The stories of Roberto sound great and I'm now sitting at Schiphol at a three euro per 15 minutes computer to write this message.
I just had my first contact with an athlete, the most fantastic thing is that I recognised her, it was Anky van Grunsven. I had a good laugh as I was allready seeing her picking up her horse at the luggage and me waiting on my bagpack.
For those who not know, my girlfriend is travelling in Thailand and I just
read her mail. She is enjoying every moment over there. Maybe I will tell
some more when she writes another e-mail.
I read in the papers about the Sahara wind in Athens, well now it is raining in Holland that doesn't sound too bad, but maybe tonight I change my mind about that.
Oups I got to catch my flight now !!
Rene
Tuesday, August 10, 2004
Monday, August 09, 2004
Who's who?
This is really the who's who of international sports. As you work behind your desk, walk around or go to lunch, you see familiar faces all around you. Most of the times I see a face I recognise which means I'll spend the next 5 minutes trying to remember the name that goes with the face.
As you probably read in one of my earlier posts, I already spoke to a few Dutch Female Hockey players (from Da Bush). Yesterday I also met the Dutch Chef de Mission. He was waiting for someone at the Archery Desk next to mine (since the desks are lined up alphabetically) so we had a quick chat. He was quite surprised to hear some Dutch as almost all staff in the Sport Information Centre is Greek. He recommended to visit the Heineken Holland House, which was definitely already in my plans. He expects quite a large Dutch following visiting the Games.
Some of the Brazilian Team Leaders came by yesterday for a quick chat. I had greeted them earlier with a well pronounced "Boa Tarde" to their surprise, so I had the opportunity to brush up on my Portuguese. One of the Brazilian medal hopes, the female gymnast, was also with them.
The Brazilian and Dutch athletes are the easiest to recognise as they wear their pronounced yellow and orange respectively. The Dutch are even easier to spot as they go cross town on these funny looking orange bikes.
I guess the next few days will be even crazier as most athletes are expected to arrive between Sunday and Tuesday. More work, more faces, more fun!
As you probably read in one of my earlier posts, I already spoke to a few Dutch Female Hockey players (from Da Bush). Yesterday I also met the Dutch Chef de Mission. He was waiting for someone at the Archery Desk next to mine (since the desks are lined up alphabetically) so we had a quick chat. He was quite surprised to hear some Dutch as almost all staff in the Sport Information Centre is Greek. He recommended to visit the Heineken Holland House, which was definitely already in my plans. He expects quite a large Dutch following visiting the Games.
Some of the Brazilian Team Leaders came by yesterday for a quick chat. I had greeted them earlier with a well pronounced "Boa Tarde" to their surprise, so I had the opportunity to brush up on my Portuguese. One of the Brazilian medal hopes, the female gymnast, was also with them.
The Brazilian and Dutch athletes are the easiest to recognise as they wear their pronounced yellow and orange respectively. The Dutch are even easier to spot as they go cross town on these funny looking orange bikes.
I guess the next few days will be even crazier as most athletes are expected to arrive between Sunday and Tuesday. More work, more faces, more fun!
Village People
Saturday during my break I did a quick tour of the village by bus. Yes, there are regular scheduled bus services, just like you would have in any village.
It is roughly the size of a small town, containing appartment blocks with a max capacity of over 17.000 persons, a full fletched hospital ("poli-kliniek"), a huge restaurant, shops, internet and regular cafe's, barber shop, discotheque, churches for all religions, post office and many many rooms and offices for the organisation, press and conferences.
Apart from that there's a similar size area with training facilities. Three (!) full athletics fields, a huge gym and many more courts, fields, terrains, etc. Apart from that there are many training sites at other venues or around town.
The appartment blocks are quite cool. All countries 'dress up' the outside of their appartment block with flags and stuff from their country. The English even shipped a real typical London Phone Booth which they placed in front of their block. The Swiss brought a life size cow (???) and the Dutch obviously adorned their area as if the Euro 2004 was still being played.
