Winter Wimbledon

  London, United Kingdom
Thursday, July 5, 2007

5 July 2007 - Thursday

Wimbledon started more than a week ago, and as traditionally it comes torrents of rain. The wind has not stopped blowing for more than a week and neither has it stopped raining since. Apparently Wimbledon matches haven't been this delayed since 1982.

They say that wind makes people more depressed than rain or the lack of sunshine, and completely agree with that statement.The wind and rain hasn't let off once in the last two weeks and thus haven't seen the sun either, and it's really starting to make me grumpy. Yes, I know, I'm sounding like a typical Brit focussing on the weather and making it affect my moods, but it has. I can't cycle to work anymore, I can't play tennis... and more than anything it is making me really itch to get out of London and off on another holiday again.

I've been reading up on South America so much and just starting to plan the trip for March - May next year. I'm even more keen to get out of here, and am suddenly feeling that another eight months in London is just going to be too much. I'm sure I was born to spend my life traveling the world and meeting loads of interesting people... learning new languages and getting to spend time around people of all cultures. And yes, London does give you the opportunity to meet people from absolutely everywhere, but I want to get to these "everywhere" places.

Thinking about it now, it's actually quite ironic how upon arrival in the UK I couldn't understand people's fascination to go places and travel... The hassle and money of organising and planning just seemed like too much effort for going to a place you don't know or where you can't speak the language. Just totally out of your comfort zone. And then... and then I went on my first trip to Barcelona with my work (no organising on my behalf) and that was the beginning. I don't think I'll get tired of it. Once bitten...

7 July 2007 - Saturday

Being in London definitely does have it's benefits. I attended the Wimbledon tennis tournament for the third year running. But not just any of the days... it's the first day that both the wind and the rain have let up, and gives me a chance to enjoy my Centre Court ticket for the Ladies Final to the full. And not only that but I finally realise that the there's a rainbow amidst the last days of rain afterall... it's delayed so much play that the game before the ladies final is to be the semi-final men's singles match between Roger Federer and Richard Gasquet. This definitely wasn't on the schedule but was a good game to watch. I absolutely love Federer, he's just such a humble and good guy.



Following that I got to watch Venus Williams win the finals against Marian Bartoli. A good match, however Venus definitely was leagues ahead. Bartoli is currently the third ranked French lady, though on the other hand Williams was only seeded at number 18 for the tournament. I guess it shows you that the top two men are currently leagues ahead of everyone else, while the ladies title is open for the taking...

After the completion of the ladies finals, I managed to watch some mixed doubles and some handicap tennis (if that's what it's called). Mens' doubles played from within wheelchairs. These men had such huge forearms and the power achieved from their seated positions was pretty incredible. I have utmost most respect for them, and can only imagine the frustration upon starting to learn and initially not being able to do what most able bodied people can.

Headed home with a beautiful dark glasses tan. Clearly I wasn't expecting too much of a sunny day...