The Faces of the Olympics

So, London 2012 is drawing to a close, and our Olympics activities will soon all be just a memory. This will be my last blog about the Olympics, and I thought it might be fitting to share with you some of the "faces" of the Olympics that have made it such a success.

From the moment that I was greeted upon arrival at the airport by my own personal volunteer (and friend)

throughout all the Olympics, the 70,000 volunteers and the security made the event flow smoothly

without hassles,

and thankfully safe and secure.

Attending the events with friends

made the experience even that much 

richer and more memorable.

There was a whole lot of red,

white,

and blue around London.

Some of it was from the US supporters,

but a lot more was, of course, in honor of Team GB.

The countrymen and women of England

should be proud of the way it all sorted out!

From scores of countries, they came 

for the party.

I think the Netherlands fans were the biggest party animals of all, 

for they were dressed to the nines every time I saw them in the stands.

And then there are the Aussie's, who will "do anything 4 tickets."

There were a lot of veterans in the group, including these chaps

who had quite a collection of "pins" going.

If you looked hard enough and had a bit of luck, you could catch glimpses of celebrities. The NBC crew was filming for the Today show, so Ryan Seacrest, Al Roker, Matt Lauer and all the gang were on hand to report

back on their observations.

Swimmers Conor Dwyer

and Ricky Berens, gold medalists in the 4 x 200meter freestyle relay along with  Phelps and Lochte, were there eating cheese with Giada de Laurentiis and signing autographs.

We spotted Ryan Bailey in the mall, so generously taking time to be photographed with the kids who seemed to idolize him. He later ran the 100 meter race, coming in fifth.

His buddy with him, Duane Solomon, placed fourth in the 800 meter final.

Celebrities in their own right, both Mandeville

and Wenlock seemed to pop up everywhere.

And now it's time to close the games. I'll always cherish the spirit of these London 2012 games--ask anyone who lives in the city and they'll surely agree that Londoners and their guests from around the world were at their very friendliest, as we all linked arms to celebrate the aspirations and accomplishments of some 10,000 athletes.

I'm excited now for the "after party," The Closing Ceremonies, which is titled A Symphony of British Music. Some 4100 performers are reported to be entertaining on this world wide stage, and a parade of British musical greats are rumored to be lined up for the performance. British papers are reporting that 20 or more original artists are scheduled to perform. It's very likely we are going to see a reunion of the Spice Girls as they've been spotted around town rehearsing, and secret rehearsals with others have been taking place in a Ford factory outside London.

Rumored stars perhaps to perform, but not confirmed, are  Adele, The Who, Russell Brand, Queen, Annie Lennox, Paul McCartney, Rolling Stones, Jessie J, Take That, Muse, One Direction and George Michael.

Now you know they aren't all going to show up for the party, but won't it be fun to see this Sunday who does come?

Me, I'm crossing my fingers for Adele....

How about you?