I got out at one of the athletics training sites just to have a look. Some sprinters were training and believe me, these guys are really fast! You know upfront they're fast, but if you see one running past you, then you really realise how fast that is.
As I didn't want to disturb their training, I quickly left to get back to my desk for the second half of my shift.
Roberto
It is roughly the size of a small town, containing appartment blocks with a max capacity of over 17.000 persons, a full fletched hospital ("poli-kliniek"), a huge restaurant, shops, internet and regular cafe's, barber shop, discotheque, churches for all religions, post office and many many rooms and offices for the organisation, press and conferences.
Apart from that there's a similar size area with training facilities. Three (!) full athletics fields, a huge gym and many more courts, fields, terrains, etc. Apart from that there are many training sites at other venues or around town.
The appartment blocks are quite cool. All countries 'dress up' the outside of their appartment block with flags and stuff from their country. The English even shipped a real typical London Phone Booth which they placed in front of their block. The Swiss brought a life size cow (???) and the Dutch obviously adorned their area as if the Euro 2004 was still being played.
I got out at one of the athletics training sites just to have a look. Some sprinters were training and believe me, these guys are really fast! You know upfront they're fast, but if you see one running past you, then you really realise how fast that is.
As I didn't want to disturb their training, I quickly left to get back to my desk for the second half of my shift.
Roberto
Work-a-holic
Well, here I am sitting in an internet cafe close to our appartment. This is my first day off since arriving here, so it's time for some relaxation, checking the Dutch and Antillian on-line newspapers, the football sites (d*mned! Ajax lost!), reading my email and of course updating this blog.
My first two days were exceptional. I can recommend this to everyone. The atmosphere is wonderful, everybody is friendly and just very happy to be part of this. After these two days I have just one thing to say: "WHERE CAN I SIGN UP FOR BEIJING 2008?"
It all started Saturday morning when I had to collect my accreditation and uniform at the ATHOC Head Office. That went very smoothly and within 20 minutes I walked out with a bag containing 3 shirts, 2 pair of pants, 3 pairs of socks, a jacket, a waist bag and a hat. No shop-a-holic I know could beat that! Well, maybe one... (you know who you are) :-)
Then it was straight from there to my first day on the job. I'm stationed in the Olympic Village at the Sports Information Centre manning the Athletics Desk. Imagine a large hall with 28 desks, one for each sport. All Chef de Missions and Team Leaders of the NOC's pass by daily to get the latest information regarding their sports. This includes competition, training and transport schedules as well as general information, rule changes, logistics, authorisations, tours of the sites, uniform regulations, etc.
As Athletics is the sport with the most countries participating (+/- 200) you can figure out that we are quite busy. It is really hard work, but it doesn't feel like work. Even when I'm off for a lunch break, I feel like running back as quickly as possible to the desk. My real work should be like that! Just kidding Karen... ;-)
So far I've had two evening shifts. These start at 15hrs and last until 22hrs. Tomorrow I have my first morning shift. This is from 07hrs to 15hrs and since it takes me about 1 hour to get from the appartment to work, it means setting the alarm clock at 05:00 hrs (ouch!)
Next week I even have two days where I work both shifts. Yes, that's from 07hrs to 22hrs...and I don't mind at all! You have to be here to understand it.
Roberto
My first two days were exceptional. I can recommend this to everyone. The atmosphere is wonderful, everybody is friendly and just very happy to be part of this. After these two days I have just one thing to say: "WHERE CAN I SIGN UP FOR BEIJING 2008?"
It all started Saturday morning when I had to collect my accreditation and uniform at the ATHOC Head Office. That went very smoothly and within 20 minutes I walked out with a bag containing 3 shirts, 2 pair of pants, 3 pairs of socks, a jacket, a waist bag and a hat. No shop-a-holic I know could beat that! Well, maybe one... (you know who you are) :-)
Then it was straight from there to my first day on the job. I'm stationed in the Olympic Village at the Sports Information Centre manning the Athletics Desk. Imagine a large hall with 28 desks, one for each sport. All Chef de Missions and Team Leaders of the NOC's pass by daily to get the latest information regarding their sports. This includes competition, training and transport schedules as well as general information, rule changes, logistics, authorisations, tours of the sites, uniform regulations, etc.
