Day 19 - The morning was spent in last minute preparations for the arrival of Kat, Vic, and Katie, aka The Girls. Megan picked up our tickets at Cosports, grocery store, etc. At about 2pm, we took the students to see the Torch Relay.
Fun Fact - Did you know that the The Torch Relay was not part of the Ancient Games, however was added by Hitler at the 1938 Olympics in Berlin as a propaganda tool? Since then it has morphed into an opportunity to to spread the Olympic Spirit throughout the host country. We saw a Para Olympian run the Torch through Ealing, England, about a 30 minute tube ride from our residence halls.
Fun Fact - Did you know that only someone of Greek decent can carry the Torch out of Athens?
As with a lot of Olympic events, there is a bit of hurry up and wait. We arrived early, and scoped out our place along the route. We waited, and waited, and waited. A bit of a scheduling snaffo caused the Torch to arrive about an hour after when it was posted to arrive online. (We queued based on the time posted online .) The students, however, were troopers. I, personally, was really glad to be able to witness first hand the running of the Olympic Torch.
Fun Fact - Did you know that the Olympic Flame was extinguised here in London? http://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/olympics/torch-relay/video/9384448/London-2012-Olympics-Torch-flame-extinguished-whilst-on-white-water-raft.html
No Worries, Mates- there are three flames sent from Greece; so the light of the Olympic Spirit never goes out.
After the Relay, off to find dinner. About 12 of us found a little restaurant and chatted away the evening. I will have to reiterate, the students in our class are AMAZING. They are smart, funny, outgoing, and truly a pleasure to be around.
The Girls missed their connecting flight due to weather in the States, so although they were due to arrive on the evening of the 24th, they did not arrive until the Morning of the 25th.
Stay tuned dear readers all is not lost. The day of the girls arrival, turned out to again be one of the highlights of this trip. (And not just because they are here now:))
Cheers from the UK
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