I'm in the American Airlines Admiral's Club at SFO, getting ready to head out to the 2012 Olympic Games in London. Traveling with me are 11-time Olympic swimming medalist Natalie Coughlin's parents, sister and husband. We've all been very fortunate, with a combination of miles and upgrades, to fly to London Heathrow in business or first class.
After arriving at Heathrow at 1130 Tuesday, we'll work our way to Kings Cross station in London and head right up to Edinburgh, Scotland, for 3 nights. The train trip is 4.5 hours long but a lot better than a bus which would be 8 hours (did that once before and swore I would never do it again). We have 4 day rail passes and intend to get our money's worth out of them. It will be a return trip to Scotland for me, but for everyone else in the traveling party it will be their first visit.
Back down to London day of opening ceremonies.
Natalie is only scheduled to swim one event this Olympics, and it will be the morning prelims of the 100 freestyle relay on Saturday. It's important that the U.S. make it into the top 8 teams so they can move on to finals that night (no semi-finals in this event). Those that swim in prelims do get a medal with relay events, so Natalie could bring home #12 here which would tie her with Dara Torres and Jenny Thompson for the most medals ever won by a U.S. female Olympian.
Some recent media coverage:
Today Show with Natalie at Cal:
http://todayinlondonblog.today.msnbc.msn.com/_news/2012/07/18/12796286-natalie-coughlin-im-older-and-much-much-wiser?lite
Bleacher Report: Olympic Swimming 2012: 10 Things You Need to Know about Natalie Coughlin (click on the slideshow):
http://bleacherreport.com/articles/1266643-olympic-swimming-2012-10-things-you-need-to-know-about-natalie-coughlin
ESPN Sports Center commercial:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cOGHHvgMNVQ
For those that have not been to a summer Olympics before, I do have my photos on line still:
2004 Olympics Games Athens
http://tom911.smugmug.com/2004-Olympic-Games-Athens
Currently in the Flagship Lounge enjoying bacon wrapped scallops and pizza rolls along with a Sam Adams.
tom911
Jul 24, 12, 6:45 am
Just left Kings Cross at 1330 en route to Edinburgh. Get 15 mins free wifi on the train.
knoebelsPT
Jul 24, 12, 8:10 pm
Looking forward to more. Good luck to Natalie!
tom911
Jul 25, 12, 2:52 am
Hello this Wednesday morning from Edinburgh, Scotland. Bright sun outside, as well as loud tram construction noise (think that woke me up this morning at 0830- no need for an alarm clock). I'm meeting the Coughlins in a few minutes for the trek up to Edinburgh Castle. We're at separate hotels near the Edinburgh Playhouse, not far from Edinburgh Waverly train station.
MONDAY
Made our way to SFO via BART for our 1045 Chicago flight. This was a snack flight with offerings of a cheese enchilada, one of my favorite AA meals, or a salad with BBQ chicken strips. No wi-fi on this 737-800. I had the Samsung tablet along and watched some video on it.
On arrival in Chicago we made our way to the Flagship Lounge (first class international lounge) to wait for our 2145 departure to London. We had about 4 hours there, a consequence of some of us traveling on award tickets and working with flights that had availability. Plenty there to snack on though the bacon-wrapped scallops were my favorite. I only had a Sam Adams ad a Diet Coke though there was a full bar available.
Headed to our flight right outside the front door at 9. Meal selections in first class were Shitake Crusted Beef Fillet, Salmon and Halibut Bundle, or Baked Goat Cheese. I had the beef which was very tasty, accompanied by wilted spinach, balsamic grilled tomatoes and whipped potatoes (choice of salad or vegetables). This came with Chicken Consomme, marinated cheese antipasto and smoked salmon and herb marinated shrimp appetizer. My wine choice was Casa Silva Sauvignon Gris from Chile.
On-demand movie system was having issues. The movies I wanted to watch were not available, so just watched an hours worth of TV instead (episode of Blue Bloods). Was sound asleep on my flat bed seat after dinner.
Flight time was just over 7 hours. About 2 hours before landing up for breakfast.
TUESDAY
Zipped through Fast Track passport control at London Heathrow and made our way over to the Heathrow Express train and activated our 4 day railpasses. We are traveling as a group so these are discounted to $175 each and are cheaper than buying individual $249 passes. It gives us the flexibility to take any train. I was worried if we bought prepaid tickets, and missed a booked train, that discounted individual tickets could not be used on other trains, so this was the best way to go. After boarding the train, 15 minutes to London Paddington Station.
At Paddington, four of our party bought Oyster cards (you save about half for journeys compared to cash prices on the Tube), and we made out way on the Circle Line over to Kings Cross. First available service was the 1330 service to Newcastle, so we boarded that, searched around for seats all about the car we were on, and were on our way. There was a 1400 service to Edinburgh, but the station agent I talked with suggested checking the Newcastle train out first as they were very full due to school holidays. Was worried we'd be standing all the way to Edinburgh.
Our train had about a 20 min delay as it headed north due to signal issues, so by the time we had got off at Newcastle the 1400 Edinburgh train was just 5 minutes behind us. Just enough time to walk a ramp over the tracks to our new platform and see the train approaching. Very little luggage space on this train so time stood in the connecting corridor between cars with bags for the remaining 90 mins up to Edinburgh. We arrived at 1830.
About a 15 min walk to our hotels, and we were back out at 1945 for dinner We ended up at Bella Italia off Rose Street for pasta, and were back at our hotels just before 10.
New photos start here:
http://tom911.smugmug.com/2012OlympicGamesLondon/2012-Olympic-Games-London/24178493_hx9TGn#!i=1986473672&k=XtV7BMr
tom911
Jul 25, 12, 11:06 am
Just back at my hotel and Sky News aired the one minute long Omega "Start Me Up" commercial that Natalie Coughlin appears in. First time I've seen it on television anywhere. It starts off with her goggles and then a head shot, and then has a couple shots of her approaching or in the pool. Rolling Stones fans can feel free to sing along!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QSRXCVfJAOE
tom911
Jul 25, 12, 5:44 pm
WEDNESDAY
Out the door at 10 for the walk up to Princes Street and across North Bridge, next to the Balmoral Hotel, to take us over to the Royal Mile, home to both Edinburgh Castle and the Palace of Holyroodhouse. Along the way we stopped in and toured the National Portrait Gallery near our hotels (photos not allowed inside). Next stop the Vodaphone and T-Mobile shops where two members of our party picked up sim cards for their phones (on my list—didn't have my phone or unlock code along).