As Athletics is the sport with the most countries participating (+/- 200) you can figure out that we are quite busy. It is really hard work, but it doesn't feel like work. Even when I'm off for a lunch break, I feel like running back as quickly as possible to the desk. My real work should be like that! Just kidding Karen... ;-)
So far I've had two evening shifts. These start at 15hrs and last until 22hrs. Tomorrow I have my first morning shift. This is from 07hrs to 15hrs and since it takes me about 1 hour to get from the appartment to work, it means setting the alarm clock at 05:00 hrs (ouch!)
Next week I even have two days where I work both shifts. Yes, that's from 07hrs to 22hrs...and I don't mind at all! You have to be here to understand it.
Roberto
Sunday, August 08, 2004
The Opening Ceremony?
YES! YES! YES! I get to see the Opening Ceremony as a spectator!
Well, let me rephrase that. I get to see the Dress Rehearsal in the Olympic Stadium on Tuesday. Before the actual opening they have a dress rehearsal which is only open to selected persons and volunteers. That is so cool!
I got my ticket yesterday. You're not allowed to bring any recording device. So no cameras, mobile phones, tape recordings, etc. Obviously, being a nice guy like me, I will not spoil your opening ceremony by giving away the show. You'll have to see for yourself Friday evening! Rumour has it that it will be a spectacular show.
By the way, I drove by the Stadium yesterday and it is beautiful! Especially the roof!
Wow, it's 13:45 hrs so I'ld better stop now. This is already the 3th update of today. I guess that's enough for today.
Cheers!
Roberto
Well, let me rephrase that. I get to see the Dress Rehearsal in the Olympic Stadium on Tuesday. Before the actual opening they have a dress rehearsal which is only open to selected persons and volunteers. That is so cool!
I got my ticket yesterday. You're not allowed to bring any recording device. So no cameras, mobile phones, tape recordings, etc. Obviously, being a nice guy like me, I will not spoil your opening ceremony by giving away the show. You'll have to see for yourself Friday evening! Rumour has it that it will be a spectacular show.
By the way, I drove by the Stadium yesterday and it is beautiful! Especially the roof!
Wow, it's 13:45 hrs so I'ld better stop now. This is already the 3th update of today. I guess that's enough for today.
Cheers!
Roberto
Hockey Honeys
Rene, I met your favourite chicks in the whole wide world! The girls from the Dutch hockey team! Not just a few girls.... No, your upmost favourites: the ones from DA BUSH!
(That is "Den Bosch" for those not familiar with IS&D slang)
They asked about the volunteering and I told them how I did it, about arranging the appartments and everything and then...then... I told them that I knew you! I though I would make a huge impression on them by knowing you: You! The famous Sunday-Afternoon-Den-Bosch-Hockey-Club-Cantine-Beer-Drinking-King! Rene King!
They didn't know you!!! The disappointment must have shown from my face, because they all did their best to cheer me up again. They even promised me a pin, but I was unconsolable. Another illusion gone!
It's like Prince once sang: "Paint a perfect picture, of a beautiful vision in ones mind. The beautiful ones always smash the picture. Always everytime..."
Roberto
(That is "Den Bosch" for those not familiar with IS&D slang)
They asked about the volunteering and I told them how I did it, about arranging the appartments and everything and then...then... I told them that I knew you! I though I would make a huge impression on them by knowing you: You! The famous Sunday-Afternoon-Den-Bosch-Hockey-Club-Cantine-Beer-Drinking-King! Rene King!
They didn't know you!!! The disappointment must have shown from my face, because they all did their best to cheer me up again. They even promised me a pin, but I was unconsolable. Another illusion gone!
It's like Prince once sang: "Paint a perfect picture, of a beautiful vision in ones mind. The beautiful ones always smash the picture. Always everytime..."
