The Olympics are in full swing (I understand), and the effect on London has been very strange. Most of the city, away from the obvious Olympic 'hotspots', is eerily quiet - quieter than I've ever known it in recent years. It seems the first impact of this Olympiad has been to drive people away from our capital city and spark a mini-recession in the one part of the country that makes any money. Shops, theatres, museums and tourist attractions stand empty, tumbleweed bowls down a deserted Regent Street, coyotes howl in the distance... Personally of course I blame myself. The persistent warnings of gridlock, chaos, riots, famine and pestilence on Nigeness - the blog the world reads - have had their effect. Sorry about that - but it does make things surprisingly agreeable for those of us obliged to carry on commuting in Olympic London.
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The same thing happened in Los Angeles in 1984. Older folk still wax euphoric over the lack of traffic during the games.
ReplyDeleteI note with some dismay that, yet once again the Olympic organisers have chosen not to stage the mens 400 metre freestyle event in Carshalton Ponds, ignoring the fact that the red brick wall (it still exists?) would make an excellent vantage point for the judges. Enabling them to keep a special eye on the Chinese competitor, Gok Lost.
ReplyDeleteYou're so right Malty - another opportunity lost. Would have been good for the boating too - high time pedalo became an Olympic event. And we have not only the fine red brick walls but the low white railings, recently replaced by quite convincing replicas - perfect for additional seating.
ReplyDeleteThanks to your alert about its eerie quietness, Mr Nigeness, I have booked a three-day break in your city next week. Thank heavens for the Olympics after all - our favourite hotel in central London has slashed its prices by 50%. Terrific!
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