Finally made it over to the Royal Mile and hiked uphill to Edinburgh Castle. The parking lot in front of the castle was full of grandstands for the upcoming Military Tattoo, an annual August event here, so no city view from the parking lot. Spent about 20 minutes in the ticket line and about 2 hours touring the castle and its grounds, including two museums, the Scottish National War Memorial, and the regimental dog cemetery.
Walking into the castle through the Military Tattoo grandstands
city view towards Princes Street from the castle
http://tom911.smugmug.com/2012OlympicGamesLondon/2012-Olympic-Games-London/i-2gjbXLR/0/M/P1330289-M.jpg
Down the hill for lunch at Deacon Brodie's Tavern. We sat upstairs. They were out of shepherds pie (with lamb) so had to settle for beef short rib pie at 11 pounds ($17) with mashed potatoes and carrots. Very good. Others at our table has a Thai dish, fish sandwich, and chicken and mushroom pie, and everything look delicious.
Headed down the hill passing shops selling woolen goods and whiskey, and our final destination was the Palace of Holyroodhouse. No time for a tour today (I have done that before), so just a quick look from behind the gates. The Scottish Parliament is right across the street. Back to our hotels after this via a shortcut through the Waverly train station.
At 7pm we met Jenbel from Edinburgh, an FTer here that I go back with probably about 10 years now, for drinks at the The Cafe Royal on West Register Street, off the main road enough that tourists would not accidentally stumble into it, and full of locals. Caught up on what's happening around Edinburgh and why the tram lines are continually under construction. Always great to talk with someone with local knowledge and recommendations on what to see and do. Very nice visit.
Walked around Princes Street and the adjoining gardens, and then up to The Dome restaurant for a quick look at the exquisite interior. Back to our hotels.
Right around 10pm we popped into the cinema complex with pubs and restaurants across from the Coughlins hotel for a burger, fries and beer special for 5 pounds ($7.50). Very convenient for a late night meal. As we had lunch late we didn't have much of an appetite at the earlier pub stop.
New photos start here:
http://tom911.smugmug.com/2012OlympicGamesLondon/2012-Olympic-Games-London/24178493_hx9TGn#!i=1987429777&k=27kv4JT
Gamecock
Jul 25, 12, 7:29 pm
Looking to following the Olympics through your trip report!
N830MH
Jul 25, 12, 7:41 pm
Wow! What a fabulous TR!! Keep'em it coming!! We need you more!! ^^^
HawaiiTrvlr
Jul 25, 12, 8:18 pm
Tom, great report so far. I saw Natalie being interviewd on the Today show this morning and thought of you. Keep up the awesome reports.
tom911
Jul 26, 12, 2:10 am
Tom, great report so far. I saw Natalie being interviewd on the Today show this morning and thought of you. Keep up the awesome reports.
I set my DVR for that while we're gone, so hopefully it picks it up. Figured she would turn up sometime with them as they had her on during Beijing, too. We're about 24 hours away from the train trip down to London.
ARJ85
Jul 26, 12, 3:59 pm
Hi tom911,
great report so far!
And what a nice preview - i am flying to London on Monday and have tickets for the aquatics center on monday evening. So i am really looking forward to your report from the olympics!
tom911
Jul 26, 12, 4:06 pm
About 9 hours away from the train trip to London. Still working on today's report and won't be able to get it completed until tomorrow. We went over to Glasgow for the afternoon. Hoping to have a much faster upload speed in London as being capped at 256K does not help when you have 100 photos to upload. I just gave up tonight after an hour.
Check out the U.S. swimmers "Call Me Maybe" video that just came on line:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YPIA7mpm1wU
Non-NonRev
Jul 26, 12, 4:19 pm
Hi Tom,
I so greatly look forward to your Olympiad reports, and this one is off to a great start.
I always love seeing your photos- you have a good eye for capturing what is really interesting to those of us who are along on the trip with you in a vicarious fashion.
GO NATALIE!
tom911
Jul 27, 12, 4:08 am
Midway between Edinburgh and London Kings Cross. Train running about 30 mins late due to issues with a train ahead. Due into London now at 1313 if that holds. Left Edinburgh 2.5 hours ago.
tom911
Jul 27, 12, 9:31 am
THURSDAY
Late start today as Megan and Ethan (Natalie's sister and husband) were video conferencing with her at the Olympic Village and catching up. Made it over to Edinburgh Waverly train station for the 1045 service to Glasgow Queen Street, and after 52 minutes to travel time we were walking over to George Square.
George Square had some Olympic exhibits that I got photos of, including the Olympic Rings. Right next to George Square is the City Chambers which has ornate stairways and walls. We're only allowed entrance to the ground floor there, but the photos will give you a pretty good idea of the details that make the interior of this building stand out.
Walked around a street market nearby with both food and bakery items (I bought a danish as I had missed breakfast), then through the shopping area on Argyle Street before a turn up Buchanan Street which has more upscale shopping. Got a photo at one of Natalie's sponsors, Omega, of a watch display adjoining a small starting block for the pool. No miniature Natalie on it, though. While in this area we had an ambulance and fire engine pass us, en route to emergency calls, and took photos of those.
Once we got to the top of Buchanan Street there were some bagpipe players. Took a photo and left a tip. Just past them turned left by the concert hall and down Sauciehall Street, where there is more shopping, and eventually a couple blocks of restaurants and a kilt maker. Continued into a residential area, turned into Kelvingrove Park, and arrived at our destination of Kelvingrove Museum.
