I’m working at the Olympics. Here’s some pictures from behind the barricades, as well as of the Opening Ceremony itself.

Posted by PorcupineMerchant

24 comments

  1. It’s a unique feeling, wandering around parts of Paris when they’re completely empty.

    Most parts seem to be open again, but large parts around the Seine were blocked off for the week. I have a credential, which means I could walk around and take pictures for Reddit.

    Okay, it’s not like they give credentials to people who just say “I want to take pictures for Reddit.” But either way, I suppose you’re the ones who benefit.

    Of course, the paths along the river were all but abandoned, and the river itself had basically no traffic on it.

    While walking around, I met a very nice man and his family who said a company had offered 200,000 euros to rent his houseboat for the week. He refused.

    Then he asked if I wanted to come and watch the Opening Ceremony from his boat. I said “Uhh…yes.” What a ridiculously generous offer.

    I was skeptical as to whether or not l’d be able to get down there, as obviously security increased for the day, but I went to the exact checkpoint he told me to go to, and sure enough, he came up the steps to get me.

    How was it? Well, it was wet. Very, very wet. But memorable, nonetheless. As you probably saw, it was mainly designed for TV, taking place all around the river, but all the boats went by — as well as the horse, the burning piano, and obviously the torch. Personally I think the horse was the highlight.

    And if you’re wondering why there’s pictures of the lights on the Eiffel Tower when I wasn’t next to it, those are from the night before when they were running tests.
    Anyway the experience of walking around empty streets has been one I don’t think l’ll forget.

    [I do have more stuff on Instagram](http://instagram.com/rayoboone) if you want to take a look. It’s mainly videos of walking around, and they’re in the stories — the account itself is mostly for posting pictures of statues and such.

    If you’re into that sort of thing. I’m totally not trying to con you into following me, but…you know. You can if you want. I wouldn’t complain.

  6. I totally hate Paris because there’s too many people, to many cars and it’s noisy. This would definitely change my mind, very lovely pictures!

  10. Thanks for sharing – these pics are great! Have the time of your life.

  11. They could have filmed a French remake of 28 Days Later during this lol

  13. Thank you for sharing. It makes me sad how few people were visible on the opening ceremony, but at least i got these pretty pics.

  14. Thank you for sharing these! Anytime I stay in Paris, I always try to find a place near the Seine; all these spots are my old haunts, and I miss them so much!

    I didn’t get to see the whole ceremony – what sequence was at the Hotel Dieu? I love all that gold. It’d be a cool exhibit if it was left up, though I presume it’s all temporary!

  18. All the scenes with the Eiffel Tower and the balloon cauldron were so spectacular. The rest of it was meh. Celine dion on the Eiffel Tower was my favorite Olympic moment ever. It brought people to tears at how beautiful and spectacular it was.

  22. Ray, these are amazing. I especially loved your night sky and rock photos on instagram. Thank you for sharing. Have a fantastic time!

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