Vogue or passe at Westfield Stratford

Flags were definitely in ,whether one simply draped it around or put in some extra effort like this very sporting family who posed with countless shoppers. 

Others were more casual but strutted around as if they were natural born talents, meant for catwalking on a public runway

See what I mean ?
Makes me wanna go to Brazil next...

A few went over the top.

My jaw almost dropped when this lady with hat full of flags walked past me later. The leg of her pants were painstakingly made from finely shredded raffia.

Athletes who hung around, ranged from those in standard attire. Awesome to those not beyond puberty

To The Hoff types who
made both cougars and chicas smile broader than daylight

Didn't matter if they were vogue or passe, all of them helped amp up the atmosphere inside to a level beyond excitement and fun

What if you had no Olympic tickets

Because tickets were absolutely impossible to buy on site, businesses like these thrived

It provided an option for people who desperately wanted to be part of the games and as you can see, there were many

 However, if this isn't your cup of tea, follow me...

...all the way up this level

Past the big black ball downstairs

To this .... your other option

Where you are free to pose till you get the best angle

Snap the real backdrop even if it IS quiet a distance away

Zoom in or zoom out to your hearts content without parting with a quid

Location : Westfield Stratford City, East London

Website : http://uk.westfield.com/stratfordcity/

£2 view at John Lewis

Thought I had found a priceless tip when someone posted on an online forum that one could view the Olympic Park from the top floor of John Lewis department store ...for free.

We weren't the only ones who had gone through the forum ...

...because the queue went round 3 floors

But it most certainly was not free.

£2 per person please with a leaflet each in return for your cold hard cash

We made our way in

found "The view" under some intense scrutiny

didn't hear anyone complain

Think it's because a lot were trying to get a good shot of the park

While the majority were really trying to get their 2 pounds worth

In reality, one had to shoot through segmented views encumbered by window panes

Which wasn't easy because of the stupid ugly storage yard up front

Stepped back for a while to give others a chance

 Checked this sign out

Then went back, gave it one last try and surrendered after this one

Turned my attention to these two kids at the back

and this row of toys beside them

before the most cheerful person in the room beamed at me

because he was hoping I'd buy some happy juice or snacks from him

Well, well....

Location : John Lewis, Westfield Stratford City

Website : http://www.johnlewis.com/

Window shopping at Westfield Stratford

You can put this place on top of your must visit list.

Felt as if the whole of London was having a ball in this very large, current and happening shopping complex

One could feel the spirit of the games immediately. Every shop window carried their own take on the Olympic theme

Shirts literally flew off the shelf . The most expensive ones, especially the official Team Britain athletic shirts were impossible to find anymore.

This display pretty much sums up how hot Olympic themed merchandise was in here

Aha ! Something in this window has caught my eye

It's a solar queen doing the royal wave !

Hilarious ! Are their royals sporting or what ?

Massive Apple store ....

...even drew in these 3 soldiers

Patriotic and supportive of their own team, this kids luggage bag is dedicated to Team GB

Flags and tea features at the Lakeland store 2 levels up

Evergreen bestsellers these

Found these DIY bears at the basement

Waiting to be picked, stuffed and dressed with plenty of cash on the side of course!

(Think there was a store similar to this in Debenhams KL but I'm not sure if it's still around today)

Location : Westfield Stratford City, East London

Website :  http://uk.westfield.com/stratfordcity/

Soaking up the atmosphere outside Westfield Stratford

We've just come out from the Stratford City tube station

Should we take this lift straight up to the John Lewis store ?

Trying to get our bearings right just like this lady here

Volunteers use a loudspeaker to try to shepherd us lost ones in the right direction

Don't go this way

So tempted to walk into the store



Yet I continue forward

Oh....so that's what the entrance to the Olympic Park looks like

Should I carry on ?

Nah....turning back towards the main entrance now