There was filming of a TV program underway for BBC called Flog It (looks a lot like Antiques Roadshow) with a crowd of people waiting to have items looked at. Just before we arrived there was an organ recital underway just above the crowd. Took a number of photos inside, but perhaps the highlight was a controversial piece by Salvador Dali Christ of St. John of the Cross.
Here's one of the pieces where the artist recalls his mother's reaction when he broke some of her china:
Look for the floating heads in the gallery itself.
Lunch stop at Wetherspoons Pub on Sauciehall Street (I had beef madras curry) and then back to the train station where we caught the 1630 train back to Edinburgh. Arrived back in Edinburgh to light rain. Had a light dinner near our hotel at another Wetherspoons (mac and cheese for me) and back to hotel after. Plan to get the 0830 train in the morning to London and have seat reservations in place.
FRIDAY
Caught the 0830 train to London Kings Cross. The normal 4.5 hour trip took 5.5 hours because of a train delay in front of us. Tube to the Coughlins hotel near the London Eye and we arrived in the lobby at 1445. I headed over to my hotel in the financial district to find, to my delight, that the internet is fast and not capped, so got the Glasgow photos right up.
Tonight we're meeting at 7 and heading over to a hospitality event in the City. We'll watch opening ceremonies from there. They don't start here until 2100 (odd time to start, isn't it?).
Some of you must have watched the US Swim Team "Call Me Maybe" video. Natalie Coughlin is listed in the credits for airplane choreography (you'll see her dancing down the aisle in a yellow shirt...recall she was on Dancing with the Stars). Over 300,000 hits since yesterday when it had just 300.
MikeLaw
Jul 27, 12, 10:02 am
Tom, I have grown to view your trip reports as a highlight of my Olympics every four years. Thanks so much for sharing your experiences with us. Its very difficult to believe that Natalie has gone from someone I hadn't heard of and just rooted for because of you to someone I just saw listed as one of the top 10 Olympians of all time. All to best to you and Natalie and your entourage.
tom911
Jul 27, 12, 10:13 am
2004 and 2008 were clearly her best Olympics when she came home with 5 and 6 medals from each of those. She's the oldest woman on the team this year at 29 and very happy to make another Olympic team. Hopefully she'll bring home medal #12 tomorrow (she'll swim morning prelims--we'll be at the pool for that), and we'll have to see what her plans are for 2016 in Rio de Janeiro. She has a lot of supporters out there including a bunch here on FT that have met members of her family over the years as we've traveled together. Thanks for the note.
Dianne47
Jul 27, 12, 3:24 pm
"Call Me Maybe" video, very cute and somebody made lots of effort on it. I always greatly enjoy your reports from the Olympics. It gives us kind of a front-row seat to an otherwise enormous and complex set of events.
restlessinRNO
Jul 27, 12, 5:21 pm
tom911 - I am enjoying your trip report, as usual. :) I'm glad you were able to see the stunning Salvador Dali painting "Christ of Saint John of the Cross" at the Kelvingrove Art Gallery in Glasgow. According to Wikipedia, when purchased in 1951 for 8,200 GBP, the price was considered high and was controversial. Now of course it is a major attraction which the gallery is fortunate to have.
bowdenj
Jul 27, 12, 9:27 pm
Check out the U.S. swimmers "Call Me Maybe" video that just came on line:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YPIA7mpm1wU
Wow - Its now at 944,+++ hits (since July 27, 2012):
1:03:
Delta?
US Airways?
United?
tom911
Jul 28, 12, 2:46 am
I'm at the pool. Natalie swims her relay event in about an hour. Got back to my hotel at 0130 this morning and got 6 hours sleep before heading back out.
Jaimito Cartero
Jul 28, 12, 2:59 am
Nice reporting, as usual, Tom. Hope Natalie does well.
tom911
Jul 28, 12, 4:21 am
The Queen was just poolside. Relay prelims now underway.
tom911
Jul 28, 12, 5:03 am
Natalie to swim shortly. Got my events out of order.
tom911
Jul 28, 12, 5:50 am
Team USA placed first in their 4x100 freestyle relay and is seeded second, behind Australia, going into finals tonight in 4x100 freestyle relay.
tom911
Jul 28, 12, 9:02 am
LA Times reported that Natalie was the fastest US swimmer in the relay prelim and could be in contention for a slot in finals tonight. Back to the pool in a few hours.
Tom at Club Speedo
N830MH
Jul 28, 12, 1:30 pm
LA Times reported that Natalie was the fastest US swimmer in the relay prelim and could be in contention for a slot in finals tonight. Back to the pool in a few hours.
Tom at Club Speedo
Keep'em it coming!!! I like to watch the Olympic.
MikeLaw
Jul 28, 12, 1:32 pm
LA Times reported that Natalie was the fastest US swimmer in the relay prelim and could be in contention for a slot in finals tonight. Back to the pool in a few hours.
Tom at Club Speedo
NBC also said that they thought Natalie swam her way into the finals.
tom911
Jul 28, 12, 3:27 pm
Results at bottom of this page
A
B
C
D
E
F
G
H
I
J
k
l
M
N
O
P
Q
R
s
T
Z
.
.
.
.
.
.
Gold to Australia
Silver to The Netherlands
Bronze to USA
12th Olympic Medal over 3 Olympics to Natalie Coughlin
She did not swim tonight buts gets a medal for her swim that qualified team for finals
Dianne47
Jul 28, 12, 3:48 pm
Way to go Natalie, an even dozen. Hope you can now stick around and enjoy the rest of the Olympics - and all the accolades you deserve.
tom911
Jul 28, 12, 5:19 pm
Busy day--out from 0730-0100, and that included a van ride with a whole bunch of constables. Long story and no time to tell it now. I do have lots of notes and hope to get some narrative out in the next day or two when I can sit in the hotel with a charged netbook and work on things. With only one adapter I haven't been able to charge the netbook, tablet, batteries and cell phone, and last night the netbook with photos was the loser when it came to what I had to bring along today.
We have visited two different hospitality centers and have seen the Queen at the pool this morning, and the First Lady at the pool tonight (at the very end when I came down from the high altitude seats that don't allow you to even see the stands across the pool because of what looks like a belly of a whale blocking the view--what a horrible design). I'm uploading exactly five photos now so I can try to get to bed by 0130 again.
