Our Gal in London

RHYS BOWEN: I was going to post something witty and intellectual today until it was suggested to me that people at home in the States would really like a first hand account of the Olympics.

So here are my impressions and experiences: the first impression is that  London is coping brilliantly with the games. There are volunteers on every street corner and at every station to help visitors find their way. London Transport has put on extra trains so there are minimal waits and the trains stop right at the Olympic park.

In spite of huge crowds the entry to the Olympic park was painless and smooth. We were in a seemingly neverending line but it kept moving and we zipped through security with no problem. There was a scare ahead of the games that the firm contracted to handle games security hadn't managed to find enough people, so the army and police were called in. Everyone heaved a sigh of relief that security was being staffed by people who knew what they were doing. And they've made it so pleasant by being friendly and agreeable (TSA could learn a lesson here).

The Olympic park is HUGE. It's literally a half hour walk from one side to the other with the venues--stadium, aquatics center, velodrome etc dotted around. There are central food courts, lovely gardens, a river walk and the buildings themselves are spectacular. One could actually spend a whole day here, eating a picnic while watching the giant screen or listening to concerts at the river bank stage. The  whole thing is spectacular lit up at night, including the weird sculpture tower, called the Orbit, I believe, that towers over the park.

Again there are zillions of volunteers all over the park. These are ordinary people who have given up two weeks of their lives. All they got was a uniform and free travel to the Olympic site. They can't even use unoccupied seats when off duty which I think stinks (one of the few bad things I can say about the way the games are run). They are so friendly, chatting with everyone in the crowd, laughing, joking. The police are equally nice and we saw a copper taking a photo of a family with the little boy wearing his helmet (can you see US cops doing that?) I was a little concerned before the games about the possibility of terrorism, but the atmosphere has felt safe, relaxed and congenial throughout. Everyone chats on trains and while waiting in line. This really is the global village we hope to see in the world one day. What a pity it's only for two weeks.

We had tickets to five events: first a day of badminton (a little ho-hum... sorry badminton fans), then two brilliant days of tennis. On the day of the quarter finals there was play on outside courts and we were able to see the Williams Sisters and Bryan brothers so close that we could almost touch them. Also watched the match between Federer and del Potro (went to 19-17 in the last set) and started to watch Andy Murray versus Djokavich on the screen on Henman Hill but it was cold and drizzly by then.

That's another negative--the weather has been bloody awful. Overcast, cold with a little shower every now and then. I brought nearly all summer clothes and have lived in two long sleeved shirts and two pairs of kahki pants.  \Our other events were women's water polo (US won and we found ourselves sitting in the middle of the US supporters, all chanting USA USA. So that was exciting) and last night women's soccer semi-final. Rather lack luster at Wembley Stadium and it took us hours to get home in the rain.

When not attending an event we've been clued to the TV. BBC has provided stellar coverage with selection of about five sports at any time. Ahead of the games I was asked whether I'd cheer for the US or GB. I replied whoever was winning. Actually it's been a mixture. Definitely US in swimming and water polo as those were our kids' sports and we know some of the teams. Definitely US in that fabulous women's gymnastic final and adorable Gabby in her all around. But for Britain in some of the track and field events, the rowing, the sailing where they have won an impressive number of medals. Considering the size of Britain compared with Russia etc we are doing remarkably well. And it's really special to hear 80,000 people all screaming their lungs out. It's like being part of a giant living breathing organism, a collective soul...really strange.

I was a little concerned before the games about the possibility of terrorism, but the atmosphere has felt safe, relaxed and congenial throughout. Everyone chats on trains and while waiting in line. This really is the global village we hope to see in the world one day. What a pity it's only for two weeks.

The Other Oymmpics

RHYS BOWEN :In a month's time I'm going to the Olympics. A giant feast celebrating the best in English sports.. or is it? One of the sports that won't be appearing is Bog Snorkelling. Neither will Toe Wrestling, nor cheese rolling. I'm not making these up. They are real British sports. They have just held the World Bog Snorkelling Championship in Wales. The contestants swim through thick filthy water of a flooded peak bog breathing through a snorkel. It attracts over 200 competitors each year.

Actually sports like this will have a chance to shine on the world stage. They will be featured at the World Alternative Games, taking place at the same time as the Olympics in Llanwrtyd Wells in Wales. I bet it's easier to get tickets there.

Britain must have more silly sports than any other country I know. Where else would you find a pancake race, or a race carrying barrels of molten tar that would fry you to a crisp if they spilled over you?  Or the famous Gloucestershire cheese roll, where contestants roll an 8 lb wheel of Double Gloucester Cheese down a hill and attempt to catch it. This event has been going on for 200 years.

In fact most regions of Britain can claim their own "alternative" (and for alternative read silly) sports and games. Hedge jumping is one of my favorites. People find a wicked looking hedge and then attempt to throw themselves over it in a sort of Fosbury Flop. One contestant claimed he did better in "your basic crucifixion position."  Keen hedge jumpers have been known to skid to a halt, leap out of cars and hurls themselves over a nearby hedge. My friend Hannah Dennison wrote about this in one of her Vicky Hill novels. Great fun.

In the flatter parts of the East Coast there is dyke vaulting. Do not comment. Contestants run at the waterway with a pole, plant it and attempt to jump across, like a pole vault but horizontal. Most end up stuck in the mud with no dry way of escape.

My next Lady Georgie novel, The Twelve Clues of Christmas (due out in November) features a made up event called "The Lovey Chase." What is it? You'll have to read the book to find out.