8.27.2012

Owning my Olympics

Long overdue. Four years ago I wondered if I'll be able to see Olympics 2012. I prayed that I could. That I was still here there was no chance in the world that I would miss it.

I was still back home on my extended leave when the tickets were on full blown sale, so sadly it was close to over when I tried to get down to it. Anyway, my stars must be aligned one night that I was able to get my hands on one. What are the odds. =)

The organization is commendable.

Our event: Beach Volleyball!

When I first saw this I thought "Quidditch World Cup?!" I love it.

The food lane.

Gateway. The game makers (the lady guarding the door) were ever so helpful. Half of the credit for the success I think goes to them. Efficiency at its finest. For while we were watching they were guarding and directing.

We stayed till the end.

Ah, this were all Reg's take. No doubt he was glad he came. See the theme? =)

We wanted to watch Usain Bolt's finest 6 seconds run so we went to one of the live park venue.

Security at its max.

We were asked to leave our memorabilia glasses and these were all we got to keep.

The crowd. I was so glad we came. The atmosphere is brilliant and fitting to celebrate.

Here comes the run.

And of course, the after party.

Now, here comes Paralympics.

8.25.2012

Day - Tour

Reg and I had a free weekend so we went with our two Ate's to Edinburgh. It was a 36 hour trip, which most of the time we were on the road and sleeping. Tiring as it was we still called it weekend get away.

As the day ends the place looks more magical.

The walk to the castle..

One of the highlights for me is the Museum of Childhood. Creepy, bordering on scary, and perfect for me.

On the way we passed by quaint little villages..

..such as this. My sister will surely love this, as she is an old soul like me.

This monument is not for the claustrophobic and faint hearted. Even for me it's a one way street to the top.

But the view on top.. is worth it.

This alley reminds me of a scene in The Exorcist. Right?

It has old world charm and..

..modern ones.

The stadium.

Just have to bring this in. Reminds me of my sisters. Wizards of Waverley place anyone? =)

The structures are just imposing.

Would have like to walked to the top. Sadly, no more time.

And of course, the market is fabulous.

The old soul in me is digging the red bricks.

Don't know what to make of this, yet.

And lastly, no Edinburgh visit is ever complete without homage to this. Makes me love Strawberry more.

I'll definitely stay longer next time. =)

8.16.2012

Stones, henges, lumps and sheep

Yesterday, I was able to check off one thing from my bucket list. For the longest time I've been meaning to go to see Stonehenge. And more often than my liking I am always told that its just a bunch of stone and nothing more. But so what? I want to see it and thankfully I got my wish.

I intended to listen to what the history has to say about it, (meaning I should've paid attention to the guide), but I was too pre occupied with taking picture that half way through it I just gave up and stopped feeling guilty and clicked away happily.

So I missed the opportunity to listen about its mysticism, about the druids, the wonder of how it was built and even theories on why it was built.

Nevermind, I had a blast of a day.

Henge - a circular area enclosed by a bank and ditch and often containing additional features including one or more circles of upright stone or wood pillars. (source: http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/henge)

The middle stone is/was the altar.

The stones looks beautifully old.

From the little that I heard from the guide, when the sun ray strikes in the middle of this middle arch it is on the longest day of the year which is June 24 and when if its on the arch on the right its July 24 and so on and so forth, hence the calendar use of it.