Day 26th – Monday 13th August – Last day

Like an inverse of yesterday, I went into work early today, just to get as much of my last day as possible.  It would have been very easy to get depressed with everything – sitting down on the Tube for the first time in weeks, no fans on the Tube, people back to their impersonal ways.  But then I met with some Venezuelan kids who I had spoken to on the Tube a few days ago, and who had taken photos of me.  The oldest was about 20 and the youngest was about 10.  I enjoyed listening about their trip, and was even happier when a Colombian man joined in the conversation.  It made me think about the legacy of the Games.  I’ll get back to that later on.

I met up with Christina in time for lunch, bumping into Carlos and Kathy on the way.  It was a really nice last meal in the Village, catching up, taking photos. 

There was a lot of taking things off the walls and saying goodbye to people as they left.  We were given more chocolate, and some flags. 

And then people started leaving.

First it was Christina, and then Mike.  It was terrible knowing that the team was splitting up for good.  We’ve been such a great team – we gelled well and we’ve always been there for each other. 

With nothing much more to do, apart from a couple of trips to the NOC desk to translate for Elida, I walked around the village one last time, taking photos.  But it wasn’t really the same.  Many of the countries had left, leaving a sort of ghost town.  There were people around, but it wasn’t buzzing as it was before.  I could walk the roads like those first days, not worrying about being bowled over by a bus or a golf cart.  Or a cyclist.  Or a jogger.  It was a deeply saddening moment.  It was like school after all the kids have gone home, but without the reassurance of everyone coming back the next day.  Oh, how I wish I’d signed up for the Paralympics.  That’s the main question here: “Are you doing the Paras?” or “Are you doing Soche/ Rio?”  I wish I could say yes to all three of these.  I’m not ready for it to be over.

Leaving was difficult.  Saying goodbye to Artemio, both Elidas, Yamelys, Maureen, Victor, Franklin was sad.  The pressure of the situation sometimes drove me insane, but they were always kind and fun to work with.  They introduced me to a culture that this country could learn something from - a culture so laid back.  So unbothered by deadlines.  Maybe it would drive this country insane.  I don’t know.  But they taught me that it was OK to be relaxed and mañana about everything.  That the world still turns if you take your time.

Leaving was difficult.  The normal (shortcut) exit was not accessible anymore, because they wanted to search our bags one last time.  Where it would usually take a few minutes, it took painfully longer to go from one end to the other.

The Games Makers on the bus to the station were as chatty as always.  I really appreciated my mind being taken off the fact that I was going home from the Olympics for the last time.

As I sat on the Tube, and collected my takeaway ‘comfort food’ before heading home, I thought about the Olympics legacy.  Not the ones David Cameron, Boris Johnson and Seb Coe talk about on the News, although those are important for the country.  I meant my own legacy.  What the Olympics has done for me.  I’ve been a part of a wonderful team of people – Christina, Carlos, Mike, Goli, as well as Kathy, Shernaz and Mitzi.  I’ve made wonderful friends.  I’ve been speaking Spanish every day.  Even if I have a wonderful Venezuelan accent now, and I say ‘chevere’ too much for a normal Spanish Spanish speaker, almost four weeks at the Olympics has been even better than four weeks at Uni.  I’m more comfortable with strangers, I’m more comfortable with London.  For the first time in a long time I’m proud of my country, and I know what we can achieve if we put our minds to it, and the pessimism behind us.  I’m genuinely so sad to be leaving, but I can’t wait to watch the Paralympics, and continue the party.  I hope my contribution made a little difference to the Olympics – that the Venezuelans can go back and tell their countrymen that we did a good job.  Because I really believe that we did.

Day 25 – Sunday 12th August – Closing Ceremony

Although I’m due to be working tomorrow, today was a very sad day, leading up to the end of the Olympics, and my unemployment.

I was on the morning shift, so made my way in nice and early.  However, I was held up by a guy at the newsagents where I buy breakfast, who started his conversation with ‘Mo did really well last night’ and ended with ‘I hate those damn immigrants coming in and stealing our jobs’.  With some random abuse about the French thrown in the middle.  I have no idea how that happened, and if I hadn’t been in my Games Maker uniform I probably would have said something more helpful/witty/intelligent than ‘but Mo’s an immigrant and he just won us two Gold Medals’.  However, that was all I could say, and chuckled when the (immigrant) shopkeeper made a comment about the fact that the man was reading too much of the Daily Mail.  I gave the shopkeeper an apologetic look and excused myself.  The man was making me late.  I can't believe there are still people who are still so prejudiced.

Before I had even arrived, I had phone calls to do with luggage instructions I had spent all day yesterday translating.  It was a busy day from the start.  But I was grateful for that.  I didn't want to have to dwell on the end.

In the end, we decided that we had given them the information, and they could use it as much as they wanted.  I think I noticed someone bringing in some scales a little later, so maybe I was successful.  I never found out.

As the morning became the afternoon, Christina and Mike arrived for their shift.  I suddenly became acutely aware that my penultimate shift was almost over.  Reluctant to leave, I stayed with Christina and Mike, helping out with interpreting.  As the day grew quieter, it was agreed that Christina would help with the Closing Ceremony.  We wandered down to the gift shop to look around, and then I left to go home.

Still clinging to the last threads of the Olympics, I changed my mind at the last minute and headed towards Victoria Park, where BT had huge screens showing the Closing Ceremony.  I wanted to be a part of it. 

I queued for the best part of an hour, with Mike and his girlfriend queuing just behind me.  The Venezuelans had given me a box of chocolates (the ones saying ‘Made in Socialism’ on the side), and LOCOG had given us all a relay baton as a keepsake, so I’d had to carry my book.  Handy for a long queue.  The kids in front of me played, and someone behind started playing crowd-volleyball with a beach ball, which was great fun. 

The Closing Ceremony was amazing and emotional to watch.  Everyone sat calmly and sedately until the Spice Girls, when everyone stood up until the end.  Seeing the torch go out, and Boris handing the Olympic Flag over to the Brazilians, brought a lump to my throat.  I wanted to run up there and ask for another go.  I wasn’t ready for it to end.  Being only a mile away from the Stadium, we got to watch the fireworks live rather than on TV.  They were amazing – much better than any display I’ve seen before.