Roberto
Base "Camp"
After a quick 3 hour flight I was picked up at the airport by our landlord Ewoud, a young Dutch guy that fell in love with an Greek girl and now lives and works here. He's a very friendly nice guy with a car that looks like Rene's desk before he found out about the clean desk policy... ;-)
The appartment is in the middle of Athens' most densely populated area, which is fairly close to the centre and with 2 metro stations nearby, we have little to complain.
The interior is a sight by itself. I knew upfront that it was an appartment belonging to his father in law, so I expected an "older persons appartment", but this old?!? I guess the best way to describe it is to use your imagination. Just picture what an appartment would look like if Woody Allens grandmother were living in it. Get the picture? Now that's what trend-setters would call CAMP!
The place should be converted into a museum! It is as if somebody walked out of the place 50 years ago and nobody changed anything ever since. Everything is in it's usual spot: Furniture your granny would find old-fashioned, black-&-white family pictures on the shelves and half used shoe polish from 1948.
"Doc! Doc Emmet Brown! Where's the DeLorean? I need to get back to 2004!"
Roberto
The appartment is in the middle of Athens' most densely populated area, which is fairly close to the centre and with 2 metro stations nearby, we have little to complain.
The interior is a sight by itself. I knew upfront that it was an appartment belonging to his father in law, so I expected an "older persons appartment", but this old?!? I guess the best way to describe it is to use your imagination. Just picture what an appartment would look like if Woody Allens grandmother were living in it. Get the picture? Now that's what trend-setters would call CAMP!
The place should be converted into a museum! It is as if somebody walked out of the place 50 years ago and nobody changed anything ever since. Everything is in it's usual spot: Furniture your granny would find old-fashioned, black-&-white family pictures on the shelves and half used shoe polish from 1948.
"Doc! Doc Emmet Brown! Where's the DeLorean? I need to get back to 2004!"
Roberto
Thursday, August 05, 2004
Preparation
On Tuesday the 10th August I will leave for Athens, I have looked a little bit around on the internet to look for some useful information.
I found a survey on the net, why people volunteer for the Olympics...
Great, it seems to be good for my CV, I will see great athletes (could somebody please sent me some pictures so I recognise them?), I seem to be interested in a volunteer job, I can watch the Olympic games, I offer for my country (no thanks Mister Balkenende) and I will have a rare and unique experience of a world class event.
Who has filled in this survey? Were they all above eighty or from a country were entertainment has not been invented yet?
What about FUN?? No one participates for the fun of it!!
Well, then I belong to the 0.6% which have other reasons to participate then the above mentioned ones.
Though I am eager to go, I’m also a little bit nervous. I did not hear anything anymore from Olga. It seemed she liked me in our first (and only) conversation. But after a few mails and some phone calls without any response it is really silent.
I still hear her voice telling me I should call her when I would arrive in Athens. But what if she is fired, maybe she has got already a new favourite volunteer and is just paying attention to him, maybe even that her thoughts about me are drastically changed because of my last mail in which I wrote that she should contact me (maybe she is one of those girls who want to be independent and don’t let themselves tell what to do) or maybe…, no, I will be patient, I will wait and call her when I arrive next week, and maybe she even picks up the phone, who knows.
Rene
Sunday, August 01, 2004
Summer Fashion Trend
- from our own fashion correspondent -
Gucci in cooperation with Hugo Boss, Yves St. Laurent and Jean Paul Gaultier would like to present this summers hottest creation. It is the official uniform for the volunteers of the 2004 Olympic Games in Athens. This design, as shown here by our model Giorgios Armanikos, consists of an elegant 2 piece ensemble with a multi-coloured pattern woven into the fabrics.
The lower piece is Deep Ocean Blue pair of shorts designed to be worn in stressful situations. It focuses on comfort. Notice the unique addition of two pockets which have been placed conveniently in order to support Giorgos' hands.
Above this outstanding piece of design is the top layer. It starts with a basic Pireaus Off-White coloured centre eye-catcher, flanked by two multi-coloured layers, representing the different moods of the athletes. There is the fierce Rocky Mountain Red combined with Troy Yellow on the left, showing the spirit of the winner. On the right side is the Cool Caribbean Blue combined with other nature blends, representing the friendly peacefulness of the games.
