The Best Day Ever, Part 2

Sorry I've been so slow with the updates lately. Things have been CRAZY! Like I said in the last post, I'm right in the middle of a travel blitz...20 days of traveling out of 25. I keep coming home Monday and leaving three days later on Thursday. It's been an absolutely blast, and it's given me tons of material to blog about...but not a ton of time to do the blogging.

So, this post is two weeks late or so. Anyway, like I said earlier, my very first AFL game (Go Swans!) was in Olympic Park, at ANZ Stadium. This meant that we were right in the centre of where all of Olympic events went down in 2000 - the swimming, the gymnastics, the tennis, the track and field...everything! (okay, there were probably a few exceptions...I'm not sure....but still, so cool!). So, after the game, two of the guys from my house and I decided to check out Olympic Park. Best decision ever!

Map of the layout of Olympic Park

We spent about two hour or so just walking around and checking out the various stadiums, courts, and arenas located in the area. We even saw what we *think* was the Olympic Torch! We couldn't get very close to it to check, because of construction, but I managed to get a picture of it anyway. Basically, I guess it was just so cool because I really love the Olympics, and it was so unique to get to walk around the places where the very competitions took place just 10 years ago or so.

I've put together a bit of a "photo essay" again. I hope you enjoy it!

ANZ Stadium, site of the Opening and Closing Ceremonies in 2000

Pat posting outside of the Athletic Centre

The WARM-UP track for the track and field events

The "Hockey Centre," ie field hockey. There seemed to be a college game going on, maybe for a club team?

Gymnastics! Not sure if this is where they actually warmed up for the Olympics or not...but it was still cool

Ian Thorpe, Australian Olympic swimmer

Pat and Steven outside of the main arena at the tennis centre

A view through the door of the main tennis arena (it was closed)

Golf!

AQUATIC CENTRE YESSS

Swimming!

And again...

The possibly inappropriate 2012 logo

Beijing 2008, placard on the sidewalk

Olympic Torch or UFO?

I forgot until I was putting the picture in...but another cool thing was that when we were there, there was a big meet going on at the aquatics centre. It was trials to make the Australian team for world championships. I really wanted to go in and check it out, but it was $15 and Steven and Pat decided they didn't want to, so we all went home together. Anyway, it was still cool to be there when something important was going on!

As you can probably tell, I love the Olympics. My goal is to go in London next summer...here's to wishing! Next up on the blog...my trip to Fraser Island! Stay tuned!

-Ryan