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After the Party

13/8/2012

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Tower Bridge, London, UK
After years of preparation, running over budget and worries about security and whether the transport system could cope, London put on quite a good show for the world. The drama at the London 2012 Olympics was there – the triumphs as well as the anguish, and everything in between. 

After the hiccups in the build up to the Games, the transport system managed, security was managed and, most importantly – everyone had fun. The feel good factor was very much present. 

What struck me as I travelled around London is the city was much friendlier. Visitors rubbed shoulders with the locals, and the crowds cheering the competitors on. People were much more relaxed. 

Today, I came across a spot between Tower Bridge and Butlers Wharf where people were encouraged to draw their national flags on the pavement. There were a number of them already drawn, and others currently being drawn. This was a touching end to 2 weeks of a major sporting event which brought a carnival atmosphere to London. In their own way, ordinary people had the chance to say ‘I was here’. 

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Butlers Wharf, London, UK
There were the worries on the economy and was an argument against putting on something so extravagant as the Olympic Games – particularly in the face of cut backs and hardships faced by many. The Games won’t make the economic woes go away, nor should they distract from them. 

Tom Stoddard’s Perspectives exhibition at More London reminded people not to forget those who face hardships. It gave the Games some perspective. 

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Tom Stoddard’s Perspectives, More London, London, UK
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Olympic Fever

29/7/2012

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Olympic torch, London 2012
London 2012. After a 7-year build up, one of the largest sporting events has arrived into London. The opening ceremony for the Olympics in London was well received and went off without any major hitches. 

There were stumbles with the security provision for the Games, and worries about whether the transport system would be able to cope with the extra demand. However, along side this, people’s imagination has been captured by the Olympic Games. 

The Olympic torch is one of the endearing symbols of the Games. Those who had the opportunity to run with the torch came from all walks of life – reflecting the British nation, and capturing people’s imagination. 

I was fortunate to work in central London, and managed to see the Olympic torch twice. I arrived to the Globe just in time to see the torch and runner pass by the crowds lining the street. It took only moments, but the crowd was jubilant – and cameras and camera phones captured the fleeting moment. 


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Olympic torceh, London 2012
The second time was when the torch was taken down the Thames towards Tower Bridge. The flotilla moved along the Thames to the delight of the crowds lining the river and office workers watching from their office buildings. 

I felt fortunate to be in a city that is holding the Olympics, but also to have had the opportunity to be part of the lead up – even if it’s a very, very small part of it. It’s good to have coverage on TV, the radio and the internet. However, seeing a part of it live adds something special. 
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    Author

    Heather Martin is a London based photographer who specialises in architectural, event and B&W film photography.

    For more info, please to the About page.

    **Heather Martin owns the copyright to all the photographs and text within this blog, unless otherwise stated.

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