Efharistó, Giorgos.
Gucci in cooperation with Hugo Boss, Yves St. Laurent and Jean Paul Gaultier would like to present this summers hottest creation. It is the official uniform for the volunteers of the 2004 Olympic Games in Athens. This design, as shown here by our model Giorgios Armanikos, consists of an elegant 2 piece ensemble with a multi-coloured pattern woven into the fabrics.
The lower piece is Deep Ocean Blue pair of shorts designed to be worn in stressful situations. It focuses on comfort. Notice the unique addition of two pockets which have been placed conveniently in order to support Giorgos' hands.
Above this outstanding piece of design is the top layer. It starts with a basic Pireaus Off-White coloured centre eye-catcher, flanked by two multi-coloured layers, representing the different moods of the athletes. There is the fierce Rocky Mountain Red combined with Troy Yellow on the left, showing the spirit of the winner. On the right side is the Cool Caribbean Blue combined with other nature blends, representing the friendly peacefulness of the games.
Efharistó, Giorgos.
Thursday, July 29, 2004
All work, no play? NOT!
Just 8 days to go…
…but who's counting?
We bought tickets to three events ourselves. These are for Baseball, Basketball and Beach Volleyball.
The baseball game is between Greece and Curaça… ehhh… Holland. I say Curaçao because the team largely consists of Antillean players. The basketball game is between the US (Dream Team) and some other country. Problem is that most NBA players don't dare to show up because of possible attacks. We might end up watching the worst players of the NBA instead of the best. Last, but not least: Beach Volleyball! Of course this has nothing to do with the participants and their small "uniforms"… ;-)
COOL!!! René managed to get in contact with the manager of Athens' trendiest dance club Venue. We now have his phone number and can call him to get on the guest list! Junior Vasquez and Tiësto are some of the DJ's playing there during the games. Check out http://www.venue-athens.com
I guess we need to do some serious saving. When René and I were there for our intake interview a simple Heineken from a bottle was 10 Euros! I'm pretty sure the prices will not have gone down for the games… Let's hope the Heineken Holland House has special "Dutch" rates.
Oh yeah, my little nephew Nicholas is celebrating his first birthday today. Happy B-Day little man!
Cheers,
Roberto
PS: René, Olga is just saying that to please you... :-)
Tuesday, July 27, 2004
First contact with Olga
The story Roberto has written gives me some confidence. He is very impressed with the organisation; I am somehow a little bit surprised about it. Olga (my co-ordinator) just called me once and said I should contact her upon my arrival (“darling, please call me, I’m so looking forward to see you”). No schedule for me (and no shift at around 07.00 till now!!).
I do not know yet exactly what kind of work I will be doing. She (Olga) promised me something with a VIP parking but I’m really not sure what to expect. The only thing I do expect is a huge amount of people who are really exiting to go for the Olympics. Athens will be the mother of all Olympics and I’m quite a little bit proud to participate.
Well this is my story for now; hopefully we will have the chance to maintain this log frequently so you all can enjoy a sort of Kuifje at the Olympics story (or should it be Sjors and Sjimmie at the Olympics).
Cheers,
Rene
Schedule is in!
This is the first posting on this blog. It is somewhat of a test to see if this thing works smoothly. However, I'll give a quick update on the latest.
YESSS! I have my schedule! Saturday the 7th is my first "working" day. In total I have 6 morning shifts (starting at 07:00 hrs. Ouch!) and 12 afternoon/evening shifts (from 15 to 23 hrs.). So far I'm very impressed by the organisation as they even took into account the events I have tickets for.
One of my evening shifts is during the Opening Ceremony. I do not know yet what my location is for that shift, but I'm hoping (read: praying) that it will be in the Olympic Stadium. Who knows? I might even be walking with the athletes on the track during their presentation. Keep your eyes fixed on the telly and let me know via an SMS whether you've seen me.
We (René and I) plan to post here on a regular basis. The frequency obviously depends on the access we have to an internet connection.
Well, that's it for this first message.
Cheers,
Roberto
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