The daily post #93: Everything stops now.

It’s here. It’s now. It’s on the Float @ Marina Bay, on TV, on the internet.

Sorry if we're a little slow with emails, we're watching TV

Captain Crutch visits!

We’ve all stopped what we’re doing and turned to the TV in the office. It’s tough trying to type this and focus.

The boss just SMSed to thank us for an incredible journey. And I in turn, would like to thank my team and the extended SYOGOC family, for getting us all here. One of those lump in the throat moments, if you know what I mean.

And 12 amazing days beckon!

 

The daily post #87: The kids are alright (with tech)

I was just talking to Robin D., one of our STARS (Short-Term Assigned Regular Staff a.k.a. staff from government agencies who have volunteered to help us for the Games) today. He was reminiscing about how the earliest Olympic-related memory he has is of a howling wolf (with a sore-throat) from 1984 Winter Olympics in Sarajevo. We googled and learnt that it was Vucko, the mascot for the ’84 Games, seen here in this video from YouTube:

It’s old-school animation, and we talked about how much time and effort it probably took (back then) to bring Vucko to life.

But with technology where it is now, it’s pretty mind-blowing what off-the-shelf software and hardware can do. Just look at this video that a few students from Nanyang Polytechnic came up with as part of their school work:

There’s actually an even more kick-ash version that’s in stereoscopic 3D (that’s nerdspeak for needing the 3D glasses).

And all I had in school were crayons. :p

By the way, since we’re (sort of) on the topic, what’s your earliest Olympic memory?

 

The daily post #75: JYOF… almost home

The celebrations in Auckland, New Zealand have ended.

The Olympic flame, the safety lantern and the blue skies of Auckland

Just one more stop in Seoul, Korea before the Olympic Flame lands in Singapore. It’s already passed through Berlin (Germany), Dakar (Senegal) and Mexico City (Mexico). Time flies … when you’re organising an Olympic event.

See you in Seoul!

I thought that I’d actually be much more excited than I am now, but perhaps fatigue is setting in slightly. (Staying up late/waking up early waiting for tweets coming from different time zones can do that to you!) I can also hear coughs and sniffles from those around me. Time to stay healthy folks… We are less than 2 weeks away before the Games is here!

See? That's a heathy pink tongue.

And no Hairul, I didn’t forget. This pin is specially reserved for you, for being the first commenter on daily post #68. We’ve emailed you, so do get back to us! 🙂

Greece > Berlin > Dakar > Mexico City > Auckland > Seoul > Singapore

Pretty nice, yes? 🙂

P.S. All photos, other than the last one of the pin, shot by our Appointed Photo Team. You can use the low-res (72dpi) photos on our Flickr account for use on your blogs, twitter accounts, etc. 🙂

 

The daily post #74: Of Press Officers, Priestesses & Pussycats

Thought I’d just post one last entry on Olympia with some of my favourite photographs. Hope you enjoy viewing them half as much as I enjoyed shooting them. 🙂

(Click on the pictures to view larger versions)

This was the first time I saw the flame lit during rehearsal. First time for many others too as you can see.

Deputy CEO Francis Chong thanking the priestesses for their hard work. He's quite good with the ladies.

Leonard, our HNA correspondent, works his magic with the police

Mr Tassos Papachristou, press officer for the Helenic Olympic Committee, has been doing this since 1980. Yes, he knows his stuff!

Our two torchbearers, Silas (back to camera) and Amanda (sunglasses) watch the flame lighting rehearsal for the first time

That's how far Silas is from the front of the stadium

Something about the place just makes you want to compete...

... to be the best

Maybe it's got something to do with how Pierre De Coubertin's heart is buried here. For real!

With its inclines and winding roads, Olympia is also great if you like to drive

The animals are pretty good-looking too. This fellow was lounging around outside a souvenir shop.

No big budget photoshoot for a last-minute request for a photo of the safety lantern. Just good ol' teamwork and improvisation.

Our friends from the IOC hosted a media roundtable to explain what it was that we were up to in Olympia. It wasn't very round though, as you can see.

I'm guessing she grows up to be a priestess too.

The big band that provided the music for the day's proceedings. Love their outfit!

Our camera crew nearly got into an argument with Mr Anastaios Mikelopoulas (above), guard of antiquities at Ancient Olympia, on second day of rehearsal. But good sense prevailed, and we were good friends by Flame lighting day. 🙂

We had a good crowd at Olympia on the big day, and I imagine many more from around the world.

Shufen, "guardian of the torchbearers", wonders why that dessert doesn't taste more like Tiramisu

Farewell, Olympia! So long, Greece!

 

The daily post #73: Hanging out at the Academy

One of the great things about the trip to Olympia, was the opportunity to spend time at the International Olympic Academy.

While some of my colleagues had slightly more comfortable accomodation at a regular hotel, the Academy was quiet (it’s some distance from civilisation), quaint (equipped with the basic amenities), and had quality food (think i actually lost a few pounds!).

click for a bigger, prettier picture

Sprawled over 225 acres, the Academy sits along the side of a mountain, and is a 5 – 20 minute drive (depending on the route and the driver’s “need for speed”)  away from the ruins of Ancient Olympia and the little town of Olympia.

