First, thanks to everyone who sent get well wishes and advice. I feel lots better, but can attest to the fact that a late winter head cold is no fun!
As I watch these Olympics and the $54 billion worth of infrastructure (and bribes) that went into the event, I can’t help but think that in several years, this balmy resort on the Black Sea won’t become the winter venue that Putin has imagined. When you look at other Olympic cities, you see that their infrastructures have been abandoned and are deteriorating in place.
The luge track at Sarajevo.
The ski jumps at Sarajevo
What’s left of an Olympic hotel in Sarajevo
The canoe/kayak center at Athens
The Athletes Village in Tornio, Italy
The canoe/kayak park in Beijing
The BMX bike stadium in Beijing
The volleyball stadium in Beijing
Somehow, I feel that in just a few short years, we’re going to be looking at the ruins of the venues in Sochi, Russia. What a waste.
Can you show us some pictures of FEMA improvements to New Orleans.
ReplyDeleteNot sure what that has to do with this.
Deletethe other side of government waste and corruption-- FEMA has done good in nola. one can question fema but does society question the olympics-- you have laid the groundwork through these images to question the hoops we use to worship the Outliers
DeleteAnonymous, what does this mean ... "question the hoops we use to worship the Outliers?"
DeleteHope you are feeling much better now, Meg!!
ReplyDeleteMuch better, thanks!
DeleteWow. Fascinating.
ReplyDeleteIt's sad, and fascinating. Ruin porn!
DeleteI have wondered the same thing, as I watch the Olympics and see all the beautiful venues that appear to be good for nothing else. Places like Vancouver and Whistler, which have a successful tourism and winter sports history, fare better I would imagine.
ReplyDeleteGreat e-mail from a reader:
DeleteWe have a camp in lake Placid, home of the Winter Olympics 1932 and 1980,where the last small scale Olympic competition took place.All the venues are being used and last Sunday in Sochi, local man( and our neighbor's son) Andrew Weibrecht won the silver in the Super G. A celebration took place at the Cottage, the same pub where the USA hockey team gathered after beating the Russians.Eight other competitors from the area traveled to Sochi to compete as well.
The Olympic torch was re-lit for the duration of the games, but since it was so modest someone driving past the scene of the opening games would probably miss it.But the Olympic spirit lives on - visit sometime and take a trip down the bobsled run and stop for a hot toddy at the Cottage after seeing Andrew's two medals at the Mirror Lake Inn across the road( owned by his parents). The NY Times did a terrific article on him last Sunday, but the TV coverage was lacking- the reporter was too busy making Bode Miller cry after the same race where Weibrecht beat him. But no one in Lake Placid missed the story.It was a wonderful celebration of him and the true Olympic spirit!
how sad + loved the e-mail! xxpeggybraswelldesign.com
ReplyDeleteAll the stuff at lake Placid and Salt lake is alive and well. The jumps at Lake Placid are still used...as is the luge/bobsled track. I think you may be right about Sochi though...
ReplyDeleteI think it's about time that we set up 2 to 4 permanent homes for the summer and the winter games with each country paying a proportional share for upkeep. It is unconscionable that so much money is going to new venues when there are so many people in need of social support. Not to mention the use of the planet's finite resources. Cathy
ReplyDelete