18 Days in August, an Olympic Blog

Despite appearances to the contrary, life has not stopped in Greece during these games. People continue to go away for short treks to nearby islands and enjoy their food and drink in packed tavernas and cafes showing the games on tvs conveniently hoisted out in the open squares for anyone to enjoy. The buzz of the games is palpable, especially if Greece is doing well in the competition, but people do actually manage to go for a swim or three inbetween. It is only when you see scores of people dressed in Olympics clothing, brandishing tickets of various events and carrying their souvenirs with pride on the boat ride back to Athens that it hits you; there might be life outside the Olympics, but it sure as hell hurry up and be at the Olympic Stadium at 7.30pm because the evening competition is starting.