At the pool after Natalie swam her leg in the 4 X 100 freestyle relay:
I know many of you are looking forward to my photos and as time permits I will get them on line.
tom911
Jul 28, 12, 5:53 pm
I always love seeing your photos- you have a good eye for capturing what is really interesting to those of us who are along on the trip with you in a vicarious fashion.
Thanks for your comments. Hope I'm off to a good start with the time I have.
SanDiego1K
Jul 28, 12, 7:01 pm
Thanks for the updates on Natalie as well as the picture of the Queen, Tom. It's much appreciated. Here's a nice article from one of Natalie's home area newspapers:
http://www.insidebayarea.com/olympics/ci_21181152
calvinoeh
Jul 28, 12, 8:42 pm
Thanks for sharing this with FT!
BOShappyflyer
Jul 28, 12, 9:25 pm
This is great! I've been watching the Olympics on TV, and it's great to get a live report on FT too. Thanks for sharing and enjoy!
LH738
Jul 29, 12, 12:16 am
Great report.
DeadManFlying
Jul 29, 12, 9:30 am
Tom911 thanks for the very nice report and all the pictures, I'm off to the aquatic Centre next week and I wonder if you can remember what block you were in to give me an idea of my view as I'm up in the gods as well.
I wonder if you can remember what block you were in to give me an idea of my view as I'm up in the gods as well.
I've been up in 405 and 401 and you could see the pool and not much else. I'm working on photos right now so if you're up in the 400 section you'll have an idea. Even when I moved down into the 300s I couldn't see huge sections of the stands across the pool. Be prepared to hike up a series of metal stairs--several flights. Not for the weak of heart.
tom911
Jul 29, 12, 5:00 pm
FRIDAY
Arrival in London
Made our way to our respective hotels, the Coughlins near Westminster Bridge and Tom near Tower Hill. When I arrived at my hotel I saw some TV coverage about the Olympic Torch being on a barge near Tower Bridge, so walked over there, just 10 mins away, but no sign of it. Gather it had probably already passed by and it might have been video from earlier in the day. Did take some photos in the area of the Olympic Rings atop Tower Bridge and of a platform on the Thames across from London City Hall. Walked down the Thames to London Bridge Tube where I worked my way back to the Coughlins hotel.
Friday night we went to the Proctor and Gamble hospitality center. This is a large multi-room two-story unmarked complex, near the London Bridge station, for U.S. Olympic families. After registering, we found seats in front of a large wall-mounted TV and watched the opening ceremonies from here. Had a hard time finding this center as we came out the wrong end of the Tube station and had to backtrack a few blocks. Lots of U.S. families here from all Olympic sports. They did serve food (I had a huge hamburger) which included chicken, Indian dishes and pot pies, and there was a bar with beer, wine and soft drinks. We referred to one area as the “man cave” as you descended a stairway to find pool tables, beer and a place to get a shave. There was a woman's salon two floors up with two posters of Natalie on the wall. We were there until almost 0100 and then worked our way back to out hotels via Tube.
Natalie's Pantene poster on the wall of the salon (one of two there):
Out the door at 0730 for Natalie's event at the pool, the prelims of 4 X 100 freestyle relay. Zipped through security and was on the Olympic grounds about 45 mins after leaving my hotel. When you come through security the first venue you have on the left side is the pool and the stadium up ahead. There were a number of heats and when all was done Australia was seeded first and USA second going into finals on Saturday night.
Some seats are high up, and if you're in the bleachers, as I was, require you to climb several flights of steep stairs, and then once you get there you can't see across the pool because of the vision obscurement. Here's exactly what I'm talking about with the high seats on the left in the first photo and the view once there in the second photo:
Walked around the Olympic grounds for about 2 hours after morning swimming, including a visit to the Olympic shop (didn't buy a thing – I was not impressed with the designs or costs), and then made our way via a long walk to the taxi stand past the Westfield Mall (a good mile from the pool) to grab a cab to Club Speedo which was located in a light industrial area nearby. Once we arrived at the address we were given we were told we had come to the wrong location and to go around the block. Went around the block and saw fences and brick walls. Didn't really look like an area you'd want to go out exploring. Fortunately, some constables in an unmarked silver van noticed we looked a little out of place and told us to jump in. They took us to Speedo offices nearby, but once we were in the building we were informed that was not the correct location either. We were directed across the canal to another location. One of the constables walked us over to exactly where the cab dropped us off. He was not from this area and was not aware that Speedo had a suite at a beach club on the canal. Turns out it was about 2 blocks away at the end of a street adjoining a canal, just a 5 minute walk from where the cab first dropped us. Not just that, but it was right across the canal from the stadium IF you knew the proper exit to take. We were turned back at the exit we were directed to as it was for accredited personnel only. Don't think we ever would have found it on our own even if we had walked over.
The constables did give all of us 999 Olympic pins (999 is the emergency number in the UK).
Speedo offered some sandwiches as well as wine and soft drinks. USA Olympic legend Jenny Thompson stopped by (she and Natalie both hold 12 Olympic medals now). Natalie is under contract with Speedo and her family knows a lot of their staff.
About 6pm it was time to head back We were given directions for a circuitous route through roads and walkways leading into the back of the Olympic stadium, and it worked. About 10 minutes after leaving we were going through security.
We watched the USA women bring home a bronze medal in 4X100 freestyle relay. Natalie, due to her role in qualfiying the team, brings home bronze.
Had late dinner just outside the Olympic grounds at the Westfield Mall. I went to a Caribbean stall for BBQ chicken, cole slaw and potato salad, and others in our group had fish and chips. We left the Stratford train station around 2330 (my world time watch had somehow jumped up a zone and put me in Madrid-- last night I thought we didn't leave there until 0030 and I was worried about making connections on transit that late). Worked out O.K., though.