The walk back to the station, and the trip, was long and slow.  Hungry, and sad, I sat on the sofa in front of the News when I reached home and munched on some Prawn Crackers from a Chinese we’d had a few days ago.  I can’t believe it’s over.  I know I’m going in tomorrow, but, really, it’s over.  I’m dreading saying goodbye tomorrow.

Day 24 – Saturday 11th August – An Evening in the Olympic Stadium

Today was the third and last of my days off at the Olympic Games.  But, unlike last time, it wasn’t totally Olympics-free, as we had, last year, won tickets in the original ballot to go to see the final session of the Athletics in the Olympic Stadium. 

I met with Mum, Dad and Alice in Westfield Shopping Centre, but we headed straight into the Olympic Park to see what was going on.  It was really nice to see it through fresh eyes.  It was so busy.  Many people stopped to look up at the BBC studio in the Park, where some of the commentary is broadcasted from.  At several point, various BBC presenters turned and waved at the crowd, much to everyone’s delight.  I love the BBC!

After a quick lunch of Cornish Pasties, we made our way to Park Live, where I had watched both Usain Bolt’s races.  We were deeper in the crowd this time, and after picking our way through to the only spot available in the entire area, we watch the end of the Mountain Biking and Ed McKeever’s Gold in the Kayaking.  Even though it was a replay, it was wonderful to hear the roar of the crowd around me as it if was the real thing at Eton Dorney.

After that we wandered around the Park for a couple of hours, taking in all the views.  I tried to point out the Venezuelans’ residence somewhere in the distance, aided by the giant ‘Time Brasil’ poster.  I made everyone do Usain Bolt’s classic pose, much to everyone else’s embarrassment.  I just had to do it!  There was a really lovely park area, with a pond and trees, which was a really tranquil contrast to the buzz and excitement of the rest of the Park.  We also met up with some family friends, Mike and Lynn, who had also been allocated tickets for the Athletics.  It was really lovely to see them and tell them about my adventures here.  Although a couple of people asked me for photos and things, once more it was really strange being in my ‘civvies’ and not in uniform, being asked questions and favours.

Although we were in the highest, furthest back seats of the stadium, it didn’t feel like it.  We had the Athletics Track in full view, with the Flame warming us directly in front, the score board opposite, and a full view of the Javelin in front us and the High Jump in the distance.  Even though, for many of the events, there were no British competitors, the crowd were very warm towards every single competitor, gasping if someone fell, cheering if someone achieved.  I think the athletes really appreciated that, and it made the atmosphere like nothing I’d seen before.

The two highlights of the evening were the Men’s 5000m and 100m Relay.  Mo Farah’s race in the former of these was so tense.  As with the Velodrome the other day, for the first 4000m the cheers occurred in waves, following Mo and the other athletes around the stadium.  As he pushed to the front, the cheers became louder, willing him to win Gold in front of our very eyes.  The final couple of laps were immense, with the crowd raising to its feet, cheering louder and louder as victory became more and more real.  The sound of the cheers as he reached the finishing line was so indescribably loud.  I’ve tried, it’s just like nothing I’ve ever encountered before.  It seems difficult to imagine, but it was so loud I couldn’t hear a thing.  It was deafening.  Something I’ll never forget.  I hope Mo never forgets it either, as it seemed to be carrying him over the finishing line.

The Men’s 100m Relay was also electric, as everyone wanted to see the rivalry between the USA and Jamaica.  It was also a hat trick for me, as I’d managed to see all three of Usain Bolt’s races live, plus all of his races in Beijing four years ago.  He’s so amazing on screen, and it was unbelievable being able to see a living legend sprint easily across the finishing line, as if everyone else should be able to do it at that pace.  He’s such a wonderful person, too – a superstar, but so nice about it.  Mo Farah too.  As if everyone with a talent should find it that easy.  I hope many people have learnt a lesson or two from both of them!

The Victory Ceremonies came one by one, leaving Mo Farah until the last.  The Russians won three golds, including one from the night before, so Mum and I managed to ‘la’ along to the final rendition of those, plus the French and USA anthems, much to the amusement of the guy next to us.  Hearing God Save the Queen sung by 80,000 people, though, was also something I would never forget.  It brought a lump to my throat and a tear to my eye to hear it.

I was so reluctant to leave the Stadium at the end, after watching an interview with Mo and Usain.  It was the final day – tomorrow it will be used for a completely different event.  That brought a tear to my eye too as I said goodbye to my parents and made my way towards the station in the direction of Turnpike Lane.  I can’t believe it finishes tomorrow.  I’m so glad I got to be a part if it this way as well before the end.

Day 22 – Thursday 9th August

This morning I headed down to Charing Cross to meet Mum and Alice – the first time I’ve seen them since moving to London in mid-July.  It was really nice to catch up on what they’ve been up to and to share my own stories.  It was the first time I’d really been anywhere in my ‘civvies’.  It was really strange not being stared at, or asked questions.  I love everyone’s questions and conversations.  I don’t want London to turn back into an impersonal city after this!

We made our way to Hyde Park to watch the long-distance swim in the Serpentine.  It was a free event, so there were a lot of people trying to take as much of a slice of the Olympic fever as was possible.  Many people were crowded by the water’s edge to watch the action, but there were as many sitting on the lawn, soaking up the warmth of the sun, watching the swimmers race to and fro.  It’s really great to see that the Olympics are this popular in the eye of the people outside the ‘bubble’ I’ve been spending my weeks in.

We watched from the water’s edge for a couple of laps before heading to the lawn to watch from there.  It was a really lovely morning, and great to see the Olympics from a spectator’s perspective.

As the swimmers were finishing we headed to Stratford for lunch.  After spotting a Spud-U-Like, we tried to sit down to eat.  Impossible.  There were so many people waiting for seats, many eating standing up.  Difficult with a jacket potato.  In the end we shared a table with some spectators, who left and were replaced by another Games Maker – one of the guys standing in the street directing spectators to the Olympic Park.  He was really enthusiastic about his job, which was really lovely to hear.  Mum also mentioned the positive comments there have  been about the Games Makers, which made me really happy about the time and effort we have all spent here.  I’m in such a bubble – I miss all of this!

