London Booster, Olympics 2012 by Saltdeanbeach

Here is a look at four of the many National Hospitality Houses that can be founding London during the 2012 Olympic Games:

Czech Republic House

This National Olympic House, situated at Islington’s Business Design Centre, has done an exceptional job of representing the finest in Czech culture. The House boasts an array of entertainment options, including an indoor basketball court and live performances from some of the country’s most popular bands. The restaurant serves traditional Czech dishes like goulash, and the House showcases some fine examples of Czech art and photography. One of the biggest draw-cards attracting Olympic visitors to this National House has undoubtedly been the installation by Czech sculptor David Cerny; it takes the form of a red double-decker bus with robotic “arms” that allow it to perform push-ups!

The Czech House has attracted an average of 4000 visitors a day during the Olympics, proving that even a small nation can celebrate the Olympic spirit in a really big way.

Italy House

The Queen Elizabeth II Conference Centre in London has been serving as the venue for Italy’s Olympic National Hospitality House. This Olympic House, “Casa Italia”, is a hub of gorgeous Italian cars and fashion models. The venue offers beautiful views of the river Thames and Westminster, and the public has been treated to a “Made in Italy” expo, featuring the most exquisite Italian products, including national cuisine and wine. This display of national hospitality reportedly cost Italy around £1.1 million – an investment that will certainly pay off should Rome win the upcoming bid to host the 2020 Olympic Games!

Jamaica House

As the home of celebrated sprinter Usain “Lightning” Bolt, Jamaica is one proud Olympic nation, and where better to showcase national spirit and talent than the massive O2 Arena? Jamaica House has been bringing this London venue alive with the sounds of traditional reggae music, in celebration not only of the Olympics but also the nation’s 50th year of independence! Musical performances and Jamaican comedy events have all been a part of the National House’s offerings, and guests are also encouraged to visit “Messenger – the Bob Marley Exhibition”, a tribute to the legendary Jamaican musician that will be on display at the O2 until late October.

Needless to say, this National Hospitality Olympic House was the site of great joy and celebration following Jamaica’s success in the 200m final!

Team GB House

It’s hardly surprising that one of the most exclusive Olympic Houses of 2012 has been that of the host nation, Great Britain. The Team GB House can be found right at the heart of the Olympic action – on the eighth floor of One Stratford Place, situated in the “gateway” to the Olympic Park, namely Westfield Stratford City. Unlike its international counterparts, this Olympic House is not open to the public, but is rather a retreat for the UK’s Olympic athletes, their friends and family, and Olympic officials. It’s also been the site of the team’s press conferences.

There are dozens of other Olympic Houses waiting to be explored before the Games draw to a close, so if you’re in London, be sure to get out and about and experience international culture, cuisine and talent!

Nicky Warner is an enthusiastic blogger who is keen to visit as many of these Olympic Houses as possible while she’s lucky enough to be staying in a central London property.

The post Four Fascinating Olympic Houses across London appeared first on Best of European Union.

London Olympics Countdown / Photo licensed under the Creative Commons, created by Alex Pink

Experience the exciting atmosphere

The atmosphere at the 2012 Olympic Games is sure to be electric, and will bring people from all over the world together. There are many events that are organised to bring about a sense of national pride, such as the lighting of the torch and the opening ceremony, which is expected to be particularly spectacular this year. For Londoners there are plenty of opportunities to savour the moment with big screens being placed in many public places including Hyde Park and Victoria Park. These big screens will not only be showing the World’s best sporting achievements but also amazing entertainment including free performances by the likes of Sir Tom Jones and Feeder.

Cheer for your favourite teams

Try to make sure that you watch at least one sporting event during the Olympics, as this is a great way to show your support for your country and national pride. All of the main sporting events will be shown on specially set up big screens in locations all over London such as parks, bars and pubs to enable everyone to gather together and have fun.

Soak up a little culture

This is the perfect opportunity to broaden your horizons by taking part in special cultural events. Fortunately, there will be plenty to choose from during the 2012 Olympic Games, such as the World Shakespeare Festival, which will feature 70 productions in several different languages. Classical music lovers will want to catch the performance of Beethoven’s Ninth Symphony that is being held on the 27th of July, while special performances will be held by the English National Ballet, the Scottish Ballet and the National Dance Company Wales.

Enjoy a wide range of different types of events

An impressive selection of events has been arrange to coincide with the 2021 London Olympics. As previously mentioned live music plays a heavy part in the entertainment programme. These include live music performances from entertainers such as Elbow, Florence + the Machine, Leona Lewis and Madonna, art exhibitions in institutions such as the Serpentine Gallery and the Tate Modern, and other specially organised events such as the Mayor’s Thames Festival, the BT River of Music and World Pride 2012, while Big Dance 2012 will be held in Trafalgar Square from the 7th until the 15th of July and will feature more than 1,000 dancers. That means when you’ll have every excuse to set up an external London meeting room for the opportunity to experience these events with clients and collegues.

Get Ahead of the Games

Thousands of people will descend on London during the 2021 Olympics, which may well mean that getting around is a little trickier than usual – especially during the early morning and evening rush hour. However, special transportation systems have been set up for the purposes of easing these transport woes, so with a little forward planning you will still be able to reach your chosen destination. Making use of the London Underground is a good way to get around, while making use of special walking and cycling routes also helps you to avoid the traffic on the city streets. Other forms of transportation include River services along the Thames, the Docklands Overland rail service and London buses. Finally cycling remains one of the most enjoyable methods of soaking up the delights of London and is an excellent way of beating commuter traffic if you are heading into London for work.

This article was written on behalf of De Vere Venues who’s Greenwich venue is conveniently located in the heart of the action and ready for the Games!

The post Five Fantastic Reasons to Look Forward to the Olympics Coming to London appeared first on Best of European Union.