SUNDAY
Slept in until 10 this morning and needed it. Left at 11 for the Coughlins hotel and it had just started raining when I arrived. First stop was Waterloo Tube to get 7 day Travel Cards loaded onto our Oyster cards (34 pounds for 3 zones, about $52). We worked our way up to Oxford Street to a T-Mobile shop so Zennie could have her phone looked at, as it had stopped working last night (we all have T-Mobile UK sims that we purchased in Edinburgh for our cell phones). They sent us up to the Westfield Shopping Center at Shepherds Bush Tube station, a couple stations away, where we spent an hour at the Everything Everywhere store having them update software on her phone and get it back in working shape.
Headed back to Proctor and Gamble center for late lunch, arriving about 4pm. Still raining. Dinner service started at 5pm. I had pizza and other offerings were fish and chips and beef stew. A buffet line with salmon, beef and salads was available later in the evening ((I made a trip back for some salad). Topped dinner off with brownies and gelato. While sitting here we watched the NBC Olympics feed from WNBC in New York. Within a 5 minute stretch we saw Natalie's TD Ameritrade commercial followed by her Pantene commercial (first I had seen that one). Jim says he saw her BMW commercial in his hotel since we've been here. I saw the Omega “Start Me Up” commercial a few times up in Scotland.
Watched Team USA swim on the big screen tonight. I won't post any results here. Left there about 2130 and back at my hotel before 2200. Should mention we Olympic medalist Summer Sanders stopped by and said hello. She was with the First Lady on Saturday night in the photos I took.
Tomorrow: we're going to rowing in Eton, up near Windsor Castle. Hope to be underway for the trek up there at 0800 from Waterloo station.
Photos from the Olympic grounds start here:
http://tom911.smugmug.com/2012OlympicGamesLondon/2012-Olympics-at-the-Pool-and/24178774_Ss6Ln4#!i=1994439902&k=N6V2Nhm
Photos from outside the Olympic grounds start here:
http://tom911.smugmug.com/2012OlympicGamesLondon/Around-London-City-SIghts/24178637_SPSkHv#!i=1994443031&k=59z395P
mkjr
Jul 29, 12, 8:05 pm
Nice. Just caught up on the results after being in NYC all day. You would not even know the olympics were on. :confused: nice come from behind by france in the 4B100 free. Phelps still got 17 but one less Au.
DeadManFlying
Jul 30, 12, 7:27 am
Tom thanks for your reply I'm in section 403 so I now know what to expect!! Enjoying the trip report a lot, thanks for taking the time to post^
I even know the names of some of her chickens. Chuck is named after her grandfather and Lafayette is the city she lives in. She is really into this urban farming thing and not dealing with processed foods. She's a regular visitor to farmers markets in her home city and at the ferry terminal in San Francisco.
tom911
Jul 30, 12, 5:24 pm
Megan was able to get tickets for us to rowing in Eton, next to Windsor, and up north of Heathrow Airport, so we all met at Waterloo station at 0800 today for the trip up there. I had to add an extension to my zone 1-3 travelcard to cover that location (extra 13 pounds, about $20 RT). Train time was 50 minutes, bus time about 10 minutes, and the 2 mile walk from bus parking to the stands, via the Windsor Race Track, seemed to take a half hour. My feet were sore. Made it to our seats in the stands for about an hours worth of preliminary competition under blue skies. Saw two different U.S. skulls (I think that is the term) race along a long course.
Back to Windsor for pub lunch at the Carpenters Arms (shepherds pie for me with lamb/gravy/peas/mashed potatoes) and a Caledonian summer ale. Walked around Windsor and got the 1428 train back in to Waterloo and retreated to our hotels.
Back out just after 1700 where I met the Coughins at Picadilly Circus. We walked up Shaftsbury and then onto a side street in Soho where Omega has rented two floors of a large facility, including a large patio with big screen TV, for the Olympics. Natalie is an Omega Ambassador and they invited us over. During our visit we watched the Monday night swimming events on the patio, sampled wine, champagne and assorted drinks, and enjoyed everything from squid to duck canapes. Their staff were exceptionally warm and welcoming and we all enjoyed our visit. My friend Sharon in the U.S. told me that Nicole Kidman opened this center over the weekend and there were 400 guests. Nothing like that tonight, and not a celebrity I would recognize in sight or I'd tell you about it. Back to our hotels just after 2200.
I did not take photos at the Omega House aside from one of me.
I know many of you are looking forward to my photos and as time permits I will get them on line.
Hey! I seeing Michelle Obama. She enjoying the entire trip. She had a great time. She wish to stay in London for a week.
tom911
Aug 1, 12, 4:38 pm
Tuesday
Didn't head out until after 10 this morning. First stop was “Eat” where I intended to buy a breakfast sandwich of egg salad and ham, but the pastrami sandwich next to it, on really good looking bread, jumped off the shelf, and I was forced to buy it. Walked down to the Tower of London, found a comfortable bench, and ate my sandwich there. I do love the sandwich shops here in London.
Heard from the Coughlins right after that and headed by train to the London Bridge station and over to the Proctor and Gamble center for a short visit (they turned in some laundry to be done). I walked by the Borough Market and made a new friend:
They had a lunch buffet set up and I had salmon, pork and beef stew. The salmon was delicious. They've really done an excellent job looking after U.S. Olympic Team families and I'm very fortunate that they allow me to come in as a guest of an Olympic family. Thank you, Proctor and Gamble!
Back to London Bridge train station about 1330 and we headed out on the Jubilee Line to Stratford, the hub train station for the Olympic grounds, and from there by cab to Club Speedo, across the canal behind the Olympic stadium, for their family media day. The Coughlins talked to some media while I enjoyed a Diet Coke and view of the Olympic Stadium from the back deck. When the event was over we walked over to the London Overground station at Hackney Wick, about 15 mins away, and worked our way back to our hotels via Overground and Tube. First time for me on the London Overground line. It's not possible to get to Stratford from the Club Speedo side without going through the Olympic grounds, and without event tickets we did not have that access for a quicker route back into the City.