I was in such a good mood when I came back – I’ve really enjoyed meeting up with friends and family before my shifts when I’ve had the opportunity, involving them in a part of my day.  As I was finding tea in the break room (“like a good English girl” say the Venezuelans.  They know me so well!), I managed to watch the end of Nicola Adams’s boxing match, winning the first Olympic Gold Medal awarded to a female boxer.  It has been mentioned many times over the last fortnight that this has been an iconic Olympics with regards to gender equality, with it also being the first time every country has sent a female athlete to compete.  There’s a lot of work to do, but I’m so glad that the Olympic spirit is helping countries to make those first baby steps.  I’m so proud of our world for moving forward at whatever pace and glad that it’s happening here in London.

Whilst I was in the break room we were given a huge box of Cadbury chocolate.  They must have forgotten the ‘free chocolate’ part of the job, because for the first week or two there was nothing, but now we’ve been having chocolate every day.  There’s also some sort of banana epidemic, as every dinner table has had a huge plastic box of bananas, and people have been handing bananas out at the dining room door.  The obvious answers are banana bread and smoothies.  I’d love a smoothie one day!

Anyway, I caught up with the golf cart giving athletes, officials and volunteers alike free chocolate as if they couldn’t get rid of it fast enough, and grabbed a huge handful for the Venezuelans.  The looks on their faces when I gave them the chocolate was a joy.  It was such a small thing, but this is the sort of moment I love my job for.  Be it chocolate or translation or just a small ‘hi’, I love making people happy.

It was a bittersweet day, as Fabiola the table tennis player/ flag-bearer, left today, and many more are leaving over the next couple of days.  It’s making me sad to see everyone leave.  How’s this gone so quickly?

Day 21 – Wednesday 8th August

Today was exciting as I was able to see my friend Amy, who’d come down from Cambridge to have a look around.  It felt so strange taking a different journey to the trip that I’ve been taking every day for two weeks, going to a new place in my uniform, feeling everyone’s eyes on me all the same.  We met at Tottenham Court Road for lunch at a burrito place I love called Chipotle.  It’s an American chain with only a few restaurants in London, and was one of my favourite places to go after many of my training sessions over the six or so months leading up to the Olympics.  After I had converted her to Chipotle (it didn’t take much convincing) we headed up to Stratford, making a bee-line for John Lewis’s to take a look at the famous view of the Olympic Park.  I’ve been working for the Olympics for almost 3 weeks now and I just cannot get bored of seeing the Stadium every day, standing tall like a giant white crown.  John Lewis’s also had many Lego structures, which always amaze me.  There was a Dalek, a C3PO and a giant Lego Olympic Stadium, with the stands full of lego characters such as Darth Vader and skeletons.  I always admire people who can do that.  We also popped into Hornby, where they were selling figurines of the different events and the Stadium.  The woman in there told us that it’s going to be strange going back to normal after the Olympics and Paralympics have finished.  I admit, I have to agree.  I don’t want to think about it right now.

All too soon I had to head to work.  I really wish we could bring guests into the Village, just so everyone can see it in all its glory with all the athletes roaming around.  I’ll have to wait for it to become a real neighbourhood to show people.  I can’t wait, but I can’t help but wonder how different the atmosphere will be.  Sometimes if I’m alone I try to imagine how it will be.  It’s difficult.  It might be hard to see.

Today was slow again at work.  On the other hand I love chatting to the Venezuelans, improving my Spanish, getting to know them more and more.  They’re such lovely, normal people.  At the end of the day I returned to John Lewis’s to buy some merchandise I hadn’t had time to queue for earlier.  Tomorrow I get to see Mum and Alice for the first time since I started working.  I can’t wait!

Day 20 – Tuesday 7th August

I really hope that the rest of my time here isn’t like the last couple of days.  I don’t like complaining, because I love being a part of this, but I love being helpful and busy. 

I came in this afternoon to everyone saying that it had been a quiet morning, and warning that it was more likely to be a similar situation for my shift. 

So, imagine my delight when one of the Venezuelans’ guests wanted to take the Tube to ExCel for the boxing, but confessed that she was scared to go on a foreign ‘Metro’ alone.  I totally sympathised with her.  I’ve travelled a lot myself, and even on a normal non-Olympics day, public transport is daunting and sometimes scary, and I’ve always been grateful for friends or at least some company.  So, happily I agreed to take her on the half-hour journey on the Docklands Light Railway. 

There are a couple of exits and entrances to the Olympic Village at various points around the periphery.  One of the most popular routes out leads straight to Stratford International and Westfield Shopping Centre, being the quickest and easiest by far.  Until now.  I don’t know when it started, but members of the public somehow got to know that this is the exit athletes use, and so exiting today involved being surrounded by fans and well-wishers, wanting to exchange pins or have athletes’ autographs and photos.  I’m in two minds about this – it’s cool that everyone’s showing so much support, but I’m also mindful that it’s not helpful for the athletes’ day, and unfair for the people they’re not cheering on.  Also, I might be a little bitter that no one cheered for me!

The journey down to Custom House for ExCel was very pleasant.  It was lovely talking to someone new, learning about where she comes from, and it was my pleasure to give her extra directions to Embankment so she could see Big Ben and the London Eye on a later date.

By the time I had gone down to Custom House and back, it was time for dinner.  The only thing left was to deal with the transport issues I had been warned about yesterday.

My trip ‘out’ today was only a small gesture, and the only thing any of us really did that day, but I was so happy to be able to do it, and she was so grateful.  Making people happy and comfortable makes me very happy, and that’s something I can bear in mind for the future.

Day 19 – Monday 6th August

When I arrived this morning I have the honour of meeting Julio César León – Venezuela’s first ever Olympic athlete, who fought in World War II and competed for the first time in London’s ‘Austerity Games’ in 1948, as well as in the World Championships in Paris later on, and is considered pretty much to be a national hero.  It was really wonderful meeting a part of Venezuela’s history, and he was such a lovely man (with a wonderful name!).  He was, obviously, very interested in watching  the cycling.  It was really clear that everyone in the room respected him, Games Makers, Athletes and Officials alike.

He sort of began a running trend for the day.  With nothing much to do – even the officials were on Facebook – Carlos and I asked Yamelys questions about Venezuela: about the Angel Falls (Salto Angel in Spanish), the Amazon and the Lago de Maracaibo, the massive bay to the north-west of the country.  It all looks so beautiful.  I know I really want to see it one day.

