Olympic Games, Athens 2004

We finally arrived in Piraeus, Greece last night around 9 pm Greek time. Piraeus is the port city for Athens, and accordingly, I got off the ship early today and took a train straight to the Olympic Stadium. I bought a ticket for $11 to see the warm up routines for womens gymnastics – but mostly, I just wanted to go in and see the place.

First off, it’s true – the place isn’t done. Or, at least, it wasn’t done today (the games don’t officially start ’til after tomorrow nights opening ceremonies). People are painting things, sweeping up things, running around in bobcats…that being said, the big things are all done. To be honest, the buildings don’t have much character, but at least they are done. There are volunteers every 20 ft. all with matching shirts to help the tourists find locations. I asked 4 people the same question (where is the food?) and I got 4 wrong answers, so I guess they themselves have a bit to learn?

The exhibition for womens gymnastics was really cool to see. It was just a buzz to be in the official olympic gymnastics arena and to see the different athletes. Ya’ll should see this China team, I bet they blow everyone away. Australia was great too. They all looked like they were about 10 years old though.

I also bought a ticket to swimming preliminaries on the 17th. I’m really looking forward to that. But one interesting fact – I don’t know what’s going on that day, because there aren’t any schedule of events left. I’m serious, they have already given away all of the schedules that they printing for the games – and the games haven’t even started anymore. Sounds like bad planning to me, but I’m happy just to show up at the swimming event and see whatever I can. I paid 70 Euro (about $80?) for my ticket, which is in the 12th row.