Monday 16 July 2012

The Olympic flame arrives in Worthing and our Olympic story begins

The build up to the London 2012 Olympics started in this household some time ago, back in March 2011 when the very first round of ticket sales started. We applied for a wide range of tickets, both popular and unpopular events, and to our disappointment we didn't receive any at all. We were then however eligible for the second round of tickets, and with a 6am start we were able to purchase six tickets to events that, although not our first choices, meant that at least we would be watching something.

Then about a month ago, as people began to re-sell their unwanted tickets, small numbers became available. Since then, Ram has spent most of his time, day and night, with the ticket sales screens loaded onto the computer, constantly hitting refresh. His dedication has paid off, and we have found ourselves the lucky owners of quite a few tickets to some really good events, including the football final, track cycling at the velodrome, athletics and swimming finals and the Closing Ceremony. Most of our tickets are in the lowest price band, with the logic that we'd rather see a wider range of events than just a few at the higher prices. We have even sold back nearly all of our original tickets, having managed to replace them with tickets to events that appeal to us much more. Part of Ram's success was been down to a website that constantly polled and checked the availability of all the tickets you are interested in.

There was however one elusive pair of tickets that Ram was still waiting for, having been awake most of last night constantly checking to see if any more had been released. Then, this afternoon, as we waited by the side of the road for the Torch Relay in a damp and drizzly Worthing, he spotted a refreshed page on his phone, dialled in as quickly as he could, and minutes later we were so excited to find that we are now in possession of tickets for the Opening Ceremony!

I'm not the sportiest of people, and I must admit that it's the ceremonies that I'm most looking forward to. But I am also looking forward to the rhythmic gymnastics, because that sounds like it will be quite spectacular. Some of the other events are new to me and also look like they will be amazing to watch. I'm not sure how we're going to manage with the crowds, and I'm also just hoping that I have the stamina to make it through! We will also have used up all our babysitting credits for the next few years at least!

Olympic flame passing through Worthing 2012

If you want to get in the Olympic mood, why not make some collage Olympic Rings, or hold your very own Olympic Torch Relay.

10 comments:

  1. I have looked at tickets, but have not purchased any as they are out of my budget range *sigh*. But we will be there, supporting it by watching the Olympics on the TV screen!

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    1. Perhaps I should add that Ram has been putting money aside for this for a long time, and also most of our tickets are in the very cheapest price band! I think we will also be watching a lot on the TV, and at least you can see what is going on that way!

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  2. How exciting! It really will be an experience to remember. Take lots of pictures for us to see!

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    1. Don't worry, it will all be thoroughly blogged!

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  3. Remeber to put on TV record the events you are at, to show the little ones when they grow up!

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    1. That's a good idea! We will definitely be recording the ceremonies, because they are really for the television audience anyway and I doubt we'll be able to see very much!

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  4. We got tickets for hockey and the beach volleyball (all my friends did for the volleyball actually) and my friend is taking part in the opening ceremony so I'll be watching it to spot her. She won't tell me what's involved though as she's sworn to secrecy !!

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    1. Oooh, we are seeing beach volleyball too, and Ram and Harry are going to the hockey. I'm looking forward to the opening ceremony, it should be pretty spectacular!

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  5. Hope you have a great time, we only originally applied when the first lot went out and didn't get any, being pregnant I am more than happy to watch from the sofa, but wish we lived near London to experience some of the excitement and atmosphere, the Olympics have always been my favourite sporting event!

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    1. I don't know anyone that applied in the first round and actually got tickets! Although if I was pregnant then I would be staying at home!

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