this was due to being with children but I actually think it is due to the games.

After a bit more walking and a bit of watching Bradley win gold we set off in the wrong direction for home along side Buckingham Palace. With the exception of three men further up there was no-one else on the road as some blacked out cars with flashing lights came down it. We decided to stop and wave. To our surprise a lady in the back of the first car leant forward and waved to us, it was Princess Anne. Girl was particularly happy to get a wave from a real Princess.

After wandering around Marble Arch we headed to an Italian retaurant for dinner where the waitresses fell for the charm of Boy in a big way. On the way out a lady selling beauty products made a fuss of Wife and the little ones even though we were not spending. She enjoyed the children so much that she got a big cuddle from them when it was time to go. She said she would baby sit anytime we wanted. If she knew what a bad nights sleep we were in for I think she may have rescinded her offer.