TRAFALGAR TRAILS - Olympic history

Ms. Gordon, Contributor

What started out of an attempt to formally recognise a peace treaty with a festival, the Olympics was born in Greece in 776BC with only one 200-yard dash called a stadium. So significant became this event that the Greek calendar was based on the four-year period between the games. The Olympic Games continued for 1,170 years until Rome seized Greece and they were abolished by Christian Byzantine Emperor Theodosius I. One thousand, five hundred and thirteen years later, the French led a campaign to revive the event. On Sunday March 24, 1896, the first modern Olympics was held in Athens, Greece. (http://www.nostos.com/olympics/#AncientOlympicGames)

The Olympic Games are here to stay. Not only is it not going anywhere, it is getting bigger and more of a sight to see, talk about and take pride in. The Olympics is an event which brings together people of all countries of the world in one place every four years. It is the longest-running world tradition (though not continuous) of competition and grandeur. The Olympics has such a high brand loyalty that people have put it on their 'top 10 things I must do before I die' list.

So that's why I am here, to provide you with as much information as you will need for your trip to London, England, in summer of 2012 for the long-awaited Olympic Games. This series of articles will highlight and remind you of all the things you need to do to get there, guide you on what to do or not do when you do get there and I will also provide an alternative for those who can't actually attend the games but want to be in the city where it will all take place.

My father went to the 1996 Atlanta Olympics when I was of school age (wouldn't be prudent to tell you which school or age!) and I remember thinking it must be so awesome to be there. I remember the buzz of activity for the preparation in all of Greece and Sydney two years after the 2000 Olympic Games when I visited Athens two years before the 2004 Olympics. The tourist attractions and nostalgia created because of the games that were two years past but it was like yesterday for the citizens. I also remember living in Japan for the 2008 Beijing Olympics, and the excitement of a nation that was only a neighbour to the event.

Dream come true

I do understand wanting make a dream a reality. I am in the business of providing individuals who value their money and value their time and want to get the best value for their money on whatever travel expedition they wish to embark, every day. London is a fantastic city with much to see and do. It is very similar to New York in terms of the number of nationalities that are represented there, thus enhancing the already unique culture that has existed for centuries before. London in itself has so much to offer on its own but you can also visit other countries of the United Kingdom like Ireland, Wales and Scotland or nearby European countries like France, Belgium and Holland.

A trip to London this coming summer could be one you will never forget and the one you will tell your grandchildren about ...' Ahh the summer of 2012 when I tried blowing a bagpipe and made a little girl cry, drank wine at noon on a streetside café with a view of the Eiffel Tower, I watched a play at the Globe Theatre near London Bridge and I danced with other Jamaicans in Notting Hill as Jamaica won the gold ... it was a great summer!'

Let me be your holiday experience coordinator for summer and any others that may come.

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