And this was where I spent four nights that fizzled away… as quickly as an ice cube on the asphalt.

Hauling our gear in the unrelenting Greek sunshine

When we first got there, there was the headache of lugging the luggage, boxes, gear, etc which is all quite a bit to take in given the heat, but we eventually got into the swing of things. Soon after dumping my stuff in the room, I stood outside and took a few seconds to check out the view.

Not bad at all...

Also checking out the view (and probably us), were the Greek police who were literally a stone’s throw away (no I didn’t hurl any rocks at them). They were likely guarding the priestesses who were also holed up at the Academy.

Greek cop car sits by the side of the road

And did I tell you about the food? Healthy balance of vegetables (as much Greek salad and Feta cheese as you can eat), fruit (all you can fork), protein (no fried chicken here!) and carbohydrates (potatoes, pasta, bread…).  Miss it already.

Not bad at all for a self-service restaurant

Getting to see the Singapore flag flying proudly every day between the flags of Greece, the IOC, and the European Union was also goosebump-worthy, but I think my goosebumps just melted in the heat.

Salute!

There’s also that mystical air about the place (maybe it’s got to do with that Greek font that I can’t read), and you feel like the world isn’t whizzing past you. Speaking of which, I did literally whizz pass a tortoise that was crossing the road into the Academy. :p Hope he/she made it ok…

All Greek to me?

Apparently I’m not the first to feel something special about this place. The late Juan Antonio Samaranch (Honourary IOC President) eloquently said:

I feel that this is the ideal place to reflect on the evolution of our society. We are in a haven of peace and balance, where centuries remain engraved on the stones, the meanders of the Alpheios river, the beauty of the vegetation and the serenity which pervades this unique place, Olympia, where sport started on its most glorious and finest course.

Sadly there was hardly any time to dawdle during the trip, but on my final drive out of the Academy, I took the time to pull over to the side of the road and snap this picture to remember my stay in the magical place nestled in the bosom of Ancient Olympia.

click for larger image

Wish I had more time to just chill. Maybe next time.

P.S. I changed the “theme” for the blog to accomodate bigger pics.

 

The daily post #72: Athens whirlwind

There wasn’t much time to muck around after the whole flame lighting affair in Olympia.

We had videos to edit, photos to caption, stuff to pack, people to move around, tweets to send, hands to shake, … you get the picture. (So much for catching up on my blog entries!)

Lucky for us, we had a few hours in Athens before having to fly back to Singapore.

Acropolis from afar... very far.

And that’s about as close or as good a view of the magical Acropolis as I could manage.

After checking into the hotel, we were all pretty knackered (or at least I was!) from the day’s events, but still we had to eat, even though it was past 9pm at night! Was told the Greeks eat dinner pretty late.

So off we went to Plaka, on advice from Mr Chris Chan, Secretary General of the SNOC, and experienced visitor to Greece.

Plaka by night

It’s probably as touristy a place as you can visit in Athens, but with enough local flavour to keep me snapping pictures, trinket hunting and stuffing my face – sometimes even all at once.

Shopping or Ruins? I'm spoilt for choice

When you say that Plaka is in an old neighbourhood, it’s really understating it. There are ancient ruins that run right next to the shops.

Thou shall not spraypaint thy ruins

Even the graffiti artists seem to be respectful of what they can, cannot spray on and REALLY cannot spray on – which is cool.

more wall scrawls

This art you can bring home

But all the culture and history in the world can’t fill an empty belly, so it was time for some carnivorous consumption.

Meaty me

And naturally, over food, we started talking and reminiscing about the historical ceremony we were all witness to. Then we decided to relive it all, especially those of us who didn’t get our hands on the torch. :p

Silas (partially concealled) probably wasn't impressed

And even after eating, there was more temptation lining the streets

Funky coloured ice cream = very tempting in the heat.

But we decided to do a little souvenir hunting instead…

Lots and lots to see...

And look what we found!

Amanda blows and blows... but nothing!

We eventually walked away with about 5 vuvuzelas! 😉

And as we walked along with our booty we realised there were things on the pathway that we had to carefully sidestep.

Doggone walkway!

Some of them were a bit more friendly…

Shufen (torchbearer chaperone) gives out a free tummyrub

But more friends started turning up…

Doggy's friend looking for tummyrub too, but we got scared and left

Anyway, that was about it before scooting off to the airport at 4am. :p Sorry we couldn’t get to know you better, Athens!

 

The daily post #71: The A(wesome) Team

I hope all of you managed to catch the flame lighting ceremony in Olympia?

You go, girl!

If you didn’t, you can watch the ceremony in full HERE (58 min 46 sec). Alternatively, you can watch the highlights HERE (3 min).

During the flame lighting ceremony and throughout the rehearsals, there was a team that I worked with on the ground to bring photos and video to you and the rest of the world. In fact, two of them (Matt & Pav) are following the flame throughout its global journey, and another two (Nic & Tony) are leapfrogging over to Mexico City to get things ready there.