The most I had to do was sort out a similar transport issue to the other day.  Tomorrow I have to arrange the same thing, but for a large group of Venezuelans to leave a different times of the day, so I hope it’ll be more eventful.  I really wish there was more for me to do!

They let me leave early again.  I made my way out through Westfield, stopping in Next to buy Team GB scarves for when I watch the Athletics on Saturday.  As I was about the queue I heard a familiar-sounding voice cry “Sophie!!” and my head snapped round.  Elida, alongside most of the officials, had gone shopping too.  It was really uplifting and awesome to be recognised like that by them, and a happy end to a very slow day.



To learn more about Julio César, click here

Day 18 – Sunday 5th August

Today I was still buzzing from yesterday’s luck – both my own and Team GB’s.  I’m sure I was smiling all day, and that smile only got bigger when the Venezuelans, by pure chance, left for lunch literally as Mike came in to tell me that Andy Murray was winning the tennis final against Roger Federer.  We managed to see the entirety of the final set.  I’m sure if this is the only gold I get to see Great Britain win I’ll be happy.  Watching Murray win any competition at Wimbledon is very special.

There wasn’t much to do when the Venezuelans returned.  So much so that when Goli mentioned a transport issue for tomorrow (the athletes are starting to go home!  I’m so sad!) it took both me and Mike to go down to the transport desk to sort it out.  I was so glad for something to do – I really like watching the sport and the superstars doing what they do best, but I also like being busy, especially as that’s what I signed up for here!

Once the transport issue was solved, and once we’d had dinner, we waited for a couple more hours, watching the Athletics, waiting for Usain Bolt and the Men’s 100m Sprint Final.  With pride I watched Mo Farah get his gold medal.  The differences between here and the Venezuelans stood out as they asked me where Mo was from.

“Well, Britain,” I replied.

“No, no, where does he actually come from?  Ethiopia?”

I know Mo’s Somali-born, but I wanted to make a point, so I replied that I thought that his parents were from there.  It was such a strange conversation to have, I thought at the time.  I guess people from that area of the world think of UK as being an all-white population rather than the beautiful, rich cultural mix that we are.  Not that Venezuela isn't diverse too.  Or maybe they feel it’s less of a P-C issue to discuss there.  Just not a conversation I tend to have.

Happily for Mike and me, they let us go just before 9, giving us an hour to exit the Village and make our way to Park Live – the big screens in the Olympic Park – well in time to see the 100m Final.  Seemingly everyone else had the same idea, as the seating area was packed, and the area surrounding it was getting busy.  We stood here and waited, with more and more people arriving.  The race itself was only 9 seconds long, but it was worth it to hear the cheer at the end.  Everyone wanted Usain to win it.

Even though there were thousands of people, the walk back to the station was brisk – we didn’t stop walking in the 25 minutes it took to go from the big screen to the platform.  I’m so impressed with the transport guys: the system worked really well!

Another slow day at the office, but another one filled with the thrill and glory of the Olympic Games.  I’m so glad I can be here to see moments like that.

Day 17 – Saturday 4th August

Today began early as I made my way to Westfield Shopping Centre to meet my friend Cathy from Uni before she went into the Park to watch the evening’s athletics in the stadium.  It was lovely to see her – I’ve been in the Olympic Bubble and pretty cut off from everyone.  Before meeting her, I also had a chat with one of Team GB’s physiotherapists in Next as I perused the Team GB scarves.  

When I arrived at the Village I found it might be a slow day, to my disappointment.  I always like the 3 o’clock changeover, when I get to see everyone in the team and have a quick chat before they head off home.

My slow day, however, only lasted a few minutes, as before long Artemio asked me if I wanted to go to the Velodrome with some of the officials.  Of course, I jumped at the chance, taking the bus with them from the village.  Unfortunately I couldn’t sit with the Venezuelans, but I was able to stand nearby.  Standing or sitting, I was so happy and grateful to be there.  The building was amazing – a giant oval shape with a wooden track, with the riders in the centre.  You just don’t get the right impression of the size when you watch it on television.  We were just in time to watch the British break a World Record, with the finish line very near to where I had been standing.  I wasn’t sure if I should try not to show emotion, but,, in all honesty, it was difficult when so many riders – British, Venezuelan or anyone else – were doing so well right there in front of me.  It was also difficult not to be moved by the home crowd, whose roars of support followed the British riders around the track like a very loud Mexican wave, or a very large stereo sound system.

Following that was a 120 Lap Race that was part of a medley of races called the Omnium.  Artemio came and spoke to me during the introduction so I still don’t really know what was going on, but I enjoyed it all the same, especially cheering on a German who lapped the other riders several times.  There were also some heats for the Men’s Sprint – a sort of mind game where two riders pedal slowly around the track twice, teasing and tricking each other, until the last lap where they pedal it to the end.  This was one of my favourite events to watch, as it was so tactical, and the commentator was very good.   However, I was annoyed that the Venezuelan rider got relegated to the repercharge after breaking a rule to do with lines, similarly to Victoria Pendleton.  It would have been wonderful to see Venezuela win another medal on my watch!

However, before I had to leave I managed to watch Dani King, Laura Trott and Joanna Roswell win the Women’s Team Pursuit.  I felt tears in my eyes as the roars following the women around the stadium, as they had done with Jason Kenny previously, growing louder as it became clear they had the advantage.  It was such a unique, emotional moment – one I may never hear again – but I’m so glad I got the opportunity.  I was so proud of my country’s sportspeople and spectators and had I been allowed to stay I’m sure tears would have broken free for the National Anthem and the spontaneous rendition of Hey Jude.  Alas, I had to leave, and couldn't take the bus this time.  The Velodrome was kept at a constant 28^oC heat to facilitate the riders’ speed.  But it doesn’t matter at all – I saw the competition, and my walk back allowed me to reflect on how lucky I am to be here, doing this.

Team GB won so many medals today.  We’re the centre of the world.  Everyone’s watching us do this right.  The people I talk to on the Tube from all over the world are so happy to be a part of this, to chat with me and tell me their stories.  When I wrote my Opening Ceremony entry I said I couldn’t be more proud of my country.  Today, in the Velodrome, I was proven wrong.  And I’m so glad I was.