Met up again at 1830 at the Proctor and Gamble center for dinner and swimming. Had a full plate of salad from a huge salad bar, as well as some beef and potatoes. Left around 2200 and took the Tube over to Westminster Tube station for a walk across Westminster Bridge. Got some photos of Parliament and the London Eye. Great to be out in the fresh air after being cooped up inside.
Wednesday my friend Harvey, who I go back with over 15 years and is a constable here in London, joined me for breakfast at my hotel just after 0900. From there Tube over to meet the Coughlins, and we set off to the Imperial War Museum about a mile away by bus (travel cards cover those).
big guns out front:http://tom911.smugmug.com/2012OlympicGamesLondon/Around-London-City-SIghts/i-FhR8Lg9/0/M/P1340007-M.jpg
Spent about 90 mins viewing tanks, rockets, aircraft, submarines, a spying exhibition with an enigma machine, and a very detailed exhibit on the Holocaust with original documents as well as black and white photos and video.
Off by bus/Tube to Proctor and Gamble center for lunch, arriving just before 1400. Zennie, Natalie's mother, and Megan, her sister, had appointments in the salon here to have their hair and nails done at 1500, so Harvey, Jim and me retreated to the “man-cave” below to watch diving from some very comfortable sofas. Back to my hotel around 1630.
Think this trip is starting to catch up with me as I missed my Tube connection between the Circle and Northern lines tonight while reading a freebie Tube newspaper with Olympic coverage. Just wasn't paying attention as I was en route to Proctor and Gamble. Backtracked about five stations and arrived about 20 mins later than planned, just in time for the first swimming event.
Dinner tonight was lasagna, pasta in olive oil, and shrimp. Plenty of other dishes to choose from, too, and the salad bar is proving to be very popular. Left around 2200 and back to our hotels. I did not pass the transfer station and trip only took about 15 minutes.
New photos start here:
http://tom911.smugmug.com/2012OlympicGamesLondon/Around-London-City-SIghts/24178637_SPSkHv#!i=2000885791&k=5XsQp9q
tom911
Aug 3, 12, 4:44 pm
Day 7 and 8 recap
Thursday morning I met the Coughlins at their hotel with the intent to walk around the center of London. We got a good start walking across Westminster Bridge, past Parliament and 10 Downing Street, over past Horse Guards, site of beach volleyball, and then over to Trafalgar Square, where I expected a venue with a big screen TV, but not much there except an Olympic countdown clock.
Walked down to Pall Mall and Haymarket where Chase Visa had a hospitality center. Grabbed our free gifts for registering (baseball caps with the London Olympics logo on one side and Visa on the other side). Had some finger sandwiches and a bottle of water and chips. We all registered for a drawing, and before we left 30 mins later Tom was the winner of two tickets to the medal rounds of table tennis at the Excel Center.
Made a quick stop at Proctor and Gamble's center where Natalie's grandmother volunteered to come along with me, and arrived right before the 1430 start.
First match was for the Bronze Medal, Germany vs Chinese Taipei. Second match was for the Gold and Silver Medals and was China vs China. I had never been to a competitive table tennis match before so this was new for me. The audience was very excited about the matches and I got caught up in that, too, cheering for the good serves and plays. Left here just before 5pm and spent the rest of the evening at the Proctor and Gamble family center near London Bridge.
Transportation around London, and to and from the Olympic venues, has been flawless. No complaints from me at all.
Should note that Megan and Ethan did make it out to the Olympic Village to meet Natalie for lunch, as she was able to get a pass to come out for a short visit. They went to an Indian restaurant near Carnaby Street and then right back to the Olympic Village.
FRIDAY
Met the Coughlins at their hotel and made our second visit to the Omega House in Soho. Noticed that astronaut Buzz Aldrin had been there since out last visit and there was a photo of him inside. Just had some tea and pastries, and watched some swimming prelims on the big screen in the patio, before we left and met Megan and Ethan at Leicester Square for lunch. I had a Thai chicken curry dish that was mediocre at best (of course, I wasn't at a Thai restaurant, so guess I had that coming).
Afterward we walked up Regent Street to Hamleys Toy Store, my favorite shop in all of London, which was packed to the rafters. We just visited the ground floor which features stuffed animals.
From there over to Carnaby Street, with some trendy shops, and Megan and Ethan left us. Next off by train from Oxford Circus to Green Park, and a walk over to Hyde Park to see the entertainment venue with big screen TVs. Marble Arch Tube was closed so we got a bus over to Victoria Station and then Tube back to our hotels. We just walked by and did not enter the fenced area.
At 1900 we met at Proctor and Gamble for dinner and to watch swimming, and left there about 2130 to go back to our hotels.
New city photos start here:
http://tom911.smugmug.com/2012OlympicGamesLondon/Around-London-City-SIghts/24178637_SPSkHv#!i=2004450846&k=3vqSH8p
N830MH
Aug 3, 12, 8:50 pm
Wow! Another great trip report! I'm glad you had a great time at Olympics. Hope see you when you get back home.
pdsuk
Aug 4, 12, 3:30 pm
And so the swimming comes to an end :(((((
Was very pleased to see Phelps go out on a high, what an end to a career.
Sorry to see that Natalie didn't get into the final team for the last relay, but the winning team did very, very well.
Enjoy the rest of your stay in our wonderful city !!!!
tom911
Aug 4, 12, 5:06 pm
Just missed seeing Natalie at USA House next to Royal Albert Hall. Swimmers were being bused in and I couldn't wait around as I needed to get out to LHR for my last night's hotel. Got the 2300 train from Gloucester Road.
I know she is happy with her dozen medals A record she an be proud of, for sure.
Non-NonRev
Aug 4, 12, 9:26 pm
Tom, are the athletes sequestered in the Olympic Village during the entire time of the Games, or do they get to sightsee, etc on days when they are not competing?