L-R: Tony (Producer), me, Wu Wei (photog), Nic (Exec Producer), Yu Yang (photog)

Pav, our video editor (sorry i couldn't find a more glamorous pic!)

Matt, our main camera dude (no, that's not a weapon)

All these guys are true professionals and never once grumbled about the challenging conditions that we were working under (heat, dodgy internet connection, tight timelines, uncertainty about whether we would be allowed in certain positions, etc). Still, they delivered despite some of them possibly even having a brush with heatstroke. You’ll be able to check out their work on our Flickr account and YouTube channel.

Thank you for being part of an awesome Audio+Video+Photo team. Very much appreciated!

P.S. I touched down in Singapore this morning at about 6.00am and was rendered unconscious for about 12 hours, and this is about as much as my Olympia stir-fried brain can handle. More on the Odyssey in Olympia to follow…

 

The daily post #70: Road to Olympia

It was a rough plane ride, but I must say that the drive was so much more comfortable – even if it was almost 5 hours long.

Olympia is more than 300km away from Athens, and we were due to travel there via coach.

Tony helps our support runners commemorate their stop in athens

This of course, means groggily moving our (lucky) 13 boxes and luggage, and stumbling into our seats.

Yes, I did eventually move a box or two.

It wasn’t very long before we started on our long drive to the ancient city of Olympia, through the roads whose names I cannot read, and even when they are read to me, I cannot understand.

It's (almost) all Greek to me? 😉

The ride was smooth, and made it easy to either read, work, or in my case… catch up on sleep.

Dy CEO Francis making me feel bad for napping.

But it was an interesting drive, at least while I was awake. Torch Relay head honcho Joel tried to show us the route we were taking, but I don’t think I could tell whether it was Greece or Toa Payoh at that point.

Joel holding up a Mapos Giganthos (is that "big map" in Greek?)

Tony pretending to know what Joel is talking about

My first fling with authentic Greek food was at an authentic Greek petrol station type place. I had this pretty good bagel-like thing with ham, cheese and lettuce called a “Capri”. Best rest stop food I’ve ever tasted!

Tastes even better than it looks

A little off in the distance at the rest stop were a couple of wrecked cars, parked nearly alongside one another. A warning to would-be speedsters perhaps?

Public service announcements don't get better than this

And when we got back on the road, there were things I weren’t used seeing too, like some of these little trailer trucks.

Wonder what he's got in that shiny container thing...

… and the views.

One of many, many pretty sights en route to Olympia

 

The daily post #69: Journey of the Youth Olympic Flame… crew

I’m so happy that so many of you got the answer to my last question right! 🙂 It IS Olympia, and fingers crossed I’ll be able to send the pin to as many of you as possible!

And now, I’m sitting in the Olympic Academy in Olympia (where else?!) typing this entry.

Thought I’d first blog about the journey from Singapore to Athens, which was mind-numbing (for me at least), having 4 kids sitting behind me, screaming, and kicking throughout the 10-hour flight.

But even before that, we had to somehow get by the check-in counters with our massive loads of torches, lanterns, press kits, uniforms and everything else. Have you ever tried lugging a suitcase weighing 44kg? :p

Joey's technically not a box, but...

Even before taking off, some of us were already pretty battered.

Waiting for luggage to get checked in is like watching paint dry

Once we finally got on the plane, it was time to switch to full JYOF mode. Even the food started to look like work.

From the Singapore bun, to the Olympia omelette, to the Berlin fruit tray...

And a few hours of disturbed sleep later, we were in Athens, where the sun just doesn’t want to stop shining – It was nearly 9pm yesterday before the sun completely disappeared.

The customs people there were rather unsure what to do with our scary luggage, and thanks to some help from SIA’s man on the ground, Mr Spyros, we eventually managed to clear everyone and everything unscathed.

Deputy CEO + Spyros, who will hopefully wear the JYOF pin we gave him!

I was also thankful that Athens airport is rather straightforward so meeting some of our video and photo team there wasn’t too difficult!

Click for the full-sized map

We met Nic, Tony (part of our video production team) and Wu Wei (our photographer) for a 5-hour ride into Ancient Olympia.

Tony doesn't waste any time!

More soon about the ride into Olympia, and Olympia itself.

Toodles!

 

The daily post #68: Off I go…!

Ladies and gents, apologies once again for the absenteeism! You must be getting used to it now.:p

Anyhoo, the reason for my absence is because of this place I’m running off to in a few minutes.

Know where this is?

I’m going to leave you guys hanging as to where this place is, but the first person who gets this right by commenting, gets a very, very, very limited edition pin. 🙂 Ok, maybe more if I can scrounge for any more.

Unless there’s internet on the plane (highly unlikely because I’m flying cattle class), you’ll not be hearing from me till… many hours later. Promise to include pics (yes, Captain Crutch, there will be pics!), and thank you ALL for the well wishes. Hope to come back in one piece! 🙂