Observations

Post date: Oct 01, 2012 5:57:30 AM

Love you all. Thanks for the care and concern

We met up with Debbie and had lunch which was a lovely time. So not so cynical I can't enjoy the time and place!

I haven"t posted for a couple of days; my world has been a bit small.Can never say enough about the support and care provided by Mark, Stacey and Nick. Advice to others if you are going to have a dramatic collapse in the central city be with people who care about you.

But this post isn't about me; it's about London.

Yesterday's big adventure was a trip to the Olympic area - Stratford. Formerly a v depressed part of city now has the hugest Westfield Mall where Brits of all ages, colours and sizes can indulge in the national pastime of shopping. It certainly was busy. Photo shows only v small section. From the mall there was a good view of Olympic Park but that wasn't accessible. It will be really, really interesting to see how the stadium gets used. It is a fair way from central city - took us over an hour each way on a quiet day.

News at the end of last week is that the British Olympic organisation is having a massive E-bay auction of things like Yussain Bolt's bed, the number from the prow of British rowers boat, worn and unworn Olympic regalia ( but not medals ) The proceeds will be used to pay off some of the debts.

I hope NZ never seeks to hold an Olympics or another Commonwealth Games, the costs are huge. Was brought home to me recently when news item on QE2 Park in Chch demolition was being discussed. NZ had only just finished paying the costs of the 1974 Commonwealth Games when the park was destroyed by quake. Long before it was finished being paid for it had outlived its useful life and was not used as anticipated.

So when we look at the London Olympic Park is this a bright new future for a depressed part of London,generating jobs and economic recovery ( very much the political hype) or is it the equivalent of the white elephant curse ( give someone a treasure that will bust them in its upkeep)

Am I a total cynic?