Dianne47
Aug 5, 12, 6:47 am
Twelve Olympic medals is an amazing records and Natalie will be featured in those "where are they now?" articles for many years to come. Sounds like your Olympics were great yet again. Have a good trip home.
tom911
Aug 5, 12, 6:47 am
Hard to say. I know Natalie has only been out twice this week to see family, but she's a team captain and might have more responsibilities there, along with media stuff. I know she's been on both Today and Good Morning America this week, so she may have a full agenda that precludes her from getting out more often. I haven't seen her at all this week, missing her at USA House last night when the team came over around 2330.
tom911
Aug 5, 12, 6:52 am
Hello from the BA F lounge. Bumped out of my coach award seat LHR-LAX and have an alternate AA routing in business across the Atlantic and continuing on in coach. Just had a burger delivered to my seat (trying to charge my tablet here).
Petrus
Aug 5, 12, 8:06 am
Safe travels Tom and thanks for a great report. I saw Natalie being interviewed by NBC from my row 1 seat just above the TV booths in the Aquatics Centre on Thursday morning session. I did not know who she was at the time, but I do know when I see a gorgeous interesting woman ;)
I visited the Olympics on Thursday. Report here if anyone is interested: http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/british-airways-executive-club/1373729-day-olympics-courtesy-ba.html
pdsuk
Aug 5, 12, 8:23 am
I know she is happy with her dozen medals A record she an be proud of, for sure.
And so she should be.
There are so many young stars coming up through the ranks at the moment. I remember the speculation that the banning of all body suits would mean that some oft he world records would stand for along time --> look at how many have fallen with the sheer speed and skill of many of these young men and women.
I can see bright futures ahead for many of them and brilliant race days for us viewers.
Have a safe trip home.
HawaiiTrvlr
Aug 5, 12, 4:50 pm
Tom, thanks for being our reporter on the ground. I enjoyed reading your reports/updates. Have a safe trip back.
bowdenj
Aug 5, 12, 6:41 pm
Nice bump.
Bumped out of my coach award seat LHR-LAX and have an alternate AA routing in business across the Atlantic and continuing on in coach.
tom911
Aug 6, 12, 12:36 pm
Day 8 and Day 9
Saturday was our last full day in London. I checked out of the Hotel Indigo on Tower Hill around 10am and was surprised to find out this award stay included breakfast every morning in the adjoining restaurant. I had only made it down for breakfast one morning and found about this when checking out and trying to pay for the meal ( a full English breakfast is 13 pounds, about $20, while I just had a ham and cheese omelette for 8 pounds). Is that typical with award stays at Indigo? Doubt I would have been down for many other breakfasts, paid for or not, as I generally didn't roll out of bed until sometime after 9 and didn't head out the door until 10, with the exception of the first day of swimming where I headed to the pool around 8.
I used my zone 1-3 Oyster 7-day travel card to work my way out on the Tube to Heathrow. I also have a cash balance on this card which covers the additional fare from zone 3-6 (Heathrow being in 6). Took the escalators adjoining the Heathrow Tube station up to the coach station and hopped the 105 bus out to Bath Road, just 5 minutes away. Left my two bags and right back into central London. I didn't recall the bus stop for the return trip being so far away, as it's a little bit of a hike. The bus stop from the airport adjoins the hotel driveway. This is in the “free zone” so no charge to ride. I was at the Holiday Inn at Bath and Sipson Road.
Arrived back in London and met the Coughlins for lunch at Omega House on Greek Street in SoHo. Had some steak with baby tomatoes and french fries (chips). I had just missed a buffet line which had closed. Not possible to take patio photos due to so many guests about, but I did get photos of two interior rooms. Omega has remodeled this facility, including the patio addition, and will turn it over to the charity that owns the building at the end of the Olympics.
We were just a few blocks from the British Museum so popped in there for an hour, touring mostly the Greek section (reminded us of our visit to the 2004 Olympics in Athens and the visit to the Acropolis).
Back to the Coughlins hotel, the Park Plaza Westminster Bridge, for a break, and then I headed out on my own over to Cotswolds near Picadilly Circus to look for a new day pack. They stock some brands we don't typically see in the U.S., but nothing caught my interest. Also took a look around Fortnum and Mason across the street, a shop that stocks tea, chocolates and biscuits on the ground floor.
Saturday night we watched swimming at Proctor and Gamble's center. After that we headed over to USA House which adjoins the Royal Albert Hall. The swim team was due in at 2300. I had checked the train schedule from South Kensington earlier in the day and the last departure listed on the web site to Heathrow was 2240. By the time I got the Coughlins over to USA House it was right about that time, so I turned right back around and went over to Gloucester Road, about the same distance from USA House, where the Picadilly Line out to Heathrow was still running. Caught the 2300 train. There were later trains listed when I looked at their web site via cell phone once on board. Happy with my decision to leave as I didn't make it to my hotel until just after midnight as it was and needed to be out at 0745. Guess there are some issues with the Tube website.
Sunday morning to the airport was an adventure for the Coughlins. Some bridges and roads were closed due to the marathon, and we just weren't sure a cab to Paddington for Heathrow Express or Heathrow Connect would work. They walked from their hotel to Westminster station to find it closed, even though the Tube site, when checking today's schedule, showed good service from there. They backtracked to Waterloo and got a train there which was taken out of service. Offboarded and waited for another train. Arrived Heathrow about 2 ¼ hours before departure which worked out fine, an overall delay of about 30 minutes for them. We were able to get the 5 pound deposit for their Oyster cards back at the ticket window for the Tube.
Made my way to the Admiral's Club and volunteered, along with two others in our party, for a bump on the LAX flight. They needed five but by the time we got to the gate they needed 3, and then when the doors were getting ready to close only needed two---Ethan, Natalie's husband, and me. Could not confirm any routing until flight was out. Rebooked us on the 1530 DFW flight and then onto SFO, getting in 4 hours later than our original flights. Flight to DFW was in business class which was a great deal for me being that I was on a coach award ticket in this direction. Stopped in the British Airways First Class Lounge before departure for lunch (just had a burger and a cupcake). Very quiet in there with few guests.
Arrived at SFO at 2320 to find my bag was in Chicago. No idea how it got there. It will be delivered to me at home. Caught the 2335 train out to Concord (next to the last one at 2355), picked up my car, and was in the door at 0120.
