London – Olympics & Paralympics – August/September 2012
If you live in London you’ll know what I mean when I say the last month was pretty surreal. Who would have thought sport could have such a positive effect on the capital.. it was simply superb. No single can possibly depict the atmosphere!
A fantastic outdoor exhibition by Tom Stoddard. It’s things like these that make London such a great city to live in – you just don’t know what you’ll stumble across.
The front of the women’s Marathon
I love how the crowd cheers for every athlete going past
A very ‘British’ exhibition by Thierry Guetta aka Mr Brainwash
A familiar site over the last month – the thousands of friendly and chirpy Gamesmakers (Olympic volunteers):
On the way to the Excel Centre for some Women’s Boxing. It was the first time women were allowed to box at the Olympics.
GB’s Nicola Adams who went on to win Gold in her division:
I was initially sceptical of what women’s boxing would be like but the atmosphere was electric. It was so noisy my ears were ringing for hours later. Apparently this very session of boxing had the highest decibel level than any other Olympic event! And here’s why..
Katie Taylor – Ireland’s main hope for a Gold medal. There were more Irish than English in here.
2 weeks later I went to the Olympic Village for the Paralympics
Wheelchair Rugby!
The Olympics really opened up my eyes to sports I didn’t know existed, and the slogan ‘Inspire a Generation’ was very fitting
I wish I’d been out and about more with my camera during this time – I felt I didn’t get enough of it, but then again I think the majority of Londoners feel the same way.. awesome summer of awesome vibes.
Miami, Florida – July 2012
I spent a week in the beautiful, sunny shores of Miami
Espanola Way:
Spain had just won Euro 2012. Interesting fact – around 65% of Miami’s population are native Spanish speakers.
Miami is a haven for tiny dogs – they’re everywhere. This was a petstore called Les Petits Puppies.
Too cute.
When in Rome.. McDonald’s for breakfast! The McGriddle, which we don’t get in the UK. Deceptively filling:
In case you’re wondering what a McGriddle is made up of – egg, cheese, sausage, sandwiched between pancakes filled with syrup..
South Beach (also known as Miami Beach)
It’s no myth that American portions are HUGE. How and why one person needs so much food is beyond me.
Nikon, taken with a Canon:
Miami has got to have the highest percentage of modified cars in one place – it’s like being in a hip hop video. I even saw a car bouncing up and down as it went down the street. I thought that only happened on TV!
Dubstep originates from my home town in London, so this t-shirt got me excited. Shame he hadn’t heard of any of the pioneers such as Skream and Benga!
Early morning on South Beach
Unfortunately the serenity is somewhat ‘ruined’ by the air adverts flying past continuously, yet they add to the hugely commercial and materialistic atmosphere (not necessarily a bad thing).
The range of tanning oils is neverending. Some of these have an SPF of 4.. how that is meant to add any protection in the Miami sun..!
The famous Ocean Drive on July 4th
On July 4th, a random woman saying “Happy July 4th!” to people hears me talk and says “you’re from Britain! Do you celebrate July 4th over there?”.
Guy next to her: “Of course they don’t. We’re celebrating getting away from Britain”
Woman: “Really?! I didn’t know that! Do you at least have fireworks? I know someone from the UK. Actually, he’s from somewhere near the UK.. Africa or something?”.
Thought I’d share that dialogue.
In the UK, we have Oreos – just one type. In the US, you have this. Cool Mint, Strawberry, ‘Creamsicle’ (not nice), Peanut Butter (amazing), Triple Double, Double Stuf, Birthday Cake, Reduced Fat (seriously?), Cakesters, Heads – Tails, Ice Cream, Cremes.. the list goes on.
This graffiti was in a part of town called Wynwood – famous for its murals.
I love these kind of murals – not commonly seen in the UK to this degree.
They asked someone to take a photo of them, so I took one too – very friendly bunch. (Hello Mercedes!)
London could do with a bit of Miami heat right now.