Day 16 – Friday 3rd August

The mañana attitude.  A Spanish word, a Hispanic way of being.  I thought the Spanish were the Kings and Queens of Mañana.  Until I met the Venezuelans.

Last night on my way home I texted Fran and asked where I needed to be at 10am today.  I waited and waited for a reply, which came at about 11 that night.  “Sí”.  Yes.  Helpful.  Amused I texted him again before bed and once again in the morning.  No reply.  So, I had to guess.  I remembered a discussion two days ago about where his hotel was.  Trying hard not to giggle the entire way there about the situation I was in I arrived at the hotel to find the girls and their British-Venezuelan friend Alexander, who I met a couple of days ago, waiting.  Phew.  Unfortunately, they hadn’t had breakfast yet, so I headed to a coffee shop over the road to wait.  Alexander came and apologised.  Seemingly as a Venezuelan it’s eventually easy to slip out of ‘mañana’!  It makes me wonder how long it’d turn me to slip into it if I lived there.  Cheerily I told him not to worry about it: it’s a learning curve for me, and the entire situation had greatly amused me.

Eventually they were ready for us to go.  Although it was a slow start it turned into a great day.  With great pride I showed them Trafalgar Square, walked across the Golden Jubilee Bridge to see Big Ben and the Houses of Parliament to the right and the London Eye to the left.  We must have spent ten to fifteen minutes on that bridge as they took photos.  It was lovely to see people enjoy this wonderful city.  We then walked along the South Bank until we saw St Paul’s Cathedral before heading to Baker Street to leave them at Madame Tussaud’s.  After sneaking a peek at 221B Baker Street, and an impressive, giant statue of Sherlock Holmes – both of which I can’t remember seeing before – I went back to Stratford to begin my shift. 

I needn’t have rushed away – there wasn’t terribly much to do.  Goli and Mike tried to make me go home, but I didn’t want to abandon them or my duties, so I agreed to go home after dinner at 6.  For an hour I showed a Venezuelan guest around the Village, showing her the Multi-Faith Centre, the dining room, the giant Olympics Rings in the park area, taking photos of her by the flags.  Although I was already tired from the day, it was really nice to see the Village through a fresh pair of eyes.

The most amazing moment of the day, though, was hearing the Olympic Stadium erupt frequently into roars of support for athletes as the first day of the Athletics began.  It’s something I never expected to hear, and a sound that will stay with me throughout my life.

With nothing much left to do, I went to dinner and went home.  The day had been a funny one, and I had a feeling I’d been culturally enlightened!

Day 15 – Thursday 2nd August

Today I arrived to a list of things the morning group had started that I had to finish after they had left.  The Venezuelans were so proud of Ruben, spending most of the day clicking through news articles and photos of him on Google and Facebook.  This is so big for this country.  It really offers some perspective on our expectations (and achievements) in Britain.  I managed to see the Gold Medallist once today.  I didn’t ask for a photo – we’ve been told very strictly not to bother people for photos.  I wish I had though.

My first instruction was to try and find Artemio to pay for something called ‘Hot Beds’ which, here in the Village, is where an athlete leaves early and another replaces him or her in the bedrooms, so the cleaners have to clean and make the beds off-rota.  However, translating this to ‘cama caliente’ was, seemingly, wrong.  Some of the Venezuelans started to giggle, and Yamelys and Carlos explained that it meant something a little more x-rated.  Oops!  In stitches I went down to the Resident’s Office to tell them and I think it made their day.  I stood with them to watch Britain’s man win a heat in the Velodrome before heading back to the office.  As always, Elida told me to ask Artemio about paying because she didn’t want to pay for it, and Artemio told me to ask Elida.  Finally, he told me he’d to it tomorrow.  I’m not surprised.

All the while this was happening, Fran (the guy I took to Gatwick yesterday) asked me to take his wife and daughters around London tomorrow.  Eagerly, I agreed to do it, out of shift, so as not to abandon my colleagues.  He agreed to a 4-hour tour, then for me to leave them at a museum.  This really excites me – I love tourist-London and it would be so exciting to do this for people so new to Europe and London.

Another day at London 2012.  Coming home to find that Team GB had won so many more medals just added to it.  It’s a shame I keep missing them, but I just love being a part of it!

Day 14 – Wednesday 1st August – Golden Day

Doing absolutely nothing yesterday really paid off, as I woke up feeling very rested and ready for the day ahead.  Before heading off to work I managed to see Team GB’s rowing pair win our first gold medal.  It was a wonderful win and I’m so glad for them for the achievement, and to stop the press being so cruel.  I’m proud of Team GB with or without medals, of any colour.

I arrived at the Olympic Village to a Venezuelan wanting to go to Gatwick to pick his wife and daughters up, who were just about to land.  He wanted to go by train, so I was happy to go to give the drivers a rest.  The guy, Fran, is the President of the country’s boxing association and was really great company.  After returning once or twice for forgotten things (yes, very amusing!) we were on our way.  I told him a lot about myself, answering a lot of questions.  I thought he was just inquisitive, so when he offered me a job a few moments later I was really surprised.  I’m not sure if anything will come of it, but it was great to be asked!

On the way to Gatwick I told him many stories about the places we passed – about a lot of London being destroyed during World War II, about the Shard being the tallest building in Western Europe, about Battersea Power Station/ Dogs Home.  I also recommended some tourist spot where he could take his daughters.

We arrived at Gatwick Arrivals to find that they had already landed and were waiting for us.  It was really beautiful to see a lovely family group.  Much to my amusement, they all told him off for being late.  I was so sure it was just a part of the Venezuelan culture!  His wife and daughters were a pleasure to join, and it felt good to hear him tell them all the stories I’d told him on the train on the way there.  I do love telling stories and knowing that they were enjoyed.

When we reached London Victoria he phoned a friend of his who would meet us at Camden Town (Alexander, who owns a shop there called Snug (http://www.wix.com/snuglondon/snuglondon)).  I was disgusted by the attitudes of some of the commuters, who had absolutely no patience for them.  They were wearing Venezuela jackets, were obviously foreign and clearly didn’t speak any English.  Usually I just put up, but I had to tell one of  them off as she was worrying the girls.  On the other hand some other commuters and travellers were lovely, asking questions about them and me.  One small boy played peek-a-boo with Fran’s wife, Luisa, which she loved.  The boy also asked me if I was working for the ‘London Obstacle Course’.  I could have died of cute!