New photos start here:
http://tom911.smugmug.com/2012OlympicGamesLondon/Around-London-City-SIghts/24178637_SPSkHv#!i=2009737752&k=sXzF6KM
origin
Aug 6, 12, 1:06 pm
An amazing report. I shall re read it all again another day, as there is so much detail.
Its really nice hearing how overseas people have found the Olympics and the UK in general during this time.
Thanks.
tom911
Aug 6, 12, 1:39 pm
I'd definitely want to commend all the volunteers. Everyone was so genuinely welcoming and you could tell justifiably proud to host the Olympics. After being at the Beijing Olympics in 2008 where armies of volunteers marched to and from venues like robots, it was great seeing volunteers having fun as they donated their time.
SuperDudley
Aug 6, 12, 6:31 pm
Thank you for a wonderful trip report. I enjoyed looking through all of your pictures.
tom911
Aug 6, 12, 6:41 pm
I do want to thank all of you that have offered positive comments. Makes my time commitment to try and get the photos uploaded and text written worthwhile in the end. I hope you're able to sample some of the Olympics excitement without actually being in London this last week.
The one thing I personally noticed is that it's very different attending an Olympics when your favorite athlete only swims one day, compared to the last two Olympics where Natalie would have swam 6 or 7 nights. No rush to the Olympics venue and worrying about security lines or transit delays. A lot more time to visit various hospitality centers we had access to, as well as touring time (would have loved to have more of that in Athens and Beijing).
Missy Franklin, who won Gold in the 100 backstroke, keeps that medal for USA after Natalie won the Gold in 100 backstroke in Athens and Beijing. Hope she has a shot at it again in Rio de Janeiro in 2016. Romania won this event back in the Sydney Games.
CubsFanJohn
Aug 6, 12, 6:44 pm
Walked around Princes Street and the adjoining gardens, and then up to The Dome restaurant for a quick look at the exquisite interior. Back to our hotels.
Right around 10pm we popped into the cinema complex with pubs and restaurants across from the Coughlins hotel for a burger, fries and beer special for 5 pounds ($7.50). Very convenient for a late night meal. As we had lunch late we didn't have much of an appetite at the earlier pub stop.
New photos start here:
http://tom911.smugmug.com/2012OlympicGamesLondon/2012-Olympic-Games-London/24178493_hx9TGn#!i=1987429777&k=27kv4JT
I actually ate at the Dome once (Parents were paying) and let me tell you while the food is excellent it is very expensive. Cool photos and thanks for sharing your experience.
FlyingTrojan
Aug 7, 12, 7:04 pm
Excellent Report! Really enjoyed seeing some of the action from a different perspective.
We'll be heading out the London for a short trip at the end of the month, just in time to miss the Olympics. (Sadly, couldn't make it work. But I'm hoping for Rio! :))
Hopefully, a little bit of the Olympic Village/atmosphere will still be around.
Dianne47
Aug 8, 12, 4:06 am
Your photos are great. My favorites: the beautiful bulldog. The weather looked very nice, so unusual in London. Thanks for the public transport tips, Oyster Card info., etc. Sounds like London got the transport right, what a task. Thanks again for your reports and photos. I hope your bag made it home by now.
tom911
Aug 8, 12, 9:07 am
The bag showed up at 6am Tuesday, about 30 hours after I arrived home. Haven't even unpacked it yet as it's mostly laundry.
ABZ1C
Aug 8, 12, 9:34 am
Just found your report Tom & really enjoyed it.
Very interesting to get a perspective of the Olympics from a visitor, we are from Scotland originally but now live in Windsor so I was glad to hear that you enjoyed your visit north of the border.
Mrs ABZ1C & I & were at the rowing on Friday & had such a great time that we decided we had to try & get tickets for something at the Olympic Park.
Batches of tickets are being released every night for the following day, so after spending most of Saturday online I finally managed to get two tickets to the men’s 100m final the following evening.
We had a fantastic time & have been well & truly bitten by the Olympic bug.
We will definitely be at the Commonwealth games in Glasgow in 2014 & are seriously considering how doable Rio will be in 2016.
joanek
Aug 8, 12, 10:41 am
Thanks for another great trip report!
tom911
Aug 8, 12, 11:10 am
Mrs ABZ1C & I & were at the rowing on Friday & had such a great time that we decided we had to try & get tickets for something at the Olympic Park.
It was surprisingly easy to get up to Eaton for rowing. The Coughlins were near Waterloo so we did the train from there to Eton Riverside, down below the castle, which is about 50 mins travel time. We could have made our way over to Paddington by Tube and transferred at Slough, the route I would normally take, but the Tube time to get over there balanced out the longer rail trip from Waterloo. Plenty of buses waiting on arrival to get us to the rowing venue and spectacular weather.
Between swimming, table tennis and rowing, I was pretty happy with the events I did hit.
tom911
Aug 8, 12, 2:04 pm
Looks like Natalie made it to Omega House last night:
Natalie Coughlin @NatalieCoughlin
Fun event last night with @MichaelPhelps @LeClos_Swim and Alexander Popov at the Omega House. Such a beautiful space!
https://p.twimg.com/AzxTn7HCcAAcZPC.jpg
FlightNurse
Aug 10, 12, 12:35 am
Tom what a great report, the time I was reading your posts, I felt like i was with you the whole time, excellent....
tom911
Aug 10, 12, 2:18 pm
Natalie had a cooking segment on the Today Show this morning. They also had her on to cook something in Beijing.
http://video.today.msnbc.msn.com/today/48609136#48609136
tom911
Apr 10, 13, 5:15 pm
In London today and took the time to train out to Stratford and the Olympic Park. The pool is in the process of having the bleachers disassembled. Won't miss those as you could not see across to the stands on the other side of the pool and they were just way too high up for good view of the pool itself.
Today, taken with my Samsung tablet so I could hold it over a fence and actually see what I was shooting on the screen--probably the best shot I got there.
My seat was on the top right side of this photo. Rest of today's photos are HERE (http://tom911.smugmug.com/Travel-Europe/London/2013-London/28845745_7wxDwM#!i=2450053857&k=6vhZbdf).