THE OLYMPICS (2)

I was in London this weekend for a friend's 50th birthday party (cheap Ryanair ticket, only hand luggage). With only two weeks to go before the big event starts, it was interesting to gauge the level of interest.

Which was huge. Everybody at the party seemed to have applied for tickets, and were happy to get what they got (if they got anything at all). Even if it was table tennis, it would still be a once-in-a-lifetime experience that they could be part of.

True, there will probably be traffic chaos during the two weeks. The (private) security contractor seems to have made a complete hash of things, resulting in the Government's calling in part of the army to handle matters. And the corporate sponsors (Coke, McDonald's et al) will make life a pain within the Olympic Village for those seeking refreshments. But it is still going to be a great do.

Walter Blotscher