We ended up somewhere near Edgware – a long journey and a long day.  However, not long had we arrived at the place they were staying when I got the news from Christina: Venezuela’s Ruben Limardo had just won Gold in the fencing!  My heart bursting with pride for my adopted country I told everyone else.  Even though there were only 7 of us the atmosphere was so joyous, so proud.  I can only dream of how it was for Christina in ExCel or in the Venezuela office in Stratford.  A very emotional Fran told me it was a huge thing for the whole of Venezuela – something to unite everyone in the streets.  I love that.  It’s so different to countries like the UK, where the media this very morning were demanding gold medals and everyone expects us to win at least one medal every day.  This is the first gold Venezuela have won for 44 years.  It could be their only medal in London 2012, but they are so happy and so proud of Ruben.  I’m so pleased for them all.  This is why I’m so happy and honoured to be here.  I really hope I get to see the medal!

Day 12 – Monday 30th July

It was an exciting day today, because I was expecting a new member to join the team.  His name’s Mike and he was transferred from the Rowing Village at Egham.  It was really nice to show him around the Village and hear the comparisons with Egham.  I’m really grateful to the NOC Assistants team for arranging this, because it was only me in that morning, because I was a non-driver.  The Venezuelans were getting a little irritated, and I couldn't blame them!

No sooner had I finished the tour, and we’d had lunch, than I had another phone-call.  I wasn’t expecting this, but a Francesco had also been brought in from Egham to help us out.  I felt like Christmas had come early!  I’m so glad and grateful, because I was getting really worried about us being just four in the team, not so much for myself but for the drivers in the group being overworked.  The Venezuelans do like their ‘chauffeurs’!

Before long, Mike was sent on his first errand to Hyde Park.  Not being a driver, it was difficult to help, but I’m glad the Venezuelans are happy that we have a full team again.  Tomorrow’s my day off, and I’m glad for it, but I’m happier that I can come back on Wednesday knowing that all is well in that respect, and that I won’t have to feel guilty about my day off!

Day 11 – Sunday 29th July

Today was a bit of a rollercoaster of a day for me, beginning with the good news that the keys were ready.  I was so thrilled to get them to Yamelys, who gave me Venezuelan chocolate, either because she was happy with my efforts with the keys (or in general) or because she felt like it.  It was very good chocolate, although I realised that it says ‘Made in Socialism’ on the side.  I found this really interesting – a taste of Venezuelan life.

A little later, a group of Venezuelans went to the bank, apparently happy to go without me.  Happily, I sat reading the Metro, chatting to Yamelys, when we got a call for me to head to the bank to translate.  I was half-expecting it, and was happy to walk to the Lloyds in the Village to offer my services.  However, there was already a translator there.  I offered to take over, but the guy said he was happy to continue, for some reason criticising me for not going there when the Venezuelans had said they were all right without me.  As the poor lady was counting out the very large sum of money, the guy then proceeded to insult me, saying that I speak too poshly in English to have ever been able to carry out the transaction in Spanish, and being surprised when I replied in fluent Spanish, even more surprised when I said I speak French.  At that moment, one of the Elidas decided to chirp in with saying that I speak ‘poco Español’.  I tried to put her right – I didn’t spend all these years studying just for someone to say that – but I was so upset I was stuttering and stumbling.  I still don't even know what she meant by it.  I didn’t have much energy to fight back when she took my pin from my lanyard to give to him, but it was the nail in the coffin for my day.  I felt terrible.  I mean, I know my Spanish isn’t perfect, but I speak to them every day, despite their accent being different to me, and I try my best to work hard.  On the other hand, it's made me even more determined to impress these people, and to persevere on.

Over lunch – late because of the bank saga – we met with Shernaz.  It was nice to be with people to complain about my bank experience.  The silver lining to the cloud was that talking about it made me realise that I’ve made wonderful friends here.  I’m so lucky.

The afternoon was quiet, which suited me fine.  I got another pin badge from Elida, which made me feel a little better, and Goli came to take over from us – it’s always great to see everyone.

After a difficult morning, Christina, Mark and I went to Wetherspoon’s for a drink before heading home.  I really needed that hour there, and it was great to watch Andy Murray’s win with them.  I’m really glad that we’re getting into such a rhythm with our shifts that we can do something like that.

It being my first morning shift since the beginning, it was my first free afternoon, and I was prepared to take advantage of it.  After enchiladas with Leigh – so different to the Olympics food – we went to see the new Batman movie, which was great to see, as a movie and something totally detached from London 2012.  I love my job, but today was a bad day at the office.  It’s the same feeling as having that first argument with a friend or partner, and I feel a bit weird still from it, but after this evening I’m ready to go in fresh for a new day tomorrow.

Day 10 – Saturday 28th July

Today started with a bit of a shock, as I discovered that Kathy had moved to Afghanistan (the team, not the country!) where they wanted English-speakers.  Following this, Shernaz also moved, this time to Jordan, for a similar reason, meaning we were down from 6 people to 4 (3 during a day off!).  The rest of us were, obviously, saddened by this news as we’d all become really good friends over the last week.  It also meant that I had to work alone this afternoon.

I decided to put my efforts into finding a driver for tomorrow, on Artemio’s request, finding a new team-member and getting hold of the keys I mentioned on Thursday.  So, a busy day.

The first task was fine – the NOC Assistants desk had a procedure in place for needed.  Surrounded by posters congratulating us for our efforts last night, I filled in a spread-sheet requesting extra help tomorrow and then asked the leader team for more assistants.  With promises of at least one more assistant, I went to the Resident Office.  The staff, as always, were so helpful and sent an email to the key place instead, returning to me with the promise that we would have the keys in the following 24 hours, much to the delight of Yamelys who had asked me to order the keys in  the first place.

Because of this, I opted to stay a little later than usual to wait for the phonecall to tell me they were ready, even though there wasn’t much for me to do.  It was great to watch sports like fencing with people who knew what they were watching and talking about.  There were conversations as to whether electronic scoring is better than the past where it was up to judges to notice hits.  The best conversation, by far, was on the pronunciation of first Chariots of Fire (the theme tune for the victory ceremonies) and then Stonehenge, much to my amusement.  None of them were anywhere near close, but I helped them, and then looked up train times for one of them to go.  I gave them the option of taking me with them if they go, and I really hope they take it up.

