TWO Days of Olympic Fun...

When we booked our sojourn in Avignon, we had no idea that the Olympic Flame was coming through town. Not only was it passing through, it was the final stop of the day with a cauldron lighting ceremony. The excitement was almost more than I could handle and it all started the day prior!

While the Olympic torch was still crossing the neighboring town of Alpes-Maritimes on Tuesday evening, the first festivities in Avignon were launched. We were there for the very exciting parade. Who doesn't love a parade?




We were thoroughly impressed by this huge, 15 foot rendition of Greek hero Achilles who strolled down the main street, Rue de la République, to the delight of us onlookers.
Seeing the mechanical colossus made of copper and steel was really something. I think the thrill of all those arounds us was infectious! What a kickoff.


Wednesday, more than 70 Olympic- themed events awaited us, beginning at 3:30 p.m.
In a large park along the banks of the Rhône, we were afforded dream-like photo opportunities and unique entertainment.

I was intrigued by the display of 'sponsors'. Interestingly, one was Airbnb. Paris officials have placed tough new restrictions on Airbnb rentals in recent years. The company is using the Olympics to try and win over locals and broaden its footprint in the iconic city. Just like the 10,500 athletes competing, Airbnb has been preparing for years for this epic opportunity. In 2019, the company inked a nine-year partnership with the International Olympic Committee that runs through the 2028 Summer Games. Airbnb said at the time that it expected the deal to lead to hundreds of thousands of new hosts in cities around the globe as the games rolled through. Since we are fans of Airbnb, and stayed in one in Paris, I wish all great success.
Did you know that Coca‑Cola has been associated with the Olympic Games since 1928, longer than any other corporate supporter? As a global event, the Olympic Games also give Coke a unique opportunity to refresh and celebrate with sports fans in the more than 200 countries where they do business. I was pretty jazzed when sodas were distributed freely in a very festive way!

Dancing with Caisse D'Epargne's squirrel just made me happy. By the way, I did not come with that red shirt. Learning this day was to happen, I visited a thrift store while in Orange and scored this 4€ blouse which worked awesomely. I felt patriotic.
Steve got in on the action while helming France's sailboat, one of more than 250 boats that will be on the starting line of the Paris 2024 Olympic Sailing Competition.
Can we talk about the mascot? Until knowing more about it, frankly we thought it rather uninspired. Now that we know the Olympic Phryge is based on the traditional small Phrygian caps, we get it. These caps can be seen sat atop the head of the iconic figure Marianne in every town hall and even feature on everyday objects such as coins and stamps. They are also an international symbol of liberty worn by freed slaves in Roman times and appearing on different emblems in North and South America. Also known as the liberty cap, the Phrygian cap has become one of the symbols of the French Republic. Interesting!
"As Paris 2024’s vision is to demonstrate that sport can change lives, the mascots will be playing a major role by leading a revolution through sport. The Olympic Phryge is decked out in blue, white and red - the colors of France’s famed tricolor flag - with the golden Paris 2024 logo emblazoned across its chest."
Our day included watching hip-hop break dancers and these amazing trampoline athletes. These images where they are seemingly diving into the fortified walls cracks me up.


The 35th leg of the torch's journey in France traversed Avignon with the help of 37 torchbearers who took turns to carry the flame along a 4.7 mile route (the farthest of any town).  The relay began on May 8 in Marseille and I read that 10,000 people will have the opportunity to carry the torch before the opening ceremony of the Paris Olympics on July 26.





We chose not to see the cauldron ignited. Masses of people just aren't our thing. As a concluding comment, the honor went to Michaël Guigou, a French former handball player who won the gold medal at two Olympics, four World championships and three European championships. Pretty dang cool. What a surprise day for us. I keep saying that our timing could not have been better. This is more proof of that statement. Wow.

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2 comments:

Anonymous said...

So very cool...great timing for your visit...Brother Chuck

June 20, 2024 at 4:37 AM
Four Points Bulletin said...

Wow! What luck! That is like when I booked a house and had no idea it was the starting point of a leg of the Tour de France. Sometimes it all lines up. Love it!

June 20, 2024 at 7:13 AM

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