Info everywhere

Today started wet. And then wetter. The rain was not letting up at all.

Thankfully my hotel is about 20 metres from the metro entrance, and there's a cafe next door so I can almost make it there under the awnings that reach out over the pavement.

The RER B was showing delayed, so I decided today I'd have some breakfast. A hot chocolate and a demi-baguette with ham and cheese.

I saw a fellow volunteer, Claire, and we waited together then boarded the train together. It was pretty crowded.

A few stops along the line, we approached a station and the anouncement came that we would not be stopping there, then the next station the same, then we stopped at the next one and the announcement was we would be waiting there. 

Then came a French announcement that the train was going no further so we were advised to switch to another platform for the next train. But that didn't fare much better.

Eventually we limped into the station and passengers were advised that this train was going no further. Now for those who needed to continue on to the airport that would not have been welcome news. We,  however, were fine.

Almost everyone arrived late this morning and I discovered I was to be at the Sport information desk based in the Athlete lounge. Greeting athletes, answering any questions, but most importantly updating the results board at the public entrance.

This I had to do twice, at the end of each of the Men's matches. The responsibility of sticking the right name in the right place was huge. But pretty sure it was correct. (I only checked it several times).

This evening the womens matches were on so I hope that my counterpart for the late shift was equally as accurate.

Tomorrow the Men's Bronze and Gold matches take place and on Saturday it is the turn of the women.

Things are slowly coming towards a close, and I received an email and message today that I've been chosen to be part of the closing ceremony. Well to be present and welcoming I think rather than actually part of it. So get Channel 4 on, on Sunday evening, and see if you can spot me. 😉 

It's going to be a very long day so I hope I can stay awake as I'm at the marathon early that morning.

As the new team had arrived we set off 'home" (how quickly it becomes that eh?). The rain had stopped but the train was still packed.

Arrived back at the hotel before 5pm and set my phone to charge before I decided to head out to the games Megastore and buy a few goodies.

With accreditation in my bag to get a 20% discount (off all shop items except those already reduced items which saved me 18 euros).

I bought a few bits and in spite of getting a prepaid visa specially for it, I used cash as it meant I got through the tills much quicker.

The shop is right on the Champs Elysees, very near to Place de la Concorde. I had a quick look in the Samsung store across the road (waste of time that was) and had a bit of fun in the Alibaba Shop for a couple of pins. Then I decided to wait to see the balloon/flame go up. But this time from the other side. But as it wasn't due to go until after 9pm I had a good 3/4 hour wait.

Not sure it was worth it as my phone's photos aren't that great, but the atmosphere in the Champs Elysees was fab.

The road being closed, there were many wandering along it, but the state of the road makes me wonder why we complain about ours at home. 

(Can just see the flame...)

Then it got dark

Time to head back and sleep. 

Back aches, feet ache, 13700 steps done today and lunch wasn't even worth a mention. I'll be back skinny as a rake (haha 🤣)

Start later for Friday and Saturday as there are only two games so maybe I'll be able to get some cafe breakfast. We shall see eh?