I love feeling like I’m getting something done and the key saga is coming to a close, which is so positive.  And to take athletes, coaches or anyone to anywhere in my beautiful country would be a wonderful honour for me.  I hope they ask me to do it!

Day 9 – Friday 27th July – Opening Ceremony

Today was always going to be very exciting.  I was so happy to be on shift for leading the Venezuelan team to their Opening Ceremony.

The day had been largely non-eventful, with only a couple of questions asked Shernaz and Kathy went to play with their cars.  It seemed there was literally nothing to do, as the Venezuelans were reading Facebook and playing Mah-Jong Solitaire online.  I wish I could take them to see London or something – maybe on a less important day!

Maybe the highlight of the afternoon was watching topless (male) New Zealand athletes standing on a balcony watching their teammates do the Haka.  Or it could have been walking two athletes from Trinidad and Tobago to the Village Hair Salon.  They were so much fun, bantering all the way down, including me in their banter.  It was hilarious and so surreal to be a natural part of two Olympic athletes’ conversations.

After a quick dinner we had to go for a meeting describing our duties tonight.  Christina had unfortunately been stuck at Heathrow all day waiting for a flight that no one knew the arrival time of, so I became the placard bearer – such a huge honour.  I carried the placard to the office.  We were so concerned about Venezuelan timekeeping – sometimes they’re not so great about that. 

Thankfully, with two hours to wait, we persuaded the office ladies to put the Opening Ceremony on the TV so we could catch the beginning of it as we waited for our allotted leaving time to arrive.  Our instructions were so strict – we had to leave at 10h08 and follow a designated route to the stadium.  After enjoying the first half-hour of the Opening Ceremony (I am so, so proud of my country), conscious of our timing, we walked briskly, to the complaints of some of the officials.  Once we were in the athletes’ pen, the atmosphere became even more electric, with the athletes behind us chanting “Venezuela” loudly, the chants growing louder as Ukraine chanted back.  I felt myself joining in, the atmosphere infectious.  They were taking photos of each other at every possible moment, some of the girls sprinting to a surprised LeBron James to take photos as the USA walk by, much to the basketball player’s shock and enjoyment.

The Venezuelans dressed all in white, with ‘Venezuela’ written in blue, yellow and red on their back, the women wearing an elegant silver ornament in their hair with flowers in the country’s colours, brought all the way from their home country.  As we edged forwards, we discovered there were children lining the route, holding their hands out for a high-five or a book for an autograph, cheering everyone down.  This excited the athletes more, chants of ‘Venezuela’ growing louder and louder with the kids’ help.  Shernaz and I, taking turns with the placard, chatted to Fabiola, the table-tennis player and the flag-bearer.  She was very lovely, and totally relaxed about her moment.  A couple of press officers asker her questions, which she nervously answered in English.  She seemed far more nervous about that than being the flag-bearer.

It was such a wonderful thing to be a part of, enjoyed by everyone.  Unforgettable.  I managed to give Artemio instructions before being whisker away by the marshals.  It was over all too soon for me – I was having an amazing time.  I tried to watch out for Venezuela on the big screen, but was ushered away because of the fireworks.  By the time I was on the train home they were underway, the train driver slowing down as the whole carriage gasped and cheered as everyone watched red, white and blue explosions fly out of the stadium.

I’m yet to see the whole Opening Ceremony, but I am so proud of Danny Boyle, the volunteers and the whole country for such an amazing night.  I wish I could have stayed longer and soaked up more atmosphere, but I’m so pleased I got to be a small part of it.  I’m beginning to see, now, how good these Olympics are going to be for this country.  I really can’t be more proud.

Day 8 – Thursday 26th July

Wow – I’ve been here a week!  Time does crazy things when you’re enjoying yourself.

This morning’s task was to move from Bexleyheath.  Leaving at 8am I arrived at Turnpike Lane at 10.  My friend Leigh and I are going to be house-sitting for a friend of hers until the end of the Olympics.  I’m going to really miss Maxine and Matt, but I’m always excited for new places, and it’ll be great to spend time with Leigh.

She hadn’t seen the Olympic Stadium or the Westfield Shopping Centre, so we left for me shift an hour or so early so I could show her before it became really crazy with crowds for the Olympics.  We ate a wonderful salad of beans, pomegranate seeds, lentils, barley, cranberries and pumpkin seeds with a lime vinaigrette dressing at ‘Eat.’ before I headed to work and she continued shopping and enjoying the views of the Olympic Park.

My day at the village was a little busier than previous days.  First of all I had to ask in the basement about meeting and storage rooms for Venezuela, being the interpreter for Yamelys, before helping one of the technical guys, Franklin, to troubleshoot about training passes for coaches.  There was a small lull for a moment or two as I sat with Franklin and a coach called José, watching the torch relay in London, explaining who all the torchbearers were and where in London the torch was.

There was more to do before long as I grabbed some forms for new keys, as they’d rearranged some furniture in their apartments, and helping a cyclist find the WiFi password on his BT Hub because he’d lost the sheet of paper.  Following this Christina, Goli, our fantastically bubbly new teammate, and I wrote next week’s rota.   Feeling really pleased with ourselves for being organised (rotas are far more complicated than they seem) we were about to go to dinner when Artemio asked Christina and Goli to do some driving.  I decided to push the key issue, as they had to be paid for before I could order them.  By the time they’d found the person who’s in charge of the money and pinned her down, and by the time I’d paid, the key place was closed.  Because Venezuelans, I’m learning, don’t really hurry.  I’m so glad I was able to pay today, though, as it makes tomorrow’s task much easier.

So, a far more entertaining day, with a fair amount to do, which I like more than sitting around, although I do love chatting with everyone and getting to know them.  The Village is practically full and buzzing now, with the potential to see any athlete from all over the world just walk, run, cycle or, in one Spanish case, skip by.  It’s so exciting.  I can’t believe the Opening Ceremony’s tomorrow.  Where did the time go?  The last 7 years?  In less than 24 hours the greatest show on Earth will begin and, although I’m just a Volunteer, I’m right in the heart of it all.  I’m so excited!

Day 7 – Wednesday 25th July – Opening Ceremony Dress Rehearsal

I was very excited going into work today, as tonight was the night we’d all been waiting for, as NOC Assistants were to take part in the dress rehearsal for Friday’s Opening Ceremony.

I met Shernaz in the break room and we went to lunch together.  There I met up with James, who I met at Venue Training and is an assistant for Cape Verde, and his team-mate.  I hadn’t seen him at all yet, so it was lovely to catch up with him and hear about his team.  There are considerably fewer athletes from there than from Venezuela.  I’ve met several people who are with teams of, say, 20 or less.  I imagine those to be even more personal than Venezuela.

We hadn’t been at the Venezuela office for long when Christina arrived.  With nothing to do, and the office too hot to sit in in this glorious heat wave, Shernaz decided to go to practice driving, and Christina and I left our numbers with the Venezuelans and went for a walk around the village with her friend, Mark, who’s with Mexico.  We casually witnessed a Welcome Ceremony and walked past Team GB’s residence.  We enjoyed/ envied the very well-toned athletes walking past, although the heat made it difficult to enjoy anything for very long before moving on to a new place in search of shade.  I just want to say, we are very, very lucky to be surrounded by such beautiful people every day!

Right before we were due in the meeting hall we were called to the office to deliver some luggage to the Venezuelans.  Then the fun of the evening began.  With the final train from Lewisham to Bexleyheath at twenty past midnight vaguely at the back of my mind, I joined all the other NOC Assistants for a quick meeting before joining Dominica to emulate the first ‘wave’ of athletes walking into the stadium.  We were excited – it’d probably be the closest we’d get to being famous and waving at a whole stadium of adoring fans.  Enthusiastically we joined our group and waiting at Dominica’s starting point.  With an hour to stand there and wait – D being towards the end of the wave – Carlos, Christina Shernaz and I played a flag-identifying game on Carlos’s smartphone.  It was hilarious fun, and surprising how much the Olympics, and seeing all the flags on all the residences, helped.  We’d just identified (or misidentified) all 204 flags when it was time for us to head to the stadium.  At 9h09 precisely (not even 30 seconds before) we headed off, walking past puzzled athletes and Games Makers, and exited the Village.  We were joined by half a dozen soldiers who had been roped into helping us out.  There were a lovely group of lads with a typical ‘army’ sense of humour, enjoying being surrounded by girls.  They managed to make the walk to the Stadium go really quickly, even though it was a lot of stopping and starting.

As we waiting to go in, many of the marshals were getting everyone hyped up by cheering, helping be the performers from the ceremony, dressed as peasants (Aha!  There are peasants in the Opening Ceremony!), who cheered even louder.  As we neared the stadium we were amazed by the lights and music, excited to be going in and seeing the stadium for the first time.

Then, to everyone’s horror, people started to pile out of the stadium: our moment of glory was not to be shared!  For what seemed like hours we waited for the stadium to empty, cheered up by the few spectators who, curious, leant over the barriers to take photos, resulting in more cheers from the NOC Assistants and soldiers.  Finally, slowly, we walked through the tunnel and out into the stadium, led by our flag-bearer (wearing a hen-night sash instead of the real thing!) and a performer wearing a dress and carrying a wonderful plaque on sticks bearing the name of the country.  The stadium was empty but breath-taking all the same.  With our route lined with dancers swaying – even some doing Usain Bolt’s classic pose – and drummers, we walked.  The seats in the stadium had flashing LED lights,  On the far left was a grassy mound and a beautiful, massive tree, around which the countries’ flags were ‘planted’.  It’s a magnificently fresh, symbolic idea, and I respect Danny Boyle and his team so much for thinking of it.  Fireworks and artificial things are wonderful, but it’s always nature that does the best, most inspiring job.

All too soon our moment of glory was over.  I was disappointed not to have a crowd, but, really, I wouldn’t have traded that moment for anything.  We joined the crowds trying to get out of the Park and onto the train.  Luckily mine wasn’t terribly busy and I didn’t have to stand for very long.  At Canary Wharf two drunk guys got onto the train.  As with many people, drunk or sober, my uniform attracted attention and made me a target for questions.  It transpired they had no idea where they were, but luckily were on the right train for where they wanted to be.  I explained where they were and where they had to go several times before an elderly woman told me she was getting off at the next stop and offered me her seat before moving further down the train.  She must have been lying as I saw her standing at the door further down the carriage a couple of stops later, so, thank you kind lady!  The Games Maker next to me, who works for Syria, and I watched the drunk men almost get off early, running back on the train at the last minute.  I felt the carriage explode into laughter as they, in the end, got off a stop too soon.  They seemed happy enough, though!

Thankfully I arrived at Lewisham with time to spare, and the other Games Maker gave me a lift home.  I was so grateful not to have to walk from the station in the dark!

Day 6 – Tuesday 24th July

Today was a very slow day.  It was good in a way, though, because it meant that I could chat with one of the coaches.  I’d spoken to him and the shooter yesterday and they’d seemed shocked that we don’t live on site or have accommodation provided for us.  Today he had many questions on the cost of living, University, petrol.  They had to all pick their jaws off the floor when I told them that a tank of petrol here can cost £60 – in Venezuela it’s £1 at the very most.  I’m really shocked about there being such a different, but now see, sort of, why everyone is so obsessed with finding and owning oil.  Also, I never realised that prices in general in the UK and Western Europe are so high. 

At dinner I met with a guy working for Portugal who gave me another pin.  Woohoo!  He was really passionate about his job, and wants to work at Rio during the next Olympics.  I’d love to be in Rio for the Olympics or the World Cup.  I can imagine them both being very colourful, and so different to here and South Africa.

Other than arranging two more Games Makers to join us – I hope - Goli and Daniela - and welcoming some more athletes and moving their luggage really not much more happened.  Things almost became a little more entertaining when it turned out that a couple of bags hadn’t arrived, but they were all found in good time.

Luckily, although the Venezuelans say tomorrow will be slower, we’re all going to be in the dress rehearsal for the Opening Ceremony.  I love feeling like I’m doing something but at least I’m bored doing the Olympics